NAUVOO, Ill. — Joseph Smith's historic "Red Brick Store," where the Relief Society was founded 157 years ago, was the scene of an anniversary re-enactment of that event.

The building was completed Jan. 5, 1842, and just a few months later, on March 17, 1842, the sisters of the Church were organized under the priesthood with 18 women present.

The setting of the meeting seemed obscure in the town of Nauvoo, which was peacefully nestled on the bank of the great Mississippi River. But the events of that Thursday afternoon in March would eventually produce the largest women's organization in the world.

This year's commemoration celebration was a re-enactment of the historic occasion, including the subsequent two years of the Female Relief Society in Nauvoo. As women in period dress entered the historic building, they were greeted by the re-enactors in period costumes, representing the Prophet Joseph and Emma Smith, John Taylor, Willard Richards, Sarah M. Cleveland, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Eliza R. Snow and others.

During the meeting, the Prophet Joseph Smith said: "I now turn the key in your behalf in the name of the Lord, and this Society shall rejoice, and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time henceforth; this is the beginning of better days to the poor and needy, who shall be made to rejoice and pour forth blessings on your heads."

Lucy Mack Smith or "Mother Smith" as she was known, stated: "This institution is a good one. . . . We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together."

The minutes of the first meeting of the second year recorded that many of the women stood and offered what they had: "Miss Wheeler said she is willing to give any portion or all of her time. Mrs. Granger willing to do anything — knit, sew or wait on the sick, as might be most useful. Mrs. Durfee she is willing to go abroad with a wagon to collect wool, &c for the purpose of forwarding the work. Sister Felshaw proposes to give some soap."

The re-enactment covered the first meeting through the last meeting held in Nauvoo some two years later in 1844. The society had grown from a membership of 20 to 1,341. Eliza R. Snow recorded one meeting: "The meeting was very interesting, nearly all present arose and spoke, and the Spirit of the Lord like a purifying stream, refreshed every heart."

As the re-enactment continued, the powerful Spirit felt in the upper room was poured out upon some 80 women, mostly missionaries serving in Nauvoo, who were crowded into the small space. Tears ran freely. Betty Jo Dunnell, who was chairman of the re-enactment, asked each woman present to remember the great moments of this historical event as they observed future commemorations.

In the last meeting recorded, Emma Smith said, "I would like to have all the Society present together when a place can be obtained." Today, many places have been obtained; women assembled around the world in various gatherings and circumstances to commemorate the founding.

Today, the Relief Society numbers more than 4 million and has blessed the lives of countless women who have subsequently taken up the torch to serve humanity and to minister to the poor and distressed of the world.

The Sarah Granger Kimball home in Nauvoo, where the idea of a female society originated, was restored in 1982 and is among many restored homes and other facilities open year-round for tours free of charge. Historic Nauvoo this year is observing the 160th anniversary of the city's founding in 1839.