Something Extraordinary

A Readers Theater Presentation About Relief Society

by Beth Woodbury Hart

(With piano accompaniment, a mixed choir sings “O God,Our Help in Ages Past,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints, #31.)

NARRATORMarch 17, 2009 marked the 167th anniversary of the founding of the Relief Society. Beginning in Nauvoo, Illinois, with 25 members, Relief Society has grown to a worldwide organization with over 5 ½ million women. In this readers theater, you will hear the voices of church leaders and former Relief Society presidents. You will hear many hymns, some chosen by Emma Smith for the first hymnbook and some written by Eliza R. Snow. You will also hear the voices of people who are relatively unknown but no less important—the sisters of Relief Society, with their gentle hearts and nerves of steel.

(A female soloist sings a cappella the first verse of “O My Father,”Hymns, #292.)

NARRATORThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in upstate New York, during a time of spiritual revival known as the Second Great Awakening. Preachers traveled the countryside, conducting revival meetings and calling sinners to repentance. Men gave lectures on philosophy and moral reform; women organized benevolent societies. Though their motives were sincere, too often they became preoccupied with politics and fund-raising.

CHARLES DICKENS The great object of their lives “appeared to be to form themselves into committees for getting in and laying out money. They collected subscriptions with a vehemence quite extraordinary. They were going to raise new buildings, they were going to pay off debts on old buildings. They were going to get up everything from five hundred thousand tracts to a silver teapot. They were the women of England, the Daughters of Britain, the

CHARLES DICKENS (Continued)Females of America, the Ladies of a hundred denominations. They appeared to be always excited about canvassing and electing. It made our heads ache to think what feverish lives they must lead!” --Charles Dickens, Bleak House.

NARRATORThe Latter-day Saint women were equally energetic. But from the earliest days of the

Church, the Lord counseled the sisters to “lay aside the things of this world” and focus on building the kingdom of God. In July 1830, just a few months after the church was organized, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation for his wife. Emma Smith was told she was an elect lady, called to “expound scriptures” and to make a selection of sacred hymns.

JOSEPH SMITH“For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.” --Doctrine and Covenants Section 25, verse 12.

(Accompanied by a solo violin, the mixed choir sings in harmonythe first verse of “Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell On Earth,”Hymns, #65.)

NARRATORThe 1830’s were a time of challenge and struggle for the Latter-day Saints. They suffered from poverty and persecution. Charitable efforts often required great sacrifice. As the first temple was built in Kirtland, Ohio, the women prepared meals and sewed clothes for the workers.

SARAH M. KIMBALLIt was a time when the Saints all considered that what they possessed belonged to the work of the Lord. The women would churn and cheerfully send their butter to the workmen on the Temple, and eat without any on their own tables. They were all hopeful and joyous; I never saw happier days in my life. --Sarah M. Kimball

NARRATORSome women donated their best dishes to the construction. The glassware and china were crushed and mixed with plaster to make the outside walls sparkle in the sunlight. Other women sewed carpets and draperies for the temple interior. One day, as they worked together, Joseph Smith stopped by and commended them.

JOSEPH SMITHThe sisters are always first and foremost in all good works. Mary was the first at the resurrection; and the sisters now are the first to work on the inside of the temple. --Joseph Smith

NARRATORAt the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March 1836, the Saints were rewarded for their years of sacrifice.

ELIZA R. SNOWThe ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a

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sense of divine presence was realized by all . . . And each heart was filled with “joy inexpressible and full of glory.” --Eliza R. Snow

JOSEPH SMITH(Stepping forward and addressing the audience.)

Brothers and sisters, please turn to page two in your hymnbook and join us in singing Brother William Phelps’ new hymn, “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning.”

(Accompanied by piano and solo violin, the mixed choir andaudience sing the first verse of “The Spirit of God,” Hymns, p. 2)

NARRATORThe spirit of rejoicing did not last. Resentment over the cost of the temple, attacks on the Prophet and a national banking crisis led to apostasy and rebellion. The church leaders and other faithful Saints fled to Missouri, where they joined the thriving Mormon community in Far West. The Kirtland Temple was abandoned (later turned into a historical site.) But the women felt their hard work and contributions to the temple had been worthwhile.

NANCY TRACYShall we always enjoy such blessings? No, this is to prepare us that we shall have strength to endure, for we have the opposing element to contend with and shall be made perfect through suffering. --Nancy Tracy.

