A Financial Derangement

As the USA enters a new century optimism abounds, yet there is political scandal, stock expansion and war.  In that same period politicians, fearful of the power and control the banks had on credit issuing pushed for a reform of the system to make it easier to borrow money.  Eventually, these loose financial ties would combine with other causes of global proportions to create a financial mess.  The year was 1837.

In 1836 the Church of Christ (later to be known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has had a marvelous period of growth and had begun to stretch the missionary movement into Canada.  The settlements in Missouri were growing again in Far West in the Mormon counties in Missouri.  In the spring the Church dedicated the Kirtland temple.

Get to Know Belle S. Spafford

This is Belle S. Spafford.  She was the General Relief Society President from 1945 to 1974.

She was the longest serving President in that organization’s history.  Well known in both religious and secular life she was President for six different Prophets.

As well as being a strong leader for the church, working with the leadership to help the people in war torn Europe after World War 2.  She also served on different international agencies, including a term as president of the National Council of Women of the United States 1968-70 as well as eight years as vice president.

As well she was a member of the National Advisory Committee to the White House Conference on Aging. These roles provided a national and international face on the organization and was seen as a benefit to the church.