Relief Society Minutes | Book of the Law of the Lord | Manuscript History |
Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes
A Report of the Present. President Joseph Smith, John Taylor, Willard Richards, Emma Smith and others. Elder John Taylor was call'd to the chair by Prest. Smith, and elder W. Richards appointed Secretary. Meeting commence by singing "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning" &C. --- Prayer by elder Taylor When it was mov'd by Prest. Smith and seconded by Mrs Cleveland, that a vote be taken to know if all are satisfied with each female present: and are willing to acknowledge them in full fellowship, and admit them to the prvileges of the Insitution about to be formed. The names of those present, were then taken as follows
Mrs Emma Smith Prest. Smith, & Elders Taylor and Richards withdrew while the females went into an investigation of the motion and decided that all present, be admitted according to the motion, and that
Mrs. Sarah Higbee
should be admitted; whose names were presented by Pres. ¶
Prest. Smith further remark'd that an organization
to show them how to go to work would be sufficient. He propos'd that the
Sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let that
presiding officer choose two Counsellors to assist in the duties of her
office--that he would ordain them to preside over the Society--and let
them preside just as the Presidency, preside over the church; and if they need
his instruction ask him, he will give it from time to time.
¶
Let this
Presidency serve as a constitution--all their decisions be considered
law, and acted upon as such.
¶
If any Officers are wanted to carry out
the designs of the Institution, let them be appointed and set apart,
as Deacons, Teachers, &C. are among us.
¶
The minutes of your meetings
will be precedents for you to act upon--your Constitution--and law.
¶
He then suggested the propriety of electing a Presidency to continue in the
office during good behavior, or so long as they shall continue to fill
the office with dignity &C. like the first Presidency of the Church.-
| Assisted in organizing "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo" in the "Lodge Room" Sister Emma Smith President, & SisterElizabeth Ann Whitney & Sarah M.Cleveland councillors, I Gave much instruction, read in the New Testament, Book of Doctrine & Covenants, concering the Elect Lady. & shewed that Elect meant to be Elected to a certain work &c, & that the revelation was then fulfilled by Sister Emma's Election to the Presidency of the Socety, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures, her councillors were ordained by Elder J Taylor & Emma was Blessed by the same.- | I assisted in commencing the organization of "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo" in the "Lodge Room." Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sisters Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland Counsellors. I gave much instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants concerning the Elect Lady, and shewed that the elect meant to be elected to a certain work &c and that the revelation was then fulfilled by Sister Emma's election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound Scriptures Emma was blessed, and her counselors were ordained by EIder John Taylor. |
¶ Motioned by Sister Whitney and seconded by Sister Packard that Mrs. Emma Smith be chosen President--passed unanimously. ¶ Mov'd by Prest. [Joseph] Smith, that Mrs. Smith proceed to choose her Counsellors, that they may be ordain'd to preside over this Society, in taking care of the poor-- administering to their wants, and attending to the various affairs of this Institution. ¶
The President ¶ President [Joseph] Smith read the Revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants; and stated that she was ordain'd at the time the Revelation was given, to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.-- ¶ The 2d Epistle of John, 1st verse, was then read to show that respect was there had to the same thing; and that why she was called an Elect lady is because, elected to preside. ¶ Elder Taylor was then appointed to ordain the Counsellors-- he laid his hands on the head of Mrs Cleveland and ordain'd her to be a Counsellor to the Elect Lady, even Mrs. Emma Smith, to counsel and assist her in all things pertaining to her office &C. ¶ Elder T. then laid his hands on the head of Mrs. Whitney and ordain'd her to be a Counsellor to Mrs. Smith, and Prest of the Institution--with all the privileges pertaining to the office &C. ¶ He then laid his hands on the head of Mrs. Smith and blessed her, and confirm'd upon her all the blessings which had been confer'd on her, that she might be a mother in Israel and look to the wants of the needy, and be a pattern of virtue; and possess all the qualifications necessary for her to stand and preside and dignify her office. to teach the females those principles requisite for their future usefulness.
¶ Prest. Smith then resumed his remarks and gave instruction how to govern themselves in their meetings -- -- when one wishes to speak, address the chair -- and the chairman responds to the address. ¶ Should two speak at once, the Chair shall decide who speaks first, if anyone is dissatisfied, she appeals to the house-- ¶
When one has the floor, ¶
Proper manner of address is Mrs. Chairman or President and not Mr.
Chairman &C.
¶
A question can never be put until it has a second
¶
When the subject for discussion has been fairly investigated; the chairman
will say, are you ready for the question? &c.
¶
Whatever the majority of
the house decide upon becomes a law to the Society.
¶
Prest. Smith proceeded to give counsel- do not injure the character of any one--if
members of the Society shall conduct ¶
It was then proposed that Elder Taylor vacate the chair.
¶
Prest. Emma Smith and her Counsellors took the chair, and
¶
Elder Taylor mov'd - secd by Prest. J. Smith that we go into an
investigation respecting what this Society
shall be call'd - which was
¶ carred unanimously
¶
Prest Smith continued instructions to the Chair to suggest to the members
any thing the chair might wish, and
which it might not be proper for the chair to put, or move &C.
¶
Mov'd by Counsellor Cleveland, and secon'd
by Counsellor Whitney, that this Society be called
The Nauvoo Female Relief Society.
¶
Elder Taylor offered an ammendment, that it
be called The Nauvoo Female Benevolent Society
which would give a more definite and extended idea
of the Institution - that Relief be struck out and
Benevolent inserted.
