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WELFARE–1921.
1921: Care of the Poor.
“The Bishop of each ward should be personally acquainted with the conditions of the poor in his ward and the Relief Society should cooperate with the Bishop and act under his direction in caring for them.
The Bishop should use his influence to secure opportunities for persons to obtain a livelihood in his ward; to provide homes for newcomers; in fact, to help members to become self-supporting. The care and relief of the poor is not so much a question of giving charities to assist them as it is to help them to become self-supporting. This labor should be done on a well-defined plan, outlined by the Bishopric of the ward and in consultation with the Relief Society officers. Each individual case should be treated according to its necessities.
The agencies to labor in the ward as aids to the Bishopric are the ward teachers, Relief Society Presidency and the Relief Society visiting teachers [NOTE NO REFERENCE TO THE QUORUMS.] The ward teachers should promptly notify the Bishop of any case of sickness, distress or needs that they may discover while visiting the Saints. The Bishop will see that proper relief is given.
The Bishopric should invite the Relief Society officers to meet with them monthly, or oftener if necessary, to consider general relief work, and to discuss plans for looking after the poor, the sick, and those in distress.
There is in operation in the States of Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, a law known as the Widow’s Pension Law, which authorizes the Probate Judge or County Commissioners to provide allowances for widows having dependent children. Where there are widows with dependent children, the Bishop should take the necessary steps to see that they obtain the benefits of this law.
The ward Relief Society will labor under the direction of the Bishop and will be his chief aid in caring for the poor and unfortunate. The Relief Society teachers should visit every family once a month, or oftener if necessary, and report immediately to the President of the Society cases of need, poverty, distress or sickness. [NOTE THAT THIS APPARENTLY INCLUDED FAMILIES WITH NO ADULT WOMEN, COMPARED TO TODAY’S VISITING TEACHING PROGRAM.] The President, under the direction of the Bishop will see that relief is promptly given.
In large centers of population there may be some advantage in cooperating with local charity organizations for the purpose of preventing the duplication of charity work, but no organized affiliation of any kind whatever should be effected without permission first being obtained from the Presiding Church Authorities.
When charitable help is given regularly, records of the same may be kept, providing the Bishopric of the ward so desires. Where temporary aid or charity is rendered, the present form of records will be sufficient.
Funds for charity purposes should be derived from the Fast Offerings, the Relief Society Poor Fund, private benevolences, and when conditions render it necessary, from the tithing funds.
All charity funds should be disbursed under the direction of the Bishopric; funds collected by the Relief Society may be disbursed by the Relief Society officers for emergency and other purposes, and reported to the Bishop.
The practice of making drives or public collections for our poor should not be followed in Latter-day Saint communities, except when specifically directed by the First Presidency.
Immediate attention should be given to each case of need. Publicity should be avoided in dealing with the poor. Confidences of those in distress should be held involate, and the use of names should be avoided, unless absolutely necessary.
The work of the Relief Society is not merely in disbursing means in a charitable way, but the very important part of their work is visiting the sick, comforting the poor and those who are in distress, praying with them and administering such spiritual comfort as the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone provides.” (Instructions to Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 13, 1921, pp. 25-28)
1923: 7 Apr.: A welfare program in Ogden.
“At the semi-annual meeting of the ward bishoprics and counselors with the Presiding Bishopric of the Church, held in the Assembly Hall, Saturday, April 7, there were 464 present on invitation, representing bishops and counselors, stake presidencies, and stake and ward clerks. . . .
Bishop Wilford W. Rawson reports that his ward has a relief committee consisting of three sisters of the Relief Society and two brethren of the Priesthood. All people who are in need are referred to them. They make a thorough investigation, and where possible to find work for any of the family, they do so, even if it is only such work as will help somebody else in need. They check carefully charities from other organizations. The arrangement has worked out splendidly during the past winter. The Relief Society is helping financially and they can always be depended upon.” (“Priesthood Quorums’ Table,” IE 26(8):752, Jun., 1923)
1928: Employment specialist.
