History of the Saints: The Origins of the Relief Society

I Now Turn the Key to You (Historical Documentary 2-CD Set)

The Relief Society was never intended to be just a class for the women in the ward who did not have a calling elsewhere. Its intended purpose was much more exalted–bolder and nobler. The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was organized under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. From March to August of 1842, he met with the sisters six times teaching them doctrine and giving them counsel, inspiration and purpose. They were to be, he said, “A select society separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous and holy,” whose purpose was to “save souls” and to care for the poor and the needy. Emma Smith, the Elect Lady, was chosen as their leader. In their organizational meeting, with her prophet–husband standing by, she declared, “We are going to do something extraordinary.” And so it has come to pass. This History of the Saints documentary presentation takes you back to 1842 and the very beginnings of Relief Society, where the Prophet Joseph imparted the purpose, the vision and the place of women in the Restoration–a place where “Charity Never Faileth.” is documentary is hosted by Ruth Todd and features interviews with current and past Relief Society leaders and scholars on Latter-day Saint women’s history. This CD set is the audio track of the documentary video set of the same name.