Naomi Maxfield Shumway

Primary President - 1974–1980

The themes of Sister Shumway's administration were "catch the vision of Primary" and "Primary is to train, not entertain." She set a high standard of strengthening the spiritual foundation of every child. Reverence and teacher training received renewed emphasis. The worldwide Church was also now a reality and every program, every decision, had to be considered not only by how it would affect the core of the Church, but also the newest branches in far corners of the world. Primary was greatly simplified during these years. These were also years of celebration. In 1978 the Primary celebrated its 100th birhday with a grand parade in Salt Lake City and smaller celebrations throughout the world.