“In every ward a prominent and capable person should be appointed to give special attention to employment and the saints of the ward informed of this appointment. Where persons can furnish employment they should report to this agent, and those seeking employment should also apply to him. Every quorum of the priesthood should be prepared to assist its members and obtain employment whenever desired. Bishops should make it a part of their business at all monthly teachers’ report meetings to inquire if persons are out of employment. The practice of encouraging persons to come to large centers of population to obtain work should be discouraged. If there are any extensive construction or manufacturing plants being developed in any of the wards and there is difficulty in obtaining sufficient labor, the Presiding Bishop’s Office will appreciate receiving word of such opportunities for employment.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 9)
Care of the Poor.
“Responsibility for Charity Assistance–The first responsibility of caring for those in need rests with the family of the needy. ‘But if any provide not for his own, and specially those in his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.’ (I Tim. 5:8) The Utah State law holds relatives primarily responsible.
Secondly, next to relatives, the county is responsible for the poor. (A general fund is provided by law for the care of the poor who have lawful settlement in the county. Widows’ pensions are also provided by law.)
Thirdly, the church undertakes responsibility for the care of those in need.
Bishoprics and Relief Society workers and our people generally should understand this relative responsibility. Wherever possible, the relatives or the county should first be called upon by the bishopric or the Relief Society for assistance before drawing upon the church for aid. It should be clearly understood that while the ward bishopric and the Relief Society will undertake to see in every instance that no church member suffers for lack of the necessities of life, that, at the same time, they are fully justified in endeavoring first to secure the necessary assistance where possible from those who are more directly responsible. It should be the policy also, in every case, to strive to help those in need to help themselves.
The Worthy Poor.–Poverty may be caused by any one of a number of unfavorable conditions. It may be due to sickness, injury, infirmity, unemployment, lack of education, poor management, or mental or physical deficiency. It should be relieved by getting at the root of the trouble, and adopting ways and means of remedying the same as permanently as possible. Consequently, the practice of giving financial aid without first carefully investigating the cause, is not the proper or permanent means of relief. What is needed is a careful study of the family affected by persons trained in social service work, and possessed of sympathy and good judgment. The policy of the church is that no faithful members nor their children shall lack for the necessities of life. Investigation should be made of all cases as to the faith and activity of those desiring help. Anyone asking for assistance from the church should appreciate the fact that his past life and actions should have shown faith and devotion to the Gospel.
Care of the Poor.–It should be the effort of the bishopric of the ward and the Relief Society officers, after the cause of the trouble has been determined, to devise ways and means to permanently overcome the condition. If the cause is sickness, medical examinations should be obtained and suitable attention given looking toward relief. In case of unemployment, efforts should be made locally to find employment of suitable character such as will lead, if possible, to permanent occupation. If employment cannot be obtained, then some kind of work should be temporarily created, in order that the person receiving assistance shall render service therefor. Where lack of education is the cause, efforts should be made to enable those concerned to secure training in vocations that will enable them to become self-sustaining. Where the cause is poor management, proper advice and supervision should be given in a kindly way, looking to the development of those qualities in the persons affected that will enable them to exercise economy and care in their affairs.
Whenever financial help is rendered, it should be, if possible, in such a way as to be assured that it will serve the purpose intended. It is, therefore, preferable to give orders on stores for supplies required rather than cash. In transient cases unusual care should be exercised to avoid being imposed upon by persons who are unworthy of assistance. Only in emergency cases should help be rendered directly before investigation is made, and then only in such amounts and in such a way as shall be temporary, pending the study of the case.
The bishopric of each ward should be personally acquainted with the condition of the poor in the ward. The Relief Society should cooperate with the bishopric and act under their direction in caring for them. The agencies to labor in the ward as aids to the bishopric are the ward teachers and the Relief Society officers. The ward teachers should promptly notify the bishopric of any cases of sickness, distress or need that they may discover while visiting the saints.
Plan of Charity Administration.–The plan of church charity administration is outlined herewith. To carry it out will require one or more social service workers in the stake and ward Relief Societies. The members of the General Board of Relief Society should be prepared to direct social service institutes in the various stakes for the training of the volunteer stake and ward workers in approved methods of social service.