NARRATORThis time, the “opposing element” consisted of Missouri mobs. Enraged by the Mormons’ growing political power, they drove the Saints from their homes in the middle of winter. After crossing the frozen wilderness of central Missouri, the Saints finally settled in the small town of Commerce, Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River. The Prophet Joseph renamed the town “Nauvoo” and started planning another temple.

(Soloist sings the third verse of “O My Father.”)

NARRATOROnce again, the struggling Saints donated money, time and talents to the House of the Lord. In the spring of 1842, Sarah Kimball came up with a plan to organize the women.

SARAH KIMBALLA maiden lady, Miss Cooke, was seamstress for me, and the subject of combining our efforts for assisting the temple workers came up in conversation. She desired to be helpful, but had no means to do so. I told her I would furnish material if she would make some shirts for the workmen. Our project expanded when it occurred to us that some of our neighbors might want to combine their efforts with ours. We decided to invite a few to come and consult with us on the subject of forming a Ladies’ Society. --Sarah M. Kimball

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NARRATORMeeting in the Kimball’s parlor on March 4, 1842, the women decided to draft a set of rules and elect officers. At Sarah’s request, Eliza R. Snow--who was well known for her poetry--wrote a constitution and bylaws and presented them to the Prophet for his approval. He said the constitution was the best he’d ever seen, but it was not what the women were looking for.

JOSEPH SMITHTell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them than a written constitution. I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood. The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized. --Joseph Smith

NARRATOROn March 17, 1842, eighteen women met in the upstairs room of Joseph Smith’s red brick store. After some instruction from the Prophet, Emma Smith was nominated and elected as president of the new organization. She chose two counselors, a treasurer and Eliza R. Snow as secretary. Elder John Taylor set apart the counselors and gave Emma a blessing, confirming upon her the calling and blessings she had previously received in the 1830 revelation. The sisters then discussed a name for their group.

ELIZA R. SNOWIn regard to the word Benevolent, many societies with which it has been associated are corrupt. The popular institutions of the day should not be our guide. As daughters of Zion, we should set an example for all the world. But the word Relief is associated with some great calamity--some extraordinary occasion. --Eliza R. Snow.

EMMA SMITHWe are going to do something extraordinary. When a boat is stuck on the rapids, with a multitude of Mormons on board, we shall consider that a loud call for relief. We expectextraordinary occasions and pressing calls. Each member should be ambitious to do good. --Emma Smith

NARRATORThe matter was put to a vote, and the women unanimously chose “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” as the name for their organization. Joseph Smith and John Taylor immediately donated funds to the society.

JOHN TAYLORMy heart rejoices when I see the most distinguished characters stepping forth in such a cause, which is calculated to bring into exercise every virtue and give scope to the benevolent feelings of the female heart. I rejoice to see this institution organized according to the law of heaven. --John Taylor

(With piano accompaniment, the women’s chorus sings the

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first verse of “Now, Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, #3.)

NARRATORExcitement about this new “ladies society” spread throughout Nauvoo and the surrounding towns. In addition to the eighteen attending the first meeting, seven more women signed up. Every week the sisterhood acquired new members. At their second meeting, they were addressed by the Prophet’s mother.

LUCY MACK SMITHThis institution is a good one. We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.--Lucy Mack Smith

NARRATORIn addition to collecting donations, the Relief Society sisters distributed food, nursed the sick, knitted and sewed and found employment for the needy. One woman who received help was Ellen Douglas, an English immigrant who became ill after her husband died.

ELLEN DOUGLASWe went to one of the sisters and she asked me what I needed most. I told her that I needed many things. While I was sick my children wore out their clothes because I could not mend them, so she said she would do the best she could for me. She came over in a few days and they brought the wagon and fetched me such a present as I never received before from no place in the world. --Ellen Douglas

NARRATORThe Prophet attended Relief Society meetings several times and gave the sisters instruction. He said they were not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls, to practice holiness and to walk in the paths of virtue.

JOSEPH SMITHIf you live up to these principles, how great and glorious will be your reward in the celestial kingdom! If you live up to your principles, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. You will receive instruction through the order of the Priesthood which God has established. . . . and I now turn the key in your behalf in the name of the Lord, and this Society shall rejoice, and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time henceforth. --Joseph Smith

(The solo violin plays “God is Love,” Hymns, #87, continuing under the following narration and quote.)

