President's Message Honoring the Past, Fulfilling the Present, and Looking to the Future April 2003 Open House Coleen K. Menlove INTRODUCTION I am grateful for this opportunity to share my feelings of appreciation for each of you. As this presidency visits with you, whether along the Wasatch Front or in other places we are assigned, you bring us a “brightness of hope.” We feel your love for the children. You are a mighty force for truth and righteousness as you share your love of the gospel of Jesus Christ with Heavenly Father’s children. This is an exciting year to be serving in Primary! We are honoring the past as we celebrate 125 years of Primary. We are fulfilling the present as we help children understand what it means to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are looking to the future as we help prepare children to reach their eternal potential. These are wonderful opportunities for Primary leaders! HONORING THE PAST Early Beginnings As we celebrate the beginning of Primary, we remember the dedicated sisters of faith, vision, and testimony who preceded us. Elder Perry reminds us, “When we honor them and their many sacrifices, we preserve their achievements and the principles and values for which they stood.”1 Aurelia Spencer Rogers, a 44-year-old mother of 12, felt strongly that something should be done about the behavior of the neighborhood boys who ran freely through the town day and night. She wrote, “I had reflected seriously upon the necessity of more strict discipline for our little boys.” Soon after, Sister Rogers expressed her concerns to Eliza R. Snow, the presiding officer of the Relief Society. Sister Rogers asked, “What will our girls do for good husbands, if this state of things continues? . . . Could there not be an organization for little boys, and have them trained to make better men?”2 Sister Snow talked with President John Taylor, and approval was given for such an organization. But it was to include both boys and girls. It was named Primary. Sister Rogers was called as the first Primary president over the Farmington Ward Primary. She and her counselors personally visited every home and recorded the names and ages of each child. The first Primary was held in the Farmington Rock Chapel on Sunday, August 25, 1878, with 215 children attending.3 It was organized under the direction of Bishop John W. Hess, who “explained to the women of Farmington, [that they had] the responsibility to extend their mothering role outside the home into the Church community.”4 Priesthood leadership has guided and assisted the leaders of Primary from the beginning. Sister Rogers wrote, “While thinking over what was to be done for the best good of the children, I seemed to be carried away in the spirit, or at least I experienced a feeling of untold happiness which lasted three days and nights. During that time nothing could worry or irritate me; . . . This was a testimony to me that what was being done was from God.” 5 Sister Rogers counseled all who served in Primary to love the children, learn the doctrine, and prepare to teach. Fourteen years after the first Primary, an evening of tribute was held for Sister Rogers. A former Primary child, who had attended the first Primary, spoke of the impact of Primary on the lives of its first members, “As children, we were proud to have our own little meetings, for even then did we know that the interesting stories and encouraging words of Sister Rogers and her co-laborers made it easier for us to be obedient, to resist temptation, control our tempers, and keep the Sabbath day holy. . . . Much of our happiness and prosperity, and ambition to become good and useful, is due to the valuable instructions and encouragement received in the Primary Association.”6 The first Primary general president of the Church, Louie Bouton Felt, served as president for 45 years. Sister Felt hesitated accepting her call because she felt unqualified and unprepared for such a large responsibility. Even though she had no children of her own, she loved the children and wanted what was best for them. During her lengthy administration she saw that the medical needs of children were great and with the approval of President Joseph F. Smith began the first hospital for children. For many years the Primary presidency and their boards were responsible for administering the Primary Children’s Hospital. As the Church grew, Sister Felt could see the need to communicate with stake and ward Primary leaders. With the approval of the priesthood, her presidency started the publication called the Children’s Friend. Recent Primary History Recently the Primary general presidency and board members had the privilege of visiting with four past Primary general presidents. Their experiences and counsel have been a great blessing to us. Sister Naomi M. Shumway was the sixth Primary general president. As with prior general presidents, Sister Shumway’s concern for children was basic in everything that was prepared. Her theme was to “catch the vision of Primary,” and she measured any changes “against the standard of spiritually strengthening every child.” As the Church grew, Sister Shumway’s administration worked to develop Primary materials that would meet the needs of a worldwide Church. During this transition, fewer materials were developed for stake and ward Primary leaders, encouraging them to become more reliant on the Spirit as they followed general guidelines.7 Sister Shumway still radiates a loving, faithful, and sweet spirit. Sister Dwan J. Young, seventh Primary general president, spoke enthusiastically to the Primary board about her years of service. Soon after she was called, she experienced overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. While in the temple, the Spirit filled her with peace and testified to her that she was not alone in doing the work of the Lord. Within months of her call, the Sunday block program was implemented. Sister Young shared how unprepared Primary leaders felt with 40 