(a) All charity aid to be dispensed by ward bishoprics, subject to general supervision of the Presiding Bishopric; except that from funds donated by the Relief Society.
(b) Funds for the purpose of assisting the poor to be obtained from the fast offerings, Relief Society aid, and, whenever necessary, be requisitions on the tithing funds.
(c) Under the instructions of the ward bishopric, investigation of all cases to be made promptly by trained ward Relief Society workers, and definite recommendations submitted. Only in emergency cases should temporary aid be given by the bishopric or the Relief Society before careful investigation.
(d) To assure the most effective results, meetings to be held by the ward bishopric with the Relief Society presidency as often as necessary, but at least once a month, where joint consideration of all recommendations may be had and definite policy outlined.
(e) Whenever conditions will permit, the bishopric to delegate to the ward Relief Society officers the distribution of aid.
(f) All charity cases considered to be held in strict confidence beteen the bishopric and the Relief Society officers.
(g) All correspondence concerning charity cases to the ward bishopric to go through the office of the Presiding Bishopric. All correspondence to ward Relief Society officers through the General Board of Relief Society.
(h) The General Board of Relief Society to keep in touch with outside agencies. Cases referred to them to be reported immediately to the presidency of the ward Relief Society.
(i) The General Board will confine its work to the treatment of transients, aggravated cases and emergencies only. The General Board of Relief Society shall act as a clearing house for information on transient cases.
(j) No charity assistance to be rendered directly by the Presiding Bishopric or by the General Board of Relief Society, except in cases of emergency.
. . . .
Relief Society.–The ward Relief Society will operate under the direction of the bishopric and be their chief aid in caring for the poor and unfortunate. The Relief Society teachers should visit every family once a month, or oftener if necessary, and report immediately to the president cases of sickness or distress. The president, under the direction of the bishop, should see that suitable relief is given. In large centers of population there is an advantage in cooperating with local charity organizations, through the stake presidencies of Relief Society, for the purpose of preventing duplication of charity work, but no affiliation with outside organizations should be effected without the approval of the church authorities.
. . . .
Social Service Work.–Relief Society officers should be trained int he best methods of caring for the poor, and this training in social service work should be given in our annual institutes and organizations, based on plans, policies and ideas approved by the priesthood. The persons engaged in the work of caring for the poor should be unpaid workers. It would be very proper, indeed, for ward Relief Society officers and for stake Board members, under the direction of the General Board of Relief Society, to take special training in better methods of caring for the poor. Stake board members should then continue the training of ward Relief Society officers, or members who may seem specially adapted to such work. The work of caring for the poor should be carried out under the direction of the ward bishopric and not by stake officers. Transients only may be taken care of by stake officers under the direction of the stake presidency.
Widows’ Pension Law.–There is in operation in the states of Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada a law known as the Widow’s Pension Law, which authorizes the probate judge or county commissioners to provide allowances for widows having dependent children. Wherever there are widows with dependent children, who are members of the church, the bishopric should take the necessary steps to see that they obtain the benefits of this law.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, pp. 30-35)
Bishopric and Relief Society to meet monthly.
“The bishopric should make it a point to meet at least once a month with the officers of the Relief Society, and oftener if necessary. This could very well be at one of the bishopric’s council meetings. At this meeting the bishopric could properly refer to the Relief Society for investigation any families in need, and receive from the Relief Society reports and recommendations regarding families previously investigated. If desired, the bishopric could also authorize the Relief Society under their direction to administer such assistance in such form as may be needed. All matters pertaining to the care of the poor should be discussed in confidence. There should exist between the bishopric and the Relief Society officers a feeling of harmony and cooperation. Each should feel free to call upon the other. These meetings are conducive to this spirit.” (Handbook of Instructions for Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 14, 1928, p. 69)
1931: Jan.: Securing Employment for Church members.
