NEW! A History of Relief Society

In the general Relief Society meeting on September 25, 2010, Sister Julie B. Beck taught, “Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” She announced that a history of Relief Society will be published in 2011.

An exact date has not been determined for the release of this history. In the meantime, updates and additional information will be available on the Relief Society site of LDS.org and on the visiting teaching message page of the Liahona and Ensign, where you will find excerpts from the history of Relief Society.

Sister Beck said, “As we move the Lord’s work forward, the history of Relief Society will continue to be written by faithful sisters throughout the world.” For this reason, the Relief Society general presidency encourages you to record what is happening in your life. Though you might not feel that you are making history, sisters around the world can learn from you and your personal experiences. Consider recording:

• Visiting teaching experiences.
• How faith and personal righteousness is being increased.
• How homes and families are being strengthened.
• How the poor and needy are being sought out and blessed.

In your continuing efforts to fulfill the purposes of Relief Society, remember the following statement by Sister Beck: “Ultimately, the value of history is not so much in its dates, times, and places. It is valuable as it teaches us the principles, purposes, and patterns we are to follow, and it helps us to know who we are, what we are to do, and unites us in strengthening the homes of Zion and building the kingdom of God on the earth.”

Video	Watch
Training Video: Relief Society History: Sister Thompson teaches why Relief Society history is important.

As sisters in Relief Society today, we have a rich and faithful heritage. More than 165 years have passed since the Prophet Joseph Smith met with a small group in Nauvoo, Illinois, to organize the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We now number over five and a half million Relief Society sisters in 170 countries across the earth. Like those who preceded us, we stand today united in faith, steadfast in following the living prophet, and committed to building the kingdom of God. Those founding sisters came from different circumstances—three of them were in their late teens, some were raising families, and others were single. Then and now, as women of all ages, marital statuses, and cultures, we consecrate ourselves to the cause of Christ through our service. Boyd K. Packer, “The Relief Society,” Ensign, May 1998, 72–74. Boyd K. Packer, “The Circle of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 109–111. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Relief Society and the Church,” Ensign, May 1992, 34–37. “The Founding of Relief Society,” Ensign, Mar 1992, 57. Heidi S. Swinton and LaRene Gaunt, “The Relief Society Building: A Symbol of Service and Sacrifice,” Ensign, Sept. 2006, 54–57. Note: All of the files may be viewed or played directly in your browser by double-clicking on the icon. If you wish to download the file to your computer, right-click on the icon and save the file to your computer. If you would like to download the applications that will enable you to use this content, click here. is video content for Windows Media Player version 9 or newer. is QuickTime video content in MP4 format. Video Watch "Live Up to Your Privileges"