extra minutes during the Sunday block schedule, but as with all changes, the Lord had prepared the way. Materials developed years before were in the Primary office files and were utilized and sent out to assist Primary leaders. Sister Young felt that some of the most rewarding experiences she had were visiting Primaries all over the world and seeing the beautiful children. Sister Young said that as she served she became more reliant upon the Lord than ever before. She studied the scriptures diligently to stay in tune and be worthy to receive the inspiration and guidance she needed.8 Sister Young counsels, “Before we can teach our children, we must understand and live the principles ourselves. It is vital that [children] learn from our example that what we say and what we live are the same.”9 The eighth Primary general president was Michaelene P. Grassli. The goal of her presidency was to heighten awareness of the needs of children in the Church. She wanted parents as well as Primary and priesthood leaders to provide an environment where children could experience the safe, happy, and peaceful feelings brought by the gospel of Jesus Christ. The First Presidency presided over the satellite broadcast for parents and Primary leaders, “Behold Your Little Ones,” that focused on valuing and teaching children. Along with the broadcast, the video Teach the Child was presented. During her administration, the Children’s Songbook was introduced, the My Achievement Days booklet was prepared, and plans were started for lesson manuals to be based on the scriptures and coordinated with the yearly gospel doctrine study.10 Sister Grassli counsels, “When children are taught of the Lord we bestow on them a gift, a legacy of peace that can lead them to eternal life. We must not fail them.” Sister Patricia P. Pinegar, the ninth Primary general president, recalled that as she listened to President Gordon B. Hinckley speak of the sorrowful condition of many children, she pondered how she could help those suffering. While studying Isaiah 11:9, she read that all will be blessed if the world has knowledge of the Lord. In 2 Nephi 25:26 we are instructed to talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, and prophesy of Christ. She felt strongly that this should be her focus—a Christ-centered Primary. Every child should be lifted by the love of Christ. Sister Patricia P. Pinegar has placed her trust in the Lord throughout her life. The source of light in her life is the Savior, Jesus Christ.11 Each of your stakes and wards also has a history of faithful women who have served in Primary and blessed the lives of children by loving and teaching them. As I have learned a little about those in my own stake, it has strengthened my testimony that the Lord called women of great faith and commitment to raise up the mighty generation of today. Recently a member of my stake shared with me an album containing some of the history of my stake’s Primary. This album is a testimony of the dedication of those who have served. Sister Clara W. McMaster, who was a member of the Primary general board, lived in this stake. She wrote six songs in the Children’s Songbook, including one of my favorites, “Teach Me to Walk in the Light.” Sister LaVern Parmley was also a member of my stake while serving as the fifth Primary general president. Some of those who were children during the 50-year history of my stake have stayed in the area and are now serving in ward and stake leadership positions. Others are strengthening the Church in various parts of the world, but more importantly, they are rearing righteous children. You may wish to do a little research about the history of Primary in your stake and ward. The Museum of Church History and Art has prepared a display that spans 125 years of Primary. Not only can you learn more about the beginnings of Primary, but those who attended Primary as a child will find familiar items, such as bandelos or badges. You can renew your memories of Primary and those who loved and taught you. Faithful Servants of the Lord As we become acquainted with past Primary leadership, we notice common qualities of these remarkable women. They all loved the Lord and had strong, enduring testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They studied the scriptures and relied on the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost in their responsibilities. They all loved the children and desired to share the gospel with them so that children might also gain strong, enduring testimonies. They honored and followed priesthood guidance. As leaders today, we can strive to obtain these qualities as we serve the Lord. The legacy of past Primary leaders encourages us to join with them in the great vision of Primary and our own personal preparation to serve. We, too, can be prepared spiritually to teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our testimonies need to be strong and enduring, and we need to be worthy to receive inspiration to fulfill our callings and responsibilities. We need to read the words of the Lord with our children and discuss the scriptures so they recognize His voice. We need to keep our covenants and pray continually. President Gordon B. Hinckley counsels, “You need more than your own wisdom in rearing [your children]. You need the help of the Lord. Pray for that help and follow the inspiration which you receive.”12 FULFILLING THE PRESENT The influences of the adversary are everywhere. Children are bombarded frequently with unrighteous music, TV programs, schoolyard language, and other challenges. Our Primary children need to understand what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They need to understand the power and blessings a testimony of the principles and ordinances of the gospel brings to their lives. We assist parents in helping children develop their testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Children also need opportunities to bear testimony in their homes during family home