“Every person who wants work should be able to obtain it. This is especially the case with those supporting families. Under present unfavorable economic conditions, it is difficult in many instances to secure employment. The Church can do much in trying to place the person wanting work in contact with any available jobs. This can best be done through the Priesthood quorums of the various wards and through stake coordination.
We urge, therefore, that in every locality where there are people needing employment, the Ward Bishopric, under the direction of the Stake Presidency, proceed as follows:
Appoint a Ward Employment Committee to consist of a High Priest, a Seventy and an Elder. These might be the chairmen of the Welfare Committees of these quorums or groups. With them can very properly be associated a representative of the Relief Society to look after employment for women. This committee will act under the direction of the bishopric.
Also, where conditions justify, a Stake Employment Committee should be formed, consisting of representatives of the Stake Presidency and High Council, with a member of the Stake Relief Society Board associated, to cooperate with the ward employment committees.
The suggestive procedure to be followed is, that if a ward member is without employment, the case will be referred to the Ward Employment Committee. The Welfare Committee of the quorum to which the man belongs, or the Relief Society in the case of a woman, will find out from the unemployed member the essential information pertaining to training, experience, qualifications, references, address and telephone number. This information will then be reported to the other members of the Ward Employment Committee. In the case of Priesthood members, the matter could then be taken up in the weekly ward Priesthood meeting and efforts made among all the members of the Priesthood to try to secure any possible job. If, after every possible means has been exhausted by the Ward Employment Committee, they have not been able to secure employment, the matter should then be referred to the bishopric. If they are then unable to find any employment for him, they will report the case to the Stake Employment Committee, who in turn will make every possible inquiry to try to secure employment for those in need. The important thing is that every possible means should be used to try to find some employment. All members of the Priesthood could properly make inquiry of all possible sources of employment. There is not question if this matter is taken up systematically and with real interest in the welfare of the Priesthood members that much can be done to help to relieve unemployment.–THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC.” (“Priesthood Quorums,” IE 34(3):154, Jan., 1931)
1933: 28 Aug.: Concerning welfare.
“To the Presidents of Stakes and Counselors
Dear Brethren:
Reported conditions in the State and Nation . . . [this document is contained in Clark, but listed by its publication dates, 2 Sep., 1933 in the Church Section, Deseret News, and 12 Oct., 1933, in the Millennial Star. The above date is the date on the First Presidency Circular Letter.] (28 Aug., 1933, First Presidency Circular Letters, LDS Archives, CR 1/1)
1934: Jan.: Care of the Poor.
“Responsibility–The primary responsibility, legally and morally, of caring for those in need rests with relatives of the needy. ‘But if any provide not for his own, and specially those in his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.’ I Timothy 5:8. Secondly, next to relatives, the counties are legally responsible for the care of the poor.
The Church, therefore, should render financial assistance only in a supplementary way, and chiefly in emergency cases. The efforts of ward bishoprics and Relief Society workers should be directed largely toward methods of permanent relief, such as securing employment, providing free medical aid, helping families, where necessary, to secure financial assistance from the sources above mentioned; and assisting in the budgeting of the family income. Ward authorities should undertake to see that the family secures the relief needed to make it become self-supporting. Bishoprics and Relief Society workers, and members of the Church generally should understand this relative responsibility. It should be clearly understood that while local officers will undertake to see that no member suffers for lack of the necessities of life, that at the same time they are fully justified in endeavoring first to secure the necessary assistance where possible from those who are directly responsible.
Assistance to be rendered is of two kinds: (a) direct and (b) unemployment relief. Unemployment relief is aid for able-bodied men and women out of employment, and varies according to economic conditions. As far as possible, such aid should be given only in exchange for work done or to be done. Direct relief is aid extended to those who are incapacitated either through sickness, injury or infirmities, etc. In all cases of church relief, whether direct or unemployment, regular tactful investigations should be made to determine the continued need of such relief. This is necessary in order that those who do need help shall not be neglected and that those who do not need help shall not impose upon those who are furnishing aid.