NARRATORAs the first Relief Society president, the Prophet’s wife set an example of compassion and good works.

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EMMELINE B. WELLSSister Emma was benevolent and hospitable; she drew around her a large circle of friends. She was motherly in nature to young people, always had a houseful to entertain or be entertained. Emma was a great solace to her husband in all his persecutions, always ready to encourage and comfort him. She was queen in her home, so to speak, and beloved by the people, who were many of them indebted to her for favors and kindnesses. --Emmeline B. Wells

NARRATORBy July 1843, the original group of 25 women had grown to a thriving organization of 1,179 members. At that time, they started dividing into ward Relief Societies. Committees visited homes to assess needs and collect contributions. And the sisters continued to work on the temple, sewing the veils and bringing pictures for the walls. Through faith and hard work, the Saints transformed Nauvoo into a city of fine homes and beautiful gardens.

(Accompanied by the violin, the women’s chorus sings thefirst verse of “God is Love.”)

NARRATOR But, once again, anti-Mormons and apostates started attacking the Prophet. In June 1844, Joseph Smith was arrested on trumped-up charges and taken to Carthage Jail, accompanied by his brother Hyrum and a few friends. The jail was attacked by a mob and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were shot to death. Bathsheba Smith, who later became the third general Relief Society president, related the sad news to her husband, George, the Prophet’s cousin.

BATHSHEBA SMITHWe have had strange times since you left. You will no doubt hear, before this reaches you, of the death of our beloved brethren Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They were killed at Carthage on the 27th of June and on the 28th they were brought home and such a day of mourning never was seen. It pains me to write such a painful tale, but the Lord has comforted our hearts in a measure. . . .

(The soloist sings the fourth verse of “O My Father.”)

NARRATORBrigham Young, as president of the Twelve Apostles, assumed leadership of the Church. As harassment and persecution continued, he told the members to prepare to move West. In addition to gathering supplies and building wagons, the Saints worked eagerly to complete the Nauvoo Temple. The capstone was laid in May 1845.

MARTHA THOMASWe esteemed it a privilege to work on the House of God until it was finished. We were then called to the house to receive the blessings the Lord has in store for the faithful. . . .

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--Martha Thomas

NARRATORAfter October conference, the temple was opened to worthy Saints. Anxious to receive their blessings before leaving Nauvoo, they did ordinance work day and night. Some three thousand women received their endowments.

MARY A. PHELPSThere were Saints working in the temple every day except Saturdays, and a greater part of the night, giving endowments until the first of February. . . . The Spirit of the Lord was greatly manifested during that winter, and we all enjoyed the privilege of having our endowments and sealings. --Mary A. Phelps

(The violin plays “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” Hymns, #30,continuing under the following narration and quote.)

NARRATOROn February 9, 1846, the first pioneer companies headed west. The weather was so cold the river froze, and the wagons crossed on the ice.

BATHSHEBA SMITHI will not try to describe how we traveled through storms of snow, wind and rain, how roads had to be made, bridges built and rafts constructed; how our poor animals had to drag on day after day with scanty food; how our camps suffered from poverty, sickness and death. --Bathsheba Smith

NARRATORThe stalwart women on the Mormon Trail nursed the sick, comforted the grieving, gathered food, braided hats and delivered babies. Eliza R. Snow conducted testimony meetings and sang songs to the women and girls.

(Accompanied by solo violin, one woman sings the first two linesof “Though Deepening Trials,” Hymns, #122. Several women sing the next two lines in two-part harmony.)

ANNIE WELLS CANNONIn the forced exodus from Nauvoo the Relief Society women, though separated in different companies coming west, carried the spirit of the work through the journey, over prairie, plain and mountain, and ministered in the camps of Israel. . . . In the rude temporary homes at Winter Quarters, meetings were held to comfort, encourage and keep up the morale of the women. --Annie Wells Cannon.

(Solo violin plays a verse of “The Handcart Song,” p. 220of Children’s Songbook, with a second verse continuingunder the following narration.)

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NARRATORIn the Salt Lake Valley, women often ran the family farms and businesses while their husbands were away on missions. Ward Relief Societies were established in the larger communities. Lucy Meserve Smith became a Relief Society president in Provo. In October 1856, she was attending conference in Salt Lake City when Brigham Young told the congregation about the plight of handcart companies trapped in an early snow.

