General Relief Society Organization

Date Formed
1842 March 17
Location Formed
Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, United States
Organization Type
Ecclesiastical
Organization Participants in Database
54

The Female Relief Society as it was known, was organized on 17 March 1842. At this time the Prophet Joseph stated that the restored Church could not be perfect or complete without it. The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, however ceased to function in 1844 amid increasing tension. Although women carried out charitable works and a few meetings were conducted at Winter Quarters, Nebraska, there was no formal Relief Society during the Saints' westward trek or for several years thereafter. In 1866 President Brigham Young reorganized the Relief Society Churchwide (it had previously been established locally as early as 1854). He appointed Eliza R. Snow to assist local Bishops in establishing the organization in each ward. By 1880 there was a local unit of the Relief Society in each of the 300 wards. In 1915 The Relief Society Magazine was introduced. In 1956 the Relief Society building in Salt Lake City, built from contributions of Latter-day Saint women and funds from the Church, was dedicated. The organization, who's motto has always been "Charity Never Faileth" celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1992. Learn more

Read More

Formed in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, United States

1842 March 17

Emma Hale Smith Sustained as Relief Society General President

1842 March 17 – 1844 March 16

End Date Details

Ended On 1844 March 16
Released

Eliza R. Snow Sustained as Relief Society General President

1880 June 19 – 1887 December 5

End Date Details

Ended On 1887 December 5
Released

Zina D. H. Young Sustained as Relief Society General President

1888 April 8 – 1901 August 28

Clarissa Williams Sustained as Relief Society General President

1921 April 2 – 1928 October 7

Barbara Winder Sustained as Relief Society General President

1984 April 7 – 1990 March 31