Church History Tour- The Red Brick Store

On this morning, we woke up early and were scheduled to be in the Red Brick Store at 7:00 AM.  Now,  some of you may be wondering what was so amazing about the Red Brick Store.  It wasn't the store, but upstairs from the store that was the sacred site. That was the location where the Relief Society was organized under the authority of the Priesthood and Joseph Smith the prophet! 



The Relief Society was organized by Joseph Smith and his wife Emma was "elected" as President of that society, or group of women. There was an actual vote, and she was voted in.  Each woman who wanted to join the Relief Society had to apply to be apart, then they may be voted in. The instructor who was teaching this class mentioned that his ancestor applied to join, and actually did not make it in the first time she applied.  She was voted in at a later time.

So this of coarse is different than how we each become a part of Relief Society today. We are each apart of this organization as we become members of the church and are 18 years and older.

Interesting that Emma was "elected" as in the Doctrine and Covenants 25: 3  she is actually called an "Elect Lady".

" Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called."

Elect means: called and chosen or elected by assignment.

This organization of women service and leadership is not a new group or club that is something to be apart of.  This institution is of ANCIENT ORIGEN. The restoration of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, required a full restoration of ALL things.  The Relief Society organization was needed to complete that restoration

Just some facts:

• "The Relief Society is the oldest and largest women's organization in the world. Relief Society was established in 1842 for women 18 years of age and older. Its purpose is to build faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need."

• "Caring for the homeless, the hungry and the destitute is one of our missions. We work together to offer immediate relief and hope for a better life. "

The Red Brick Store is owned and operated by the Community of Christ, the reorganized church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were very accommodating as we used the upper floor for a special meeting. Then later we went down stairs and bought things from their store.