LDS Primary

The LDS Primary is the children's organization of the LDS Church. After seeing boys run loose through her small town of Farmington, Utah, Aurelia Spencer Rogers knew something had to be done. She, an LDS woman and mother of 12 children herself, approached Eliza R. Snow, leader of the LDS Church's women's organization, the Relief Society for help.

Sister Snow brought the concerns to then church prophet, John W. Taylor. He supported organizing a Primary for the training of both boys *and* girls. Aurelia Spencer Rogers was called to be the first president of the organization, called the Primary Association. Sister Rogers visited the homes of each child and recorded their names. (At that time, Primary classes included children aged 4 to 