The Relief Society organization will celebrate its 148th anniversary on March 17. The organization had its beginning in the spring of 1842 in Nauvoo, Ill.

"The men working on the Nauvoo Temple were in need of shirts," the Relief Society handbook explains. "Sarah M. Kimball, a dedicated Church member, and Margaret Cook, her seamstress, decided to combine their efforts to respond to that need. They decided to ask some neighbor women if they would also like to join the project."According to Sister Kimball, the women met together and decided that their efforts could be more fruitful if they formed a ladies society. They asked Eliza R. Snow to write a constitution and present it to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The Prophet was impressed with the constitution but, according to the handbook, responded: "This is not what the sisters want; there is something better for them." He invited the women to meet with him and a few brethren the next week to be organized into a society patterned after the organization of the priesthood.

A group of women accepted the invitation and gathered on Thursday, March 17, 1842, in a room above the Prophet's store. The Prophet stated that the object of the society was to "help in looking to the wants of the poor - searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants."

Later, he also instructed the women to save souls as well.

Almost a century and a half later, the focus of Relief Society has changed little. The purpose of the organization is to help women and their families come unto Christ. Relief Society general leaders have identified four goals to help achieve that:

1. Help women have faith in God and build individual testimonies of the gospel.

2. Help women give compassionate service.

3. Help strengthen the families of the Church and focus on living the gospel in the home.

4. Sustain the priesthood in a united effort to help all receive the ordinances of the gospel and enter into the covenants of the temple.

With a membership of more than 1 million sisters, the Relief Society consists of a vast number of women with a variety of needs, desires and experiences. Yet, each can find fulfillment through service to others and dedication to gospel principles.

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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Dear Sisters,

How we love you! And we hope that sisterhood - a deep, genuine caring for one another - is a vital part of your lives. The sisterhood of Relief Society can strengthen us individually and help us to build strong families as well.

As in the past, Relief Society still provides relief - from unenlightenment as we broaden our horizons and learn new truths, from fear as we prepare ourselves through the principles we learn and the skills we acquire, and from loneliness. Perhaps the greatest relief is that which comes from the love, care, and concern sisters give to one another as they observe and respond to needs.

We pray that you will find many ways in all you do to follow the Savior's example in serving the needy and in helping each other come closer to the Lord. We pray that you will make and keep sacred covenants that will bless and fortify you and your families, both now and hereafter.

We pray for you always - with love,

- Relief Society general presidency