evening and at other times. In Primary they have many opportunities to share their feelings about what they are learning. During the broadcast for children, Sister Sydney Reynolds, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, shared her testimony using the fingers of her hand. (1) I know that God is our Father in Heaven and that He loves us. (2) Jesus Christ is His Son, our Savior and Redeemer. (3) Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. He translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. (4) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth today and (5) the living prophet is President Gordon B. Hinckley.13 Our hand raised to the square can remind us that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we sustain and follow the prophet. Sharing Time with President Gordon B. Hinckley Children need the strength that comes from opportunities to hear and follow the living prophet. President Hinckley has taken great care to teach the children. In July of 2002 he taught, through the video Sharing Time with President Gordon B. Hinckley, the importance of tithing, temple ordinances and eternal families, and faithful activity in the Church, which is as “constant as the North Star.” Segments, or the entire video, can be used in many settings. As you view this video, also look for effective methods that President Hinckley used to teach children. Special Satellite Broadcast for Children As this 125th year of Primary began, we were blessed to have President Hinckley speak to the children, their parents, and leaders at a special satellite broadcast for children on February 8, 2003. We have received wonderful reports about the broadcast for children, and how this experience blessed the lives of so many. Several said the children in stake centers enjoyed singing along with the children’s choir. In one stake some children from less-active families were invited to be greeters and bring their parents. They came! As one teacher arrived at the stake center, she noticed some of the children from her class were not there. She called them and they arrived just in time. A father and mother were seen holding the hands of their daughter who was between them as they stood to sing the rest song. One stake invited each ward to prepare a display of something the children had done to follow the Savior. The wards planned activity days and sharing times around this theme and then displayed in the cultural hall what the children had done. Following the broadcast, everyone enjoyed refreshments and viewed the displays. A Primary leader attending the broadcast in the Conference Center said she noticed that the children moved forward in their seats when President Hinckley began to speak. A father said, “The boys were not too excited about having to dress up and go to a meeting on Saturday. . . . The boys have always been really good at saying their nightly prayers. . . . However, [since] the broadcast, they have said morning and evening prayers without being asked. Also, their prayers have been much more heartfelt and sincere. Yes, they hear the prophet and their lives have been blessed.” Another parent said, “ . . . I am hoping the broadcast is reprinted in the next Ensign. I especially want to reread President Hinckley’s talk and do a family home evening lesson on what he taught about prayer.” A mother wrote to us and expressed gratitude for the broadcast and the wonderful experience she and her children had listening to the prophet. She shared that the next morning they attended Church together, and all through sacrament meeting her daughter kept asking her if she was spelling certain words correctly. Soon after returning home her daughter handed her one of the most beautiful testimonies she had ever read or heard, especially from an eight year old. She writes that “with tears streaming down her cheek,” she asked her daughter what made her want to write her testimony. Her daughter responded, “I just felt the Spirit so strong, ever since the broadcast.” She enclosed her daughter’s testimony, which I would like to share with you. My Testimony I know who I am. I am a child of God. I know where I belong. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who my Father is. Heavenly Father. I am very glad I was baptized. I know that I will never be away from my family because we are sealed together forever. I know how loved I am by my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I am so glad that I am able to come to church. I love learning about the Lord. I will try as hard as I can to choose the right. I am glad we have prayer to talk to our Heavenly Father and Brother. I know this Church is true. I love my family very much; they are the best. I also love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ very much. I hope I will get married in the temple and have great kids. I love the gospel very much. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. We received a letter from a father in Manchester, England, who was a convert to the Church at the age of nine in 1977. His parents never joined the Church. He remembers being in a stake Primary choir that celebrated the 100th anniversary of Primary and sang, “I Am a Child of God.” This father now has an eight-year-old son named Oliver. Because Oliver has autism, he is taught in Primary on a one-to-one basis with his teacher. His father writes, “He knows the Spirit, and when he is calm, the veil can be very thin for him, which is a great comfort to us. . . . Oliver sat and listened to everything that was said for the whole hour, especially to President Hinckley, and has mentioned his talk a few times since then.” 125th Celebration The special satellite broadcast for children was just the beginning of celebrating 125 years of Primary and the children. You may already be planning how you will help children continue to commemorate Primary’s birthday. We hope you will take the opportunity to include the 2003 theme for sharing time, “I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” and the broadcast theme, “I’ll Follow Him in Faith,” in your plans to celebrate with the children. We want children to know they are part of nearly one million children in over 26,000 Primaries throughout the world. We want them to feel connected to the worldwide Church. We also want them to think about how they can help strengthen their own families and neighborhoods. As you plan a meaningful experience, don’t forget to add the FUN. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE What will the future bring? The future of the Church is in the hands of our children. Children need to be fortified and secure in their understanding and testimony of the gospel. Because of you, children will be given opportunities to pray, give talks, study scriptures, sing Primary songs, and participate in engaging sharing times and class lessons. The purpose of Primary will continue to be to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them learn to live it with joy. Children will feel peace as they learn of the Lord through loving and prepared teachers. Children are growing older younger, and they will need to be able to make good decisions at an earlier age. They will need activities that give them opportunities to gather, have fun, and build friendships while they experiment upon the word of God and practice gospel habits. All this has been happening during the week in Achievement Days, Scouting, and quarterly activities. These activity days are important for children and are seen as important by parents. A Church survey of parents shows that over 90% feel that activity days build spiritual strength, strengthen relationships, and are enjoyable for their children. Activities are one of Primary’s most successful tools for conversion, activation, and retention. Neighborhood children and less-active children often come, feel the Spirit, and enjoy the friendships. In addition, activities provide experiences that help boys prepare for the Aaronic Priesthood and girls become righteous young women. This helps children make the transition into youth programs and their future roles. Faith in God Guidebooks Our priesthood leaders have given us permission to share with you a change that will add greater focus to Primary activities, and help children ages 8 through 11 develop testimonies of faith in Jesus Christ. We are introducing the Faith in God guidebooks for boys and girls, ages 8 through 11—one for boys and one for girls. Girls of this age will now attend what will be called activity days rather than Achievement Days. The Faith in God guidebook for girls will replace the My Achievement Days booklet. Boys, ages 8 through 11, will continue to attend Scouting where it is part of the Church program, however, each boy will also have a Faith in God guidebook and will complete activities from the guidebook. The Cub Scout Faith in God religious award card and emblem, and the Priesthood Preview Guidelines for Priesthood and Primary Leaders, along with the My Achievement Days booklet and the Gospel in Action card and jewelry will no longer be used. Faith in God guidebooks include and promote the gospel principles that were previously part of Gospel in Action. Even though the term “activity days” now refers to all midweek activities for boys and girls ages 8 through 11, “quarterly activities” still refers to activities held for Primary children ages 3 through 11. Primary activities are designed to provide boys and girls ages 8 through 11 with opportunities to work on activities in the Faith in God guidebooks. Activity days for girls are usually held twice a month. Where Scouting is part of the Church program in the United States and Canada, Cub Scouts and 11-year-old Scouts still meeting weekly, in a home or at the meetinghouse. Faith in God is reduced and simplified. Everything is in the guidebooks, including a certificate that recognizes each child’s accomplishments. By eliminating materials and awards, time and money are saved and distribution efforts are simplified. Faith in God is easy to implement. Faith in God is focused on gospel principles. The Faith in God guidebooks focus on learning about and following the Savior, keeping baptismal covenants, living gospel principles, and developing an enduring testimony of the gospel. Let’s look at some of the ways this is done. The cover has a beautiful picture of the Savior with children and the scripture “That they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Each section begins with a foundation scripture. The inside front cover has a place for the child’s picture and a statement we want every child to understand: “I am a child of God. I know Heavenly Father loves me, and I love Him. I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere. I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ.” Included is a letter of love, encouragement, and counsel from the First Presidency. The guidebooks contain a child-friendly statement reviewing the covenant each child made when he or she was baptized. The basic requirements include praying daily, reading the scriptures regularly, keeping the commandments, and living “My Gospel Standards.” The children are also encouraged to honor their parents and be kind to family members, to pay tithing, and to attend Primary and sacrament meeting. Other requirements in the guidebooks include having each child write his or her testimony and memorize the Articles of Faith. Children complete two activities each year in each of the following three areas: Learning and Living the Gospel, Serving Others, and Developing Talents. In addition, 11-year-old boys complete activities to help prepare them to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Eleven-year-old girls have activities that help them become righteous young women. Faith in God is flexible. Activity days are a time to work on Faith in God. As in the past, they are usually held twice each month. Surveys show that parents feel that this is about right. Where it is difficult