There should be coordination between the ward bishoprics, ward and stake Relief Society officers, and the stake presidency, with the County Officials in charge of relief, so that any of our people in need of either direct or unemployment relief may receive proper consideration from the county. The most satisfactory arrangement is to have a stake representative appointed to cooperate with the county and with the ward bishoprics and ward Relief Society officers in providing those in need with proper relief. Faithful, active Latter-day Saints in need of direct relief should not be referred to the County Welfare Department, but should be taken care of directly by the bishoprics and ward Relief Society officers.
Unemployed Church members should register with the County or Federal Employment Department. Generally speaking, it is considered most satisfactory to have the stake social service aid act as contact representative with the County Relief Committee and the County Welfare Department in passing on all cases requiring either direct or unemployment relief.
If desired, a special unemployment representative may be appointed to particularly look after all cases of unemployment needs. It is important that the unemployment representative should not only see that all unemployment cases are registered properly, but see that they get proper consideration in the selections for jobs and that they get proper relief, whether they are engaged in make-work projects or public works. The stake social service aid will work, of course, under the general direction of the stake presidency, and under the immediate supervision of stake Relief Society presidency. If a special unemployment representative is appointed, he should work under the direction of the stake presidency.
. . . .
Care of the Needy–It should be the effort of the ward bishopric and the Relief Society officers, after the cause of the trouble has been determined, to devise ways and means to permanently overcome the condition. If the cause is sickness, medical examination should be had and suitable attention given looking toward permanent improvement. Where lack of education is the cause, efforts should be made to enable those concerned to secure training in vocations that will help them to become self-sustaining. Where the cause is poor management, proper advice and supervision should be rendered in a kindly way to develop those qualities in the persons affected that will enable them to exercise economy and care in their affairs. In the case of unemployment, effort should be made locally to find employment of suitable character, such as will lead, if possible, to permanent occupations. If employment cannot be obtained, then some kind of work should be temporarily created in order that the person receiving assistance shall render service therefor. Under the present arrangement whereby assistance is being rendered for relief and make-work from federal and local sources, every effort possible should be exercised toward placing members of the Church who are in need of work on such projects.
Whenever financial help is rendered, it should be, if possible, in such a way that the bishopric will be assured that it will serve the purpose intended. It is preferable to give orders on stores for supplies required rather than cash. In transient cases unusual care should be exercised to avoid being imposed upon by persons who are unworthy of assistance. Only in emergency cases should help be rendered directly before investigation is made, and then only in such amounts and in such a way as shall be temporary, pending a study of the case.
The bishopric of each ward should be personally acquainted with the condition of the poor in the ward. The Relief Society should cooperate with the bishopric and act under their direction in caring for them. The agencies to labor in the ward as aids to the bishopric are the Relief Society officers and the ward teachers. The ward teachers should promptly notify the bishopric of an cases of sickness, distress or need that they may discover while visiting the Saints.
Stake Employment Committee–In each stake where needed, a stake employment committee should be organized, one member of which should be appionted to contact the county officials. Where there is more than one stake in a county or community, it would be preferable to have a joint employment committee and one contact representative for all stakes. The Stake Employment Committee should be composed of a man and a woman who are in touch with sources of employment. It is suggested that this committee consist of a representative of the stake presidency or high council, and the Relief Society stake social aid. A joint committee of two or more stakes would consist of the same representatives of the stakes. The contact officer should be able to contact the county officials, and secure the necessary help for those who need financial assistance. Regular reports, preferably weekly, should be required of these committees or officers by the stake presidency and Relief Society presidency, respectively, of each stake.
Ward Employment Committee–The suggested system for obtaining employment for church members in need is as follows: In each ward, where necessary, the bishopric may appoint a member of each of the high priests’, seventies’ and elders’ quorums, together with a member of the Relief Society as a ward employment committee. Their duty will be to investigate all cases of unemployment, and especially returned missionaries. They will take up with the members of their respective quorums and with the Relief Society, the finding of employment for those in need. They should advise the bishopric regularly of employment conditions. If work cannot be obtained for them through the quorums members, or the Relief Society, or by the bishopric, they should then be referred to the stake employment committee. If considerable unemployment prevails in any community, a special appeal should be made by the bishopric of each ward, under the direction of the stake presidency, to all those who might be able, to create means of temporary employment to help those in need. Under the present depressed conditions any who are unemployed should be cared for as stated in instructions given above under the heading ‘Responsibility.’
