Dedicatory Prayer of the Relief Society Building

Given by President David O. McKay in the Relief Society Building, Salt Lake City, October 3, 1956

Our Heavenly and Eternal Father, the Giver of all Good, the Bestower of all Blessings, “Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

We are grateful that thou hast revealed Thyself again to the children of men in this age of the world; that to the Prophet Joseph Smith thou didst appear as a Personal Being, and authoritatively introduced Jesus The Christ, saying “This is my Beloved Son, Hear Him.” For this, one of the greatest Revelations of all Time, in behalf of thy sincere children everywhere, we express deep gratitude.

We are grateful that through the bestowal of the Holy Priesthood, Thou didst authorize men to represent Thee on earth; that by that divine authority the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized as when Christ was on the earth with Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc., “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

More potent for the good and happiness of the Church members than we realize are the Priesthood Quorums for the men, and the Auxiliary organizations for the women. These Thou hast placed in the Church for mutual service. In serving one another, we serve our Lord and Savior, who himself hath said: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

On this memorable occasion, we praise thy name for the organization of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the thousands of loyal, faithful, beautiful women who compose its membership. Their devotion to duty is never-ending; their loyalty to Thee and to Thy Priesthood unquestioned; their administrations to the sick and to the needy, untiring; their sympathetic, gentle services give hope to the dying, comfort and faith to the bereaved.

O Father, bless these, thy choice, beloved Handmaidens! We ask especially for thy divine guidance to continue to attend President Belle S. Spafford in her great responsibilities, not only in the Church but in the Nation. Likewise bless her able, efficient Counselors, Sister Marianne C. Sharp, and Sister Velma N. Simonsen, and each and every Board Member, and their successors throughout the coming years.

Bless also the Stake and Ward Presidents of Relief Societies throughout the Church, including those in the Missions and Branches. We thank Thee for their faith and service. Wilt thou sustain them while they continue in their work of administering to the sick and to the afflicted and in bringing light and wisdom to the women of the Church.

To make more effective their service to the needy and suffering to those in the Church and in the World, the Relief Society has erected with the aid of the Church membership this beautiful Relief Society home in which the Presidency and members of the General Board may function more effectively in instructing, guiding, and rendering helpful aid to the Stakes, Wards, and Missionary Branches wherever organized.

To aid in the erection of this edifice, in its utility and beauty, contributions have come from individuals and groups in Nations throughout the world wherever the Church is organized. For their generosity, self-sacrifice and love of a glorious Cause, O Lord, bless the givers fourfold.

And now, representing them, and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood, we dedicate this building of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unto Thee, Holy Father, and set it apart to be used for the purposes for which it has been erected. Accept it, O Lord, and hallow it by Thy protecting influence. Shield it from destructive elements, and may it stand undefaced, a solid structure from foundation to roof, until its every purpose shall have been accomplished.

To this end, we dedicate every room; every hallway; every stairway on every floor from basement to garret, with all the furnishings, gifts of art, draperies, and other things supplied for the comfort and need of those who labor within these walls.

We dedicate the plumbing, heating and cooling systems, the electric wiring in its entirety, and all other appurtenances, and pray that the custodians in charge may be ever alert, watchful, and wise.

May the offices occupied b the Presidency and Board Members be hallowed by the sweet influence of the Holy Spirit; likewise, the rooms occupied by the faithful women employed in making Holy garments, or occupied in secretarial duties, or associated in any manner with the Relief Society Magazine.

We dedicate the grounds. May the building and surroundings radiate a hallowed influence even to passersby, as perfume is wafted from sweet-scented flowers.

Help us, O Lord, to overcome our weaknesses; strengthen us wherein we are weak; that we may more ably and effectively discharge the responsibilities that Thou hast placed upon us.

As we dedicate this edifice, we also dedicate our lives to Thy service, and pray for divine assistance in all our efforts to serve Thee by serving Thy children.

This dedication, this expression of our deep gratitude, this re-commitment to Thy service, we humbly render unto Thee this day, in the name of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

¿Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1956, 788–89; italics removedÁ