¶
Prest Smith offered instruction on votes ---
¶
The motion was seconded by Counsellor Cleveland
and unanimously carried, on the amendment by Elder Taylor.
¶
The Prest then suggested that she would like an
argument with Elder Taylor on the words Relief
and Benevolent.
¶
Prest J. Smith mov'd that the vote for
amendment, be rescinded, which was carried--
¶
Motion for adjournment by Elder Richards, and
objected by Prest. J. Smith.--
¶
Prest. J. Smith --- Benevolent is a popular
term--and the term Relief is not known among
popular Societies--Relief is more extended
in its signification than Benevolent and might extend to
the liberation of the culprit-- and might be wrongly
construed by our enemies to say that the Society was
to relieve criminals from punishment &C. &C -- to
relieve a murderer. ¶
Prest. Emma Smith, said the popularity of
the word benevolent is one great objection -- no person
can think of the word as associated with public
Institutions, without thinking of the Washingtonian
Benevolent Society which was one of the most corrupt
Institutions of the day -- do not wish to have it
call'd after other Societies in the world-- -
¶
Prest. J. Smith arose to state that he had no
objection to the word Relief --- that on questions
they ought to diliberate candidly and investigate all
subjects.
¶
Counsellor Cleveland arose to remark concerning
the question before the house, that we should not repeat
the idle speech of our enemies -- we design to act in the name
of the Lord - to relieve the wants of the distressed, and do all
the good we can.--
¶
Eliza R. Snow arose and said that she felt to concur
with the President, with regard to the word Benevolent, that
many Societies with which it had been associated, were corrupt.--
that the popular Institutions of the day should not be our guide
---that as daughters of Zion, we should set an example for
all the world, rather than confine ourselves to the course
which had been heretofore pursued-- -- one objection to the
word Relief is that the idea associated with it, is that of
some great calamity-- that we intend appropriating on some
extraordinary occasions instead of meeting the common
recurrences--
¶
Prest. Emma Smith remark'd -- we 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 expect
extraordinary occasions and pressing calls---
¶
Elder Taylor arose and said-- I shall have to concede
the point-- your arguments are so potent I cannot stand
before them-- I shall have to give way - -
¶
Prest. J. S. said I also shall have to concede the point,
all I shall have to give to the poor, I shall give to this
Society---
¶
Counsellor Whitney mov'd, that this Society be
call'd The Nauvoo Female Relief Society--
secon'd by Counsellor Cleveland--
¶
E. R. Snow offer'd an amendment by way
of transpostion of words, instead of The Nauvoo Female Relief
Society -- it shall be called The Female Relief Society
of Nauvoo. - - Seconded by Prest. J. Smith and carried--
¶
The previous question was then put-- Shall this Society be call'd
The Female Relief Society
of Nauvoo? --- carried unanimously.--
¶
Prest. J. Smith--
I now declare this society organiz'd with President and
Counsellors &C. according to Parliamentary usages,-- and all who shall
hereafter be admitted into this Society must be free from censure and
receiv'd by vote.
¶
Prest. J. Smith offered. - - - $5,00
in gold ¶
Prest Emma Smith requested that the gentlemen
withdraw before they proceed to the choice of Secretary
and Treasurer, as was mov'd by Prest J. Smith-.
The gentelmen withdrew when it was Motioned and secon.d and
unanimously pass'd that Eliza R. Snow be appointed Secretary, and
Phebe M. Wheeler, Assistant Secretary----
Motioned, secon.d and carried unanim.ly that Elvira A. Coles be appointed Treasuerer--,
Prest. E. Smith then arose and proceeded to make appropriate remarks on the
object of the Society its duties to others also its relative duties to each
other Viz. to seek out and relieve the distressed--that each member should
be ambitious to do good--that the members whould deal frankly with each other
to watch over the morals - and be very careful
P. A. Hawkes-- Question- What shall we reply to interrogations relative to the object
of the Society?
Prest. E. Smith replied for charitable purposes.
Mov'd and pass'd that Cynthia Ann Eldridge be
admitted as a member of this Society--
Cou.l Sarah M. Cleveland donated to the fund of the
Society ------- $ 12 1/2
Prest. E. Smith said that Mrs Merrick is a widow-- is industrious --performs
her work well, therefore recommend her to the patronage of such as wish to
hire needlework -- those who hire widows, must be prompt to pay and inasmuch as some
have defrauded the laboring widow of her wages, we must be upright and deal justly---
The business of the Society concluded - the gentlemen
before mentioned return'd--
Elder Richards appropriated to the fund of the
Elder T. then arose and addressed the Society by saying
that he is much gratified in seeing a meeting of this kind
in Nauvoo--- his heart rejoices when he sees 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--- he rejoiced to see
this Institution organiz'd according to the Law of Heaven---
according to a revelation previously given to Mrs E. Smith
appointing her to this important calling-- and to see all things
moving forward in such a glorious manner--- his prayer
is that the blessings of God and the peace of heaven may
rest on this Insitution henceforth---
The choir sang "Come let us rejoice in the day of salvation &C.
Motion'd, that this meeting adjourn to next week, Thursday, ten
o'clock. AM.
The meeting then arose and was dismissed by prayer by Elder Taylor.---
|
1. Excerpt taken from Dean Jessee, The Papers of Joseph Smith, Vol. 2 (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1992): 371.