A Typical Charity Case–Assume that a family comes into the ward and sends word to the bishop that they are out of work, without means, and need immediate help.
The bishop will request the ward Relief Society president to either visit the family personally or have a special worker make the visit and obtain the necessary information, by tactful and sympathetic inquiry, as briefly as necessary, as follows:
a. Where they came from;
b. In what ward their membership is located;
c. Something of their history;
d. Names, addresses and character of employment of their relatives;
e. How long they have resided in the county;
f. Kind of work they can do;
g. Whether they need medical help;
h. Whether there is any infirmity among members of the family;
i. Information as to the care exercised in their expenditures;
j. Faithfulness and church activity of family.
Such activity should be inquired into and encouraged. At the time of this visit, if an emergency exists, temporary assistance could be provided in the form of limited food supplies, rather than cash. If employment is needed, the case should be referred at once to the employment committee, or under the conditions now prevailing through the stake representative, to the County Relief Committee for necessary make-work or public work.
If other social service is needed, the Relief Society worker would then study the situation, and report with recommendations to the ward Relief Society presidency who will discuss the matter with the bishopric. If the bishopric approve the recommendations, they may authorize the Relief Society to carry them into effect. If it is thought the recommendations should be modified, they will so instruct the Relief Society officers.
If the family is so situated that continued financial assistance is needed, the bishopric, through the ward Relief Society, can determine whether it is possible to get aid from relatives. If not, then the case should be taken up with the county officials through the stake contact officer. If employment is needed that cannot be found locally, that should be taken up with the stake employment committee. If medical aid is necessary, free medical service should be obtained through the ward or stake Relief Society. If, in addition to other help rendered, further financial assistance is required because of sickness, etc., then the bishop should provide it as far as possible from fast donations; and when necessary, by application to the Presiding Bishopric for aid from the tithes. But every effort shouild be made to secure financial assistance from other sources before calling on the Church. The Relief Society worker should continue to visit the family regularly and see that the plans undertaken are carried into effect until the family becomes self-sustaining.
Plan of Administration–The plan of Church charity administration is outlined herewith. To carry it out will require one or more social service workers in the stake and ward Relief Societies. The General Board of Relief Society of should be prepared to hold social service institutes in the various stakes for the training of the volunteer stake and ward workers in approved methods of social service.
a. All charity aid to be dispensed by ward bishoprics, subject to general supervision of the Presiding Bishopric; except funds of the Relief Society. The Relief Society will administer its own affairs, subject, of course, to the approval of the bishopric of the ward.
b. Funds for the purpose of assisting the poor to be obtained from the fast offerings, Relief Society aid, and, whenever necessary, by requisitions on the tithing funds.
c. Under the instructions of the ward bishopric, investigation of all cases to be made promptly by ward Relief Society workers, and definite recommendations submitted. Only in emergency cases should temporary aid be given by the bishopric or the Relief Society before careful investigation.
d. To assure the most effective results, meetings to be held by the ward bishopric with the Relief Society presidency as often as necessary, but at least once a month, where joint consideration of all recommendations may be had and definite policy outlined.
e. All charity cases considered to be held in strict confidence between the bishopric and the Relief Society officers.
f. All correspondence to the ward bishopric concerning charity cases to go through the office of the Presiding Bishopric. All correspondence to ward Relief Society officers through the General Board of Relief Society.
g. The General Board of Relief Society to keep in touch with outside agencies. Cases referred to them to be reported immediately to the presidency of the ward Relief Society.
h. The General Board will confine its work to the treatment of transients, aggravated cases and emergencies only. The General Board of Relief Society will act as a clearing house for information on transient cases.
i. No charity assistance to be rendered directly by the Presiding Bishopric or by the General Board of Relief Society, except in cases of emergency.
