I’m sorry for the dearth of posts this week — I’ve been getting ready for the annual meeting of the Mormon History Association this week (I’m still not ready). I haven’t abandoned Keepa, I promise.
21 May 1912
Conference of the Relief Society of the Parowan Stake,
held Tuesday, 21 May 1921, in the Tabernacle at Cedar City
Two members of the general board of the Relief Society were in attendance, Mrs. F.S. Richards and Mrs. P.T. Farnsworth of Salt Lake City. Their ride from Lund to Cedar was not a very pleasant one on account of the dust, it being an exceptionally windy day, but the auto made excellent time, and they were soon comfortably located at the Cedars Hotel under the care of that most capable hostess, Mrs. C.G. Bell. Next morning they arose feeling fresh and in good spirits.
The first meeting convened at 10 a.m. with President Mary E. Ollorton presiding.
The choir and congregation sang and prayer was offered by Bishop Matheson, following which the congregation joined the choir in singing under the direction of E.M. Corry, Miss Mamie Jones presiding at the organ.
In an opening address President Ollorton reported the stake in good condition.
Counsellor Julia M. Lyman read a paper on the relation of the Relief Society to the national as well as international movement and a brief account of the suffrage and its progress.
Miss Ellen Nelson rendered a beautiful solo, which was followed by a most interesting address by Mrs. Richards which was full of good instruction and timely advice. She said, “above all things, sisters, look after your homes first but try to arrange your work so you can attend to your duties, in connection with the Relief Society meetings.” She had been prompted, through listening to Sister Lyman’s paper, to relate some of her experiences in Washington and other places, as a representative of the women of Utah.
A solo was then sung by Emma Adair.
Mrs. Farnsworth, in her address, remarked that there had been a great deal of improvement in Cedar City since her last visit. She explained the manner in which the yearly “dime fund” was used.
Following Mrs. Farnsworth’s address benediction was pronounced by S.F. Leigh, and all repaired to the ward hall, where the enterprising committee had tables loaded with everything that goes to make a most appetizing luncheon. Bouquets in profusion adorned the tables. The visitors were personally introduced to everyone present before the luncheon began.
All enjoyed themselves although the attendance was not nearly so large as was anticipated, the business people not having generally accepted the invitation to attend.
Following luncheon, the officers meeting was held. A great many topics were discussed.
The afternoon session was called at 2 p.m. The choir and congregation sang an opening hymn under the direction of Mrs. Ada Webster.
Counsellor E. Williams offered prayer. Miss Jennie Coslett ably rendered a solo.
Mrs. J.P. Mackelprang read some “suggestions for the Relief Society.”
Mrs. Farnsworth was introduced and spoke on the topic of genealogical work and work for the dead; also of the franchise and said she hoped we were preparing ourselves to use it intelligently. She referred to the granting of the franchise to Chinese women.
Mrs. Violet Urie and Miss Annette Webster sang “Rock of Ages” in a most pleasing manner.
Mrs. Richards’ talk to mothers on their duties to their children was full of practical suggestions.
After singing and benediction, adjournment was taken until 8 p.m.
The evening meeting was presided over by Julia Lyman. The choir sang and prayer was offered by Mrs. Henrietta Jones.
Mrs. Farnsworth delivered a lecture on “Home environment.”
A duet was most ably sung by Mr. E.M. Corry and Miss Vira Perkins after which Mrs. Richards gave a “peace lecture.”
Counsellor Julia M. Lyman thanked the committee for their efforts and success in providing the delicious luncheon.
A lovely quartet by four lovely young girls was much appreciated.
Benediction was offered by Jane P. Mackelprang.
In spite of the disagreeable weather there was a good representation from Parowan and Kanarraville wards. Summit and Enoch were also represented. Many were heard to say that this was the best Relief Society conference held in this stake.
Wednesday morning [22 May 1912] Mrs. Richards and Mrs. Farnsworth visited the Normal school. They also visited the public library, and congratulated the people of Cedar City in securing a Carnegie library. They stated that this city certainly is making great improvements in all lines.
So the Relief Society presidency presided over those meetings.
Interesting.
I also noticed that the sister presided at the organ, so there’s that.
Jeannine, my MHA paper includes a quotation from a British police officer stating that “an elderly lady presided at the piano” in a Mormon meeting. 🙂
That first paragraph is great. All reports/minutes of meetings should be sure to provide such an introduction.
On a side note, best of luck, Ardis. It sounds like a great paper/presentation.
Hands down, this wins the “Best Voice” award for meeting minutes.
I’ll have to see if I can find out more about Mrs. Richards and Mrs. Farnsworth, as they both might be my relatives (or relatives by marriage.
Well, Mrs. P T Farnsworth is surely married to Philo Taylor Farnsworth, but which one? I don’t know of a quick way to figure out which of the many P T Farnsworths was married to a member of the RS general board. In fact, there may have been several. I guess there’s really not enough information here for me to figure it out quickly.
I suppose presiding at the organ is better than the old story about the minister’s daughter “who laboured the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her”.
I noticed the repeated use of “Mrs.” instead of our present “sister” — I wonder when use of “sister” became prevalent –or, is this an exception?
ji, “Mrs.” was occasionally used in the Relief Society Magazine as recently as Belle Spafford’s Relief Society general presidency. I don’t know whether it was a gradual shift from one to the other, or whether the titles were used interchangeably, or whether they tended to use one in particular circumstances and the other in other circumstances. It nags at me, but I don’t yet have the data to answer!