The Relief Society

The women of Nauvoo serve the Lord

Margaret Cook and Sarah Kimball talking about the new temple being built in Nauvoo.

Margaret Cook lived in Nauvoo. She worked for Sarah Kimball, helping her with sewing. As she worked, they liked to talk about the new temple being built in Nauvoo. They were excited for the temple.

Saints, 1:447

Margaret noticing that the temple workers are wearing old clothing.

One day, Margaret noticed that many of the men building the temple had clothing that was old and worn out. She wondered if she and Sarah could work together to sew new shirts for the men. Sarah liked the idea. She and Margaret talked to other women about forming a group to help the workers.

Saints, 1:447–48

Joseph Smith meeting with Margaret, Sarah, and others to form the Relief Society of the Church.

The Prophet Joseph said the Lord was happy with their idea, and He had something even better for them. Joseph invited the women to meet with him on March 17, 1842. Using priesthood authority, he organized the women of the Church. They decided to call their group the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.

Saints, 1:448, 450–51

Joseph asked the Relief Society to help people get ready for the blessings of the temple and eternal life. They should be examples of following Jesus.

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Members of the Relief Society bringing food to a family in need.

Joseph also said the Relief Society should find people who were poor and help them. Even women who were poor wanted to help people in need.

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The Relief Society was organized. Emma Smith was called to be the president. She called two counselors, Sarah Cleveland and Ann Whitney. She also called a secretary, Eliza R. Snow.

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Emma teaching women in the Relief Society.

The Lord helped Emma fulfill her calling. Emma taught the women that they could do great things in the service of the Lord. She wanted each of them to look for ways to do good. Most important, she told them, was to love other people the way Jesus did.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:3, 7; Saints, 1:451

A montage illustration depicting how women in the Church have helped people around the world.

Many women in Nauvoo joined the Relief Society. They helped people prepare for the blessings of the temple and helped many families who were in need in Nauvoo. Since then, women all over the world have joined the Relief Society. They continue to serve people and help them receive temple blessings.

Saints, 1:451