Relief Society commemoration in Nauvoo

On March 17, LDS sisters throughout the world celebrated the 168th anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society. In Nauvoo, Ill., missionary sisters gathered at the actual site -- in Joseph Smith's Red Brick Store -- and commemorated that event.

The reconstructed Red Brick Store is owned and operated by the Community of Christ, but Lachlan Mackay, historic sites coordinator, generously offered access to the upstairs room of the store.

Before the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was organized, Joseph Smith read the constitution written by Eliza R. Snow. He found it an excellent document, but he wished something better for the sisters.

The society, he said, would be organized "under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood."