Women’s Work

By George H. Clark

As we look back upon the years
When women’s rights were few,
And men assumed to be their peers
In all there was to do;
We recognize an unjust pride
That ever made it so,
For, truly, women side by side
With man, should work and grow.

The first great women’s work began
In eighteen forty-two,
Among that faithful Mormon band
Then living in Nauvoo;
’Twas there the prophet Joseph Smith,
Through heavenly inspiration,
Called them in and blessed them with
A women’s organization.

The prophet clearly did foretell
What women’s work should be,
They should endeavor to excel
In works of charity;
Should nurse the sick, feed the poor,
And comfort those bereft,
Then visit oft from door to door
Lest needy ones be left.

And of each member whom they chose
The prophet also prayed,
That confidences, when imposed,
Should never be betrayed;
That faith and works and trust in God
And love of all that’s good,
Must ever faithfully be taught
To perfect womanhood.

From this beginning, then so small
Has grown a work so great,
That “Relief society” withal
Is known in every state;
In times of war or times of peace
It struggles just the same,
To bring humanity relief
That’s worthy of the name.

Yes, over seas as well as here
Its work of love has gone,
And while mortality endures
It will continue on;
Till people everywhere may know
That when this race began,
Women were designed to go
Hand in hand with man.

(1935)