LUCY MESERVE SMITHThe sisters stripped off their petticoats, stockings and everything they could spare, right there in the Tabernacle, and piled them into the wagons to send to the Saints in the mountains. Back in Provo, my counselors and I wallowed through the snow until our clothes were wet a foot high to get things together. The four bishops could hardly carry the bedding and clothing we got. -- Lucy Meserve Smith

NARRATOR Ten years later, Brigham Young called upon all the bishops to organize Relief Societies, and he asked Eliza R. Snow to assist them. Under Sister Snow’s leadership, the women undertook a wide range of activities. They produced brooms, baskets and other items which were sometimes sold in their own cooperative stores. They avoided worldly fashions by making their own modest apparel. To learn nursing and midwifery, several LDS women attended medical schools back East.

BRIGHAM YOUNG There is an immense amount of talent and real sound statesmanship within a community of ladies; and if they would only train their minds, and exercise rights and privileges that are legitimately theirs, they would find they have an immense amount of influence in guiding, directing and controlling human affairs. -- Brigham Young

NARRATORSister Snow expanded the visiting teaching program, changing its emphasis from fund-raising to friendship. She encouraged women to overcome shyness and to develop their powers of self-expression.

EMILY S. RICHARDSThe first time Aunt Eliza asked me to speak in a meeting, I could not. She said, ‘Never mind, but when you are asked to speak again, try and have something to say,’ and I did. --Emily S. Richards

NARRATORDuring the latter part of the 19th century, Sister Snow helped establish the Primary and youth organizations. The Relief Society started a newspaper, encouraged women’s education, and even built a hospital.

ELIZA R. SNOWLet your first business be to perform your duties at home. But inasmuch as you are wise

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stewards, you will find time for social duties--because these are incumbent upon us as daughters and mothers in Zion. By seeking to perform every duty, you will find that your capacity will increase, and you will be astonished at what you can accomplish. --Eliza R. Snow

NARRATORSister Snow followed her own advice. In addition to her Relief Society responsibilities, she served in the temple and continued to write poetry and hymns.

(Accompanied by violin and piano, a children’s chorus sings thefirst verse and chorus of “In our Lovely Deseret,” Hymns, #307.)

NARRATORIn spite of the sisters’ hard work and accomplishments, something was missing. In 1880, President John Taylor finally revived the Relief Society’s priesthood connection. On June 19th, the second day of a Sisters’ Conference in Salt Lake City, the entire middle section of the Tabernacle was filled with Primary children.

(With piano accompaniment, the children sing first verse of“We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Hymns, #19.)

NARRATORAfter organizing the general Primary presidency, John Taylor made a few remarks to the children. Then he announced unexpectedly, “Now I want to say a few words to the Relief Society.” He asked his secretary to read from the minutes of the first Relief Society meeting. He explained Emma Smith’s calling to expound the scriptures, and gave many more instructions. At the proposal of Sarah Kimball, President Taylor publicly appointed Eliza R. Snow as president of all the Relief Societies. Sister Snow’s counselors were called by President Taylor and sustained by the conference. Once again, the Relief Society was organized after the pattern of the priesthood.

JOHN TAYLORThe sisters [are] to look after the wants of the poor, the sick, and also to look after the happiness of those they are associated with. It is a great thing to be able to do good. . . . God bless the children and God bless the sisters. --John Taylor

NARRATOREliza R. Snow and her first counselor, Zina Huntington Young, traveled throughout Utah Territory, covering thousands of miles by wagon and carriage, to visit with the sisters. Their example made a lasting impression on the younger women.

AMY BROWN LYMAN[Sister Snow] was so powerful and able, she impressed people, even children, with her superior intelligence, wisdom, vision, and leadership, and won their admiration and confidence. Aunt Zina as we knew her, was a gentle, kind, honey-hearted woman, known for her graciousness and the warmth of her soul.

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--Amy Brown Lyman

NARRATORAs the third general president, Zina Young began to extend Relief Society’s influence beyond the Rocky Mountains. She traveled as far as New York, Canada and Hawaii to encourage and instruct the sisters. In 1892, at the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Relief Society, general secretary Emmeline B. Wells organized a prayer circle to symbolize international unity. Women from Canada, Mexico, Germany, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and six other countries gathered in Salt Lake City and joined hands in prayer.

(With piano accompaniment, the women’s chorus sings inharmony the first verse of “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, #6.)

NARRATOREmmeline B. Wells later served as the fifth general president. Under her administration, the Relief Society adopted the motto, “Charity Never Faileth.” The sisters operated several ventures to raise funds for the poor, including a hugely successful program of storing wheat. In 1906, they sent supplies to San Francisco earthquake victims. In 1918, they sold 100,000 bushels to the U.S. government. At the same time, church leaders continued to remind the sisters that Relief Society was different from man-made--or woman-made--organizations.

JOSEPH F. SMITHThe Relief Society is ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of men and women. I do not want to see the time when our Relief Societies will lose their own identity. It is for you to lead the world and to lead especially the women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like. You are the head, not the tail. --President Joseph F. Smith

(The violin plays a lively, waltz-style rendition of “Truth ReflectsUpon Our Senses,” Hymns, #273, continuing under the followingnarration.)

NARRATORDuring the Great Depression and the years of World War II, Relief Society leaders helped develop and implement the welfare program of the Church. Sisters around the world practiced charity in their own creative ways. Members in New Zealand sent fruit cakes to the Red Cross for the servicemen. European sisters did their visiting teaching on bicycles with no tires. Gertrude Zippro, the Relief Society president in the Netherlands Mission, rode her bicycle through the invading German army to visit church members in devastated Rotterdam. As the war ended, Relief Societies in the United States gathered quilts, blankets, clothing and soap to send to the impoverished Saints in Europe.

G. HOMER DURHAMThe Relief Society is not in politics and never will be. That is not its particular mission,

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as we understand things. But, if I may be permitted the thought, more members of the Relief Society, whether Republicans or Democrats, as well as other righteous women everywhere, should be in politics! --G. Homer Durham, University of Utah

NARRATORDuring the war years, it had been necessary for many women to work outside the home to support their families or assist the military effort.

(Solo violin plays “Love at Home,” Hymns, #294, continuingunder the following.)

NARRATOR (Continued)

However, as the war ended, both church and community leaders called for working mothers to return home. The Relief Society began offering Homemaking Meetings once a month to teach sewing, cooking and other skills. In the Dominican Republic, two LDS women produced a popular television show combining homemaking demonstrations with gospel principles.

CAMILLA KIMBALLSo far as we know, the Church organization may not be found in heaven, but families will be. Rather than directing both partners away from the home, we need to encourage both to make strengthening of the family their primary concern. --Camilla Eyring Kimball

NARRATORThe ninth general president, Belle Smith Spafford, guided the Relief Society through three turbulent decades after World War II. Between 1945 and 1974, Relief Society membership grew from 100,000 mostly English-speaking women to nearly a million sisters in sixty-five countries. In the 1970’s, as part of a continuous effort to simplify church programs, Relief Society and the other auxiliaries were placed under priesthood administration, with funding coming from the general budget.

SPENCER W. KIMBALLThe Church does not have several organizational lines running from headquarters leaders to their local counterparts. There is only one fundamental organizational channel, and that is the priesthood channel. --Spencer W. Kimball

NARRATORSister Spafford tried to ease the difficult transition. In spite of her own qualms, Belle agreed that the sisters needed to spend less time on fund-raising and more time on compassionate service and teaching the gospel.

BELLE SPAFFORDIn the midst of all this change, the structure of the Relief Society and the purposes for which it was established have remained constant, adaptable to the needs of women in each succeeding era. The purposes that were important for a handful of women in Nauvoo are still important to women worldwide. That is the miracle of Relief Society.

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--Belle Spafford

NARRATORThe eleventh general president, Barbara B. Winder, and her counselors Joy Evans and Joanne B. Doxey further simplified the Relief Society program. They aimed to make the structure and activities more flexible to accommodate the needs of sisters around the world, especially in developing areas. The Relief Society presidency also started working more closely with the Primary and Young Women.

JOANNE B. DOXEYWe are all women working for the same purpose of saving souls, sharing the same concerns for families. We want to become principle-oriented instead of program-oriented. --Joanne B. Doxey

(With piano accompaniment, the women’s chorus singsall verses of “As Sisters in Zion,” Hymns, #309.)

NARRATORIn 1992, the Relief Society commemorated its 150th birthday in a worldwide sesquicentennial celebration. On March 17, President Elaine Jack spoke by satellite broadcast to women on five continents.

