From the Emery Ward, Emery Stake (Utah) Relief Society —
Minutes of the R.S. Council Meeting held at Sister Martena Anderson’s house, Jan 27, 1894.
Meeting opened by Coun. Jane Evans. Sister Evans said the Bp. Petty had proposed making up a party for the Choir and wanted the R.S. to assist. Said she would like to hear the opinion of the sisters in regard to this matter. Sister Martena Anderson was pleased to again meet with the sisters, as had been a long time since she had had that privilege because of sickness. Thought it a good plan to have a party for the Choir as it would have a tendency to encourage them. Pres. Eunice Petty made a few remarks in regard to the party, said the Bp. desired to have a program of songs, recitations, etc. and wished the R.S. to assist in this. The following sisters spoke. Sister Mary A. Kelly, Adaline Petty, Carrie Olson. All were in favor of assisting in getting up the party. Pres. Eunice Petty spoke of putting in some more teachers as there wasn’t enough.
Meeting dismissed by Mary. Olson.
Minutes of the R.S. Council meeting held in the Meeting house Feb. 24, 1894
Opening Prayer by Bp. W.G. Petty.
The following sisters gave in reports of their labors in visiting the sisters in behalf of helping the family of Andreas Jensen: Lizzie Jorgensen, Luella Christensen and Stena Nielson
All stated that the people as a general thing thought the man of the family Andreas Jensen ought to work a little more for the sustenance of his family yet they were willing to give some to his family. A report was then read of what had been given & the amount being $18.57 cents.
A letter was then read from Pres. Henry N. Larsen stating that a move had been made to buy a carding machine. Wished the sisters to assist in this move.
Bp. W.G. Peggy made a few remarks. Was pleased with what their sisters had done for the poor family in our midst. Knew the Lord would bless those who had given.
Said in regard to the letter read that he felt the same as Pres. Larson, which was that we should be careful in regard to our means and not expend beyond our means or run in debt. Thought the grain which had been given should be kept & taken care of.
Pres. Eunice Petty was thankful to the Bp. for the remarks he had given. Felt that some of the teachers was not united with the officers as they should be. Was sorry that some think things go on too loosely, but she was willing to step aside. Would like to have the teacher express their feelings. Coun. Jane Evans spoke. Hoped the teacher & all would be united. If someone could do better than her in her position she would step aside. Coun. Maria Olson spoke. Was pleased with the remarks made by our Bp. Thought it was the teachers’ place to be here, and if others can do better than us, it is right for us to step aside.
Sister Martena Anderson spoke of her appreciation of the good done by the sisters when she was sick. Had no feelings against anyone. If she had injured anyone would be willing to make it right.
Benediction by Carrie Olson.
R.S Council Meeting held March 26, 1894 at Maria Olson’s House.
Opening Prayer by Carrie Olson. Pres. Eunice Petty said as Sisters Larsen and Childs were with us we had decided to have our Council meeting that we might receive some instructions from them. Sister Larsen then spoke in listening to the minutes read could see that a great deal had been done to the poor. Said the Lord would bless us for it.
Spoke of the duties of teachers and members of the R. Society. We should not scrutinize the officers too closely. A report of the means in the Society would only need to be read once a year. Hoped to hear the opinion of all the sisters in regard to the Carding Machine enterprise. Sister Josie Childs spoke, said how careful we should be in speaking of one another, especially to those who are placed over us. said we should not encourage jealousy because it is a sin. Spoke of helping the poor, said in helping the poor we should employ them. Spoke of visiting the sick. We do not spend enough time with the sick. Said the consecrated oil should be used plentiful for the healing of the sick. Said the duty of a teacher should be a loving one. Sisters Keel, Eliza Anderson, Annie Christianson, Adaline Petty, Severina Olson, Lizzie Jorgensen, Maria Olson, Martena Anderson, Uella Christensen, Amelia Williams, Jane Evans, Pres. Eunice Petty, May Olson, Carrie Olson and Stena Nelson all expressed their gratitude for the sisters’ visit and instructions. Also their desire to assist with their means in the anticipated Industry. Sister Childs arose; could not withhold her words of appreciation for the good feelings of the sisters. Said what a great work we have to perform in reforming our boys and girls from the evils which surround them. Asked God’s blessings to attend the Sisters.
Sister Larsen thanked the sisters for their feelings of appreciation they had manifested. Spoke of the freedom that Young People have. Said it was highly necessary for mothers to know where their sons and daughters were at night, at what they are doing, that they do not associate with one another secretly, thereby committing grievous sins.
Benediction by Pres. Eunice Petty.