THE FEMA&E RELJEF SOCIETYw

A BRIEF SKETCU O HB ORG VNIZITKXS AND WORKINGS IN THE CITY OF NAUVOO.HANCOCK CO. ILLS.

BY ELIZA R. SNOW

RfpriuteJ from No. 1 of tie EXPOXZM

According to authentic testimony an organization of which the present FemaleRelief Society is a fac-simile has always existed when the Church of Jesus Christ hasbeen fully organized Elect lady as itoccurs in the New Testament has directreference to the same alluding to one whopresided over this Institution. See 2dEpistle of John 1st verse.1

The first organization of this Society inthe present dispensation was effected onthe 17th of March 1842 by Joseph SmithPresident of the Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints assisted by other prominent Elders. His apology for deferring theorganization till that period was the greatpressure of duties labors and responsibilities which devolved upon him. By hissuggestion a meeting was appointed inthe Masonic Hall and a limited number invited.

perhaps a few extracts from the Minutesof the Organization would be interesting

they are too lengthy for insertion in full"NAuvoo LODGE ROOM

March 17 1812.

Elder John Taylor was"called to the chairand Elder Willard Richards appointed secrotary

Meeting commenced by singing 'Thespirit of God like a fire is burning etcPrayer by Elder Taylor

When it was moved by Pres. Smith andseconded by Mrs Cleveland that a vote betaken to know if all are satisfiedM ith eachfemale present and are willing to acknowledge them in full fellowship and admitthem to the privileges of the Institutionabout to be formed. Vote unanimous.

President Smith addressed the meetingto illustrate the objects of the Society thatthe Society of sisters might provoke thebrethren to good works in looking to thewants of the poor searching after objectsof charity etc. to assist by correcting themorals and strengthening the virtues of thefemale community and save the Eldersthe trouble of rebuking etc. He proposedthat the sisters elect a presiding officer topreside over them and let that presidingofficer choose two counsellors that he wouldordain them and let them preside over theSociety just as the Presidency preside overthe Church and if they need his instruction ask hini Jie will give it from time totime.

Let this Presidency serve as a Constitution. If any officers are wanted to carryout the designs of the Institution let thembe appointed and set apart as DeaconsTeachers etc. are among us.

The minutes of your meetings will beprecedents for you to act upon

He then suggested the propriety of electing a Presidency to continue in office during good behavior or so long as they shallfill the office with dignity etc.

Motioned by Mrs Whitney and secondedby Mrs Packard that Mrs Emma Smithbe chosen President passed unanimously

On suggestion of Prest. Smith the Presi-deiitess Elect made choice of Mrs SarahM. Cleveland and Mrs Elizabeth AnnWhitney for Counsellors.

After which the ceremony of ordinationwas performed When Prest. Smith re

sumed his remarks giving instruction hpwto govern themselves in their meetingswhat order to observe how to-regulate'dis-ussions etc. etc. and concluded by saying

'Do not injure the character of any one ifmembers o'f the Society shall conduct improperly deal with them and keep all yourdoings within your own bosoms and holdall characters sacred.

It was then proposed that Elder Taylorvacate the chair. Prest. Emma Smith andher counsellors took the chair and

Elder Taylor moved seconded by Prest.J Smith that we go into an investigationrespecting what this Society shall be calledwhich was carried unanimously

The discussion which was lengthy andinteresting is wholly omitted.

"By unanimous vote Miss Eliza It. Snowwas appointed Secretary and

Miss Phebe M. Wheeler Assistant Secretary and

Miss Elvira A. Coles the late MrsHolmes Treasurer.

Prest. J. Smith said 'I now declare thisSociety organized with President and Counsellors etc. according to Parliamentaryusages and all who hall hereafter be admitted into this Society must be free fromcensure and received by vote

Elder Taylor addressed the meeting bysaying that he is much gratified in seeing ameeting of this kind in Nauvoo his heartrejoices when ho sees the most distinguished characters stepping forth in a qausewhich is calculated to bring into exerciseevery virtue and give scope to the benevolent feelings of the female heart he rejoices to see this Institution organized according to the law of Heaven his prayeris that the blessings of God and the peaceof Heaven may rest down on this Institution henceforth

After singing Come let us rejoice etc.the meeting adjourned for one week Dismissed by prayer

Before retiring each gentleman presentgave a liberal donation to commence thefunds of the Institution

The following lines were found writtenon a scrap and lying on an open Bible in theroom where and at the time when the Society was organized which have been carefully preserved and transcribed as an appropriate frontis-piece to the F. R. S. Book ofRecords

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