ELAINE JACKWe are part of a grand whole. . . . We speak in different tongues, yet we are a family who can still be of one heart. We work, play, give birth, nurture, dream dreams; we cry, pray, laugh, sometimes clap for joy, and find that mortality teaches us our need for our Savior, Jesus Christ. --Elaine Jack

NARRATORIn recent years, to meet the increasingly diverse needs of the sisters, the monthly Homemaking Meeting has been changed to Home, Family and Personal Enrichment. Today, President Julie B. Beck has counseled the women to focus on increasing faith, strengthening families and serving the Lord and His children. Through a variety of lessons and activities, the sisters are able to develop their talents and to give compassionate service.

CAMILLA KIMBALLThe pursuit of knowledge is part of the gospel plan for men and women. My feeling is that each of us has the potential for special accomplishments in some field. We should all be resourceful and ambitious, expanding our interests. Forget self-pity, and look for mountains to climb. --Camilla Eyring Kimball

(Violin plays “O My Father,” continuing under the following.)

NARRATORIn the 1990’s, General Relief Society president Elaine Jack traveled to units around the

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world with a message of love and unity. At the sesquicentennial, she spoke with urgency to all the sisters of Zion.

ELAINE JACKI ask you to undertake with me a spiritual journey worthy of our best efforts. I ask you to press forward with me in the quest for unparalleled levels of personal spirituality. Let us seek keener vision and stronger hearts. Let us make “charity never faileth” a motto of such personal significance that the whole world will be blessed by us, the daughters of God who are sisters of Relief Society. You are something extraordinary!

(With piano accompaniment, a female quartet sings “Workof Love” from Because of Elizabeth. The audience then joinsthe mixed choir in singing “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, #85.)

THE END

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SHORT Version

After the introductory narration, skip to “Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell On Earth.” Then read the following narration before the Sarah M. Kimball quote.

NARRATORKirtland, Ohio, 1834. The sounds of hammers, saws and chisels echoed through the small country town. In the middle of the woods and fields bordering Lake Erie, a group of ragged people were building a temple. They were Mormons, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After organizing the Church in 1830, the Prophet Joseph Smith had led the small group from upstate New York to Ohio and Missouri, with the goal of building New Jerusalem on the western frontier. But the Lord had told the Prophet that before they could establish Zion, the impoverished Saints must build “a house of order, a house of glory, a house of God.”

(A female soloist sings a cappella the first verse of “O My Father,”Hymns, #292.)

NARRATORWith credit from local merchants and generous donations from their few prosperous members, the Saints struggled to achieve their impossible task. Men donated their labor while the women prepared meals and sewed clothes for the workers.

Continue as written, except on page 4 in the middle narration, eliminate “confirming upon her the calling and blessings she had previously received. . . ”

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REFERENCES

Barrett, Ivan J. Joseph Smith and the Restoration. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1982.

Bennett, Mona B. Because of Elizabeth. Music by Larry Bastian and lyrics by DuaneHiatt. Originally produced 1978 in Nauvoo, Illinois for the dedication of the Monument to Women.

Black, Susan Easton. The Nauvoo Temple: Jewel of the Mississippi. Salt Lake City: Millenial Press, 2002.

Black, Susan Easton and Averett, Kim C. Nauvoo. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1997.

Bushman, Claudia and Richard. Building the Kingdom: A History of Mormons in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. See pp. 58-62.

Derr, Jill Mulvay, Cannon, Janath Russell and Beecher, Maureen Ursenbach. Women of the Covenant: The Story of Relief Society. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992.

Dickens, Charles. Bleak House. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1977. See pp. 92-93.

Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985. Miner, Caroline Eyring, and Kimball, Edward L. Camilla: A Biography of Camilla Eyring Kimball. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1980.

Peterson, Janet and Gaunt, LaRene. Faith, Hope, and Charity. American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, 2008.

“Story of the Organization of the Relief Society.” In The Relief Society Magazine, March 1919, pp. 128-142.

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2007.

Thatcher, Blythe, Darlyn. “‘Sarah Has Got a Little the Advantage.’” In Heroines of the Restoration, ed. Barbara B. Smith and Blythe Darlyn Thatcher. Salt Lake City:

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Bookcraft, 1997. See pp. 103-112.

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