to gather, the children may work on Faith in God individually or with their families. There are suggested activities, but children may also plan their own activities in the three areas that will help them learn and live the gospel, serve others, and develop talents. Faith in God harmonizes with Scouting. In the United States and Canada, boys who participate in Cub Scouts can earn the Scout Religious Square Knot patch by completing activities in the guidebook that are marked with the square knot symbol. These activities will meet Cub Scout or 11-year-old requirements, but most importantly, they help prepare boys to receive the Aaronic priesthood and assist in their preparation to serve a mission. The guidebooks contain all the information parents and leaders need to implement Faith in God. There is also a page for the child to track his or her progress. On the last page is the Faith in God award, which includes a place for signatures of the Primary president and bishop or branch president. The award is simple and uniform throughout the Church and is in the guidebook. The children will learn that the joy of living the gospel is the most important reward. The Faith in God guidebooks should be available for full implementation as of July of this year. Please do not go to the distribution centers looking for them. Your stake and ward priesthood leaders will receive sample Faith in God guidebooks and the necessary forms to order them. Children in English-speaking areas start Faith in God in July 2003. The My Achievement Days booklet, Gospel in Action card, Cub Scout Faith in God religious award card, and Priesthood Preview Guidelines for Priesthood and Primary Leaders information page will no longer be available. The Gospel in Action jewelry and Cub Scout Faith in God religious award emblem will be available only while supplies last. Children who already have the old materials and want to finish a program may do so until December 31, 2003. Many of the achievements and goals that children have already completed in the My Achievement Days booklet, Gospel in Action, and the Faith in God Cub Scout religious award transfers to the new Faith in God guidebooks. These guidebooks will become treasures for the children as activities, progress, and testimonies are recorded. Children will develop and strengthen their testimonies as they experiment upon the word. They will learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to live it with joy. Recognizing and Nurturing the Potential of Each Child The future of the Church depends upon children who have faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. These new Faith in God guidebooks can be tools for parents and Primary leaders to help children increase their understanding and desire to live the gospel. Elder M. Russell Ballard counsels us, “Our children do not grow to full physical stature suddenly. In like manner, their spiritual growth takes place over time. This development might be compared to erecting a block building. The walls are formed block by block with a strong mortar holding each block to the others. We could give these building blocks names, such as bedtime stories, listening to a child pray, . . . reading from the scriptures together, serving others, and saying I love you. . . . Other blocks could be . . . singing together, . . .attending Primary, and honoring the Sabbath day. Even larger blocks are family home evening, respecting and honoring the priesthood, and family prayer.”14 As parents and Primary leaders, we can add to the building blocks of our children’s faith and testimony by teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can have love abide in our homes and Primaries, and we can teach with the Spirit. CONCLUSION As we celebrate 125 years of Primary, we can remember the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley, “How glorious is the past of this great cause. It is filled with heroism, courage, boldness, and faith. How wondrous is the present as we move forward to bless the lives of people wherever they will hearken to the message of the servants of the Lord. How magnificent will be the future as the Almighty rolls on His glorious work touching for good all who will accept and live His gospel. . . . I invite every one of you, wherever you may be as members of this church, to stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward, living the gospel, loving the Lord, and building the kingdom.”15 As we remember and honor the past, fulfill the needs of the present, and look to the future, we contribute our part to building the kingdom of God here on Earth. We help parents prepare the next generation to make and keep covenants and receive the promises of our loving Heavenly Father. We add to the history of Primary, but more importantly we help children and families to come unto Christ. REFERENCES 1. L. Tom Perry, “A Meaningful Celebration,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 73. 2. Life Sketches of Orson Spencer and Others, and History of Primary Work, [1898], 205, 208. 3. See Life Sketches, 213–14. 4. Carol Cornwall Madsen and Susan Staker Oman, Sisters and Little Saints: One Hundred Years of Primary, [1979], 10. 5. Life Sketches, 212. 6. Quoted in Sisters and Little Saints, 8. 7. See Janet Peterson and LaRene Gaunt, The Children’s Friends: Primary Presidents and Their Lives of Service, [1996], 113–15. 8. See The Children’s Friends, 130–33. 9. “Prepare to Teach His Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, 86. 10. See The Children’s Friends, 157–59. 11. See The Children’s Friends, 181–84. 12. “The Fabric of Faith and Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 89. 13. Sydney S. Reynolds, from the special satellite broadcast for children, Feb. 8, 2003. 14. Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Teach the Children,” Ensign, May 1991, 80. 15. President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stay the Course—Keep the Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 72.