Who Should be Assisted–It has been the practice of many bishops and Relief Society officers to assist every family or person claiming membership in the Church, so much so that a large majority of those who in times past have been assisted belong to the class of people who hardly ever enter a meeting-house and have very little if any interest in the Church except when in need of aid. It is felt that this class of people when in need of food, hospital service, etc., should be referred to the County Welfare Department. Faithful members of the Church should receive the kind, sympathetic attention of the bishopric of the ward and of the Relief Society. A faithful member is one who paid tithing when in a position to do so and has attended ward meetings and performed the duties required of him by the presiding officers of the ward or stake. Under the present serious unemployment conditions, all able-bodied Church workers in need of employment should be referred to the stake representatives in charge of unemployment relief. They should register with the county or federal employment agency, and should obtain unemployment relief preferably through make-work or public works projects.
. . . .
Relief Society–The ward Relief Society will opearte under the direction of the bishopric and be their chief aid in caring for the poor and unfortunate. The Relief Society teachers should visit every family once a month, or oftener if necessary, and report immediately to the president cases of sickness or distress. The president, under the direction of the bishop, should see that suitable relief is given. In large centers of population there is an advantage in cooperating with local charity organizations, through the stake presidencies of Relief Society, for the purpose of preventing duplication of charity work, but no direct affiliation with outside organizations should be effected without the approval of the Church authorities.
Duties of Relief Society–The work of the Relief Society is not merely the investigation of cases and disbursing of means in a charitable way; but a very important part of their work is visiting the sick, comforting those in distress, praying for them and administering such spiritual comfort as the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone provides.
. . . .
Social Service Work–Relief Society officers should be trained in the best methods of caring for the poor, and this training in social work should be given in our annual institutes and organizations, based on plans, policies and ideas approved by the priesthood. The persons engaged in the work of caring for the poor should be unpaid workers. It would be very proper indeed, for ward Relief Society officers and for stake board members, under the direction of the General Board of Relief Society, to take special training in better methods of relief. Stake board members should then continue the training of ward Relief Society officers, or members who may seem specially adapted to such work. The work of caring for the poor should be carried out under the direction of the ward bishopric. Transients should be taken care of by stake officers only under the direction of the stake presidency. Publicity should be avoided when dealing with the poor. Confidences of those in distress should be held inviolate, and the use of names should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Laws–Old Age Pension–Indigent Poor–There is a law in operation in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah, which authorizes the Probate Judge of County Commissioners to provide an allowance for the indigent sick and dependent poor, whose relatives are unable to support them, and special provision is also made for support of widows with dependent children. In California and Utah there is also an Old-age Pension Law in operation. Wherever there are dependent poor or widows with dependent children who are members of the Church, the bishopric should advise that they file application with the proper officers for a monthly allowance and see that they obtain the benefits provided by law.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 40-49)
1935: 9 Nov.: 1st Pres. statement on welfare.
“To the Presidents of Stakes and Counselors
Dear Brethren:
1. We refer to the meeting held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Monday morning, October 7, 1935, at the close of the last October conference, and to the remarks made by Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon and ourselves on that occasion.
2. We refer also to our letter to you brethren of August 28, 1933, and to the observations, exhortations, and instructions therein made and incorporated, all of which are to be considered as part of this letter in so far as the same are now pertinent.
3. We request you to read and study with greatest care the letter of August 28, 1933, and this letter and the accompanying instructions, so that you may become thoroughly familiar therewith. If there be any matter which you do not thoroughly understand, we ask you immediately to communicate with the Presiding Bishopric.
4. We quote here certain portions of our letter of August 28, 1933, as they still represent our feelings and convictions on the matter of caring for our infirm and unemployed.
5. ‘The Lord will not hold us guiltless if we shall permit any of our people to go hungry, or to be cold, unclad, or unhoused during the approaching winter. Particularly He will consider us gravely blameful if those who have heretofore paid their tithes and offerings to the Church when they had employment shall now be permitted to suffer when the general adversity has robbed them of their means of livelihood. Whatever else happens, these faithful persons must not be permitted to come to want or distress now.’
6. Reports show generally that crops have been harvested, which, if duly conserved and wisely distributed, will amply supply the full necessities of the people.
7. As heretofore stated, the Church organizations, if properly coordinated by the bishops and presidents of stakes, are qualified by purpose, jurisdiction, ability of membership, and experience to carry on adequately during the coming winter the work of caring for Church members. In rendering assistance to those in need, Church officers should have one prime consideration in mind–that relief, except to the sick, infirm, or disabled, should be furnished so far as possible through make-work projects. To this end private industry should put forth helpful effort. As you know, the Government is seeking to create employment for able-bodied men, particularly heads of families, with the view of enabling and encouraging all to gain independent support. We think it advisable for members of the Church to accept their just share of work thus supplied.
8. In addition to this, stake and ward officers and presidencies of quorums should exert themselves in an effort to devise ways and means of furnishing employment to those in need. Help rendered in this manner is far preferable to that which is given without compensatory services.
9. The Church stands ready to assist the wards in this relief work to the utmost of its ability, though the Church itself must of necessity look now as always to the wards themselves to do the bulk of this relief work, raising, for the considerable part of this added service special funds from those who are able, and particularly from people who do not pay regularly their full tithes and offerings. Manifestly every person in the ward should be willing to cooperate in these commendable efforts to render necessary aid to individuals and families in distress. The raising of these special funds from sources indicated is obligatory because the tithes must be available for the missionary, educational, Temple work and other indispensable and general activities of the Church which cannot otherwise be carried on, and because the regular offerings must be used to care for the ill and incapacitated. Unless there is a most generous, free giving by the people of all materials necessary for relief purposes, we can hardly hope to care for the needy. All relief will be extended through the wards or stakes.
10. We wish the presidency of each stake immediately to undertake, through the bishops, a detailed and exhaustive study of the actual condition of every ward in his stake. The greatest care and painstaking effort should be used in making this survey. We are forwarding herewith blanks with detailed instructions for making the survey. When this survey is finished we desire each president of stake to forward his report to the Presiding Bishopric of the Church.
11. We appreciate that the making of these surveys will require a considerable amount of careful and exacting work by the bishops and their aids and by the presidencies of stakes, but there appears to be no other feasible course if we are to plan adequately for caring for the needy during the coming winter.
12. The reports called for in the accompanying forms should be in the hands of the Presiding Bishopric not later than November 30, 1935.
13. We ask that all persons assisting in gathering the information and making record of it shall do their work with the greatest possible accuracy. In these times of emergency, we must not be forced to shape our course by false or inaccurate data. If any attempted relief work is to be successful, it must be founded upon actual facts.
14. We ask that you have in mind two classes of individuals who will need help:
(a) All deserving active members who are ill or otherwise incapacitated, physically or mentally, for work. This is the class that in normal times is cared for by the ward organizations. We will designate them ‘Class 1 Needy.’
(b) All deserving active members who are able-bodied but unemployed and in need, that is, in danger of actual want. These, generally speaking, make up the group that needs help only during the depression. We will speak of them as ‘Class 2 Needy,’ and for whom work may be supplied as indicated in Paragraph 7.
15. If members of these two classes of needy can be supplied with relief that shall keep them from actual want, that is, if they shall be supplied with the actual necessities, they will be receiving as much aid from relief as the actual needs of all the people will permit. There must be no overreaching, no favoritism, and no imposition. Bishops will be scrupulously careful in this matter.
16. Presidents of stakes and bishops are charged with the responsibility of seeing that the foregoing principles are strictly observed throughout the Church.
Invoking the blessings of the Lord uopn you in this work of mercy and justice to those of the Lord’s people in distress, we are
Faithfully your brethren,
H. J. Grant
J. Reuben Clark Jr.
David O. McKay
First Presidency”
(9 Nov., 1935, First Presidency Circular Letters, LDS Archives, CR 1/1)