“That the Society should move according to the ancient Priesthood, hence there should be a select Society separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous and holy.” — Joseph Smith¹

The Relief Society, a women's organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was established on March 17, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of Joseph Smith. The meeting was held in the Red Brick Store and began with the hymn “The Spirit of God.” Emma Smith was elected as its first president, with Sarah Cleveland and Ann Whitney as her counselors. The society's purposes included "to encourage women to seek out and care for the needy, offer righteous correction to those in error, and strengthen the community."² Joseph Smith emphasized that the society was organized under the pattern of the priesthood, giving women an official role in the Church. The organization grew rapidly, with over 1,300 members by 1844.³

1. Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 22, The Joseph Smith Papers

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 37, 447-452

3. “Female Relief Society of Nauvoo,” josephsmithpapers.org