Elect Ladies - Presidents Of The Relief Society

by Janet Peterson, Larene Gaunt

Since that day in 1842, when the Prophet Joseph Smith "turned the key" in behalf of the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, signaling the organization of the Relief Society, twelve women have served as general presidents of the organization. From Emma Hale Smith, the first Relief Society president, to Elaine L. Jack, whose administration takes the organization into the 1990s, Elect Ladies tells the stories of these twelve women, each an "elect lady" in her own right. These are stories of courage, faith, service, and compassion, stories that provide greater understanding of the Lord's work and of those who lead out in performing it. Through the persecutions of the Church in Nauvoo, the problems of establishing new homes and communities in the West, the crises associated with plural marriage, the poverty of the Depression of the 1930s, two world wars, and confusion over the changing status of women in recent years, these elect ladies have each applied their particular talents and insights to unite the sisters of a worldwide church. "I'd like the 1990s to be a decade when women extend themselves, exemplify righteousness, and teach in compassion and love," says Sister Jack. "I want each woman to find her own individual happiness as a result of her belief in the gospel. If women are solid and secure in their personal testimonies, live their lives according to what they know is right, they will be blessed individually and they will make a difference in the world." Elect Ladies is an inspiring look at some who have had leading roles in helping to make a difference for women, the Church, and the world.

Genres: Biography, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Religion

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book did a great job giving a survey course of the Relief Society presidents. I enjoyed reading about them and the chapters are short enough to keep my attention but long enough to make me feel that I got a decent picture of each woman. Several things were a little "glossy" (polygamy), but it was still a great book and definitely a good starting point for further study about these women.

[Shirley Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for many years and finally decided to read something that was totally positive. This elect group of ladies are quite remarkable. Reading about their lives, which were incredibly difficult. Their struggles and accomplishments are quite a contrast to our lives today. To follow the organization of the Relief Society and the subsequent changes through the years was very interesting.

[Brigeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for women of the LDS faith. I'm a better person for having read about these remarkable women. History wasn't always in-depth as the bios were limited to one chapter per person, but the book was well documented and my curiosity sent me looking on-line for journals and historys etc. I'm motivated to do more, become more, and make more of a difference.

[Ange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter is a biography of each of the former Relief Society Presidents. I thought this book excellent because of the content. The lives of these women were so inspiring! I enjoyed becoming acquainted with each lady. One of my all time favorite biographies.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! It gave bios on all the General Relief Society Presidents. Some amazing women. I just wish there was a more recent edition that included info about some of the more recent presidents.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

REALLY enjoyed this. It only gets four stars because it is short. I wanted more. I love R.S. even more. I learned about these noble women, and surprisingly more about what I believe and how I see myself as reflected on their attitudes and priorities. Did that make sense? Lovely.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating, I learned a lot about Relief Society.

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This is what I'm reading for book club this month. Since it is March and the anniversary of the founding of Relief Society, Relief Society is the theme for our book club this month.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite interesting to learn about each of these ladies, their experiences, accomplishments, and outlooks. Also interesting was the glimpse into the different time periods in which each one lived.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring! I would highly recommend this book.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about the first RS presidents is amazing. Then the stories start to become a little ho-hum as a lot of strife and difficulties of the church shed away.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

[moontapestry]

It was a gift from my hubby

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and grounding. I loved Belle Spafford's story of "conversion" to Relief Society.

[Kip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read most of this book with my daughter Emma. It was well written.