Belle Smith Spafford

Women in Religious Roles

LDS Relief Society general president for nearly thirty years (1945-1974), Spafford is credited for bringing Mormon women out of obscurity. She participated in women’s organizations throughout the world and was nominated for president of the National Council of Women in 1968. Spafford oversaw the construction of the Relief Society building in Salt Lake City, having raised half a million dollars for its construction by asking each of the hundred thousand Relief Society members worldwide to donate five dollars each. Spafford also founded the LDS Church’s social services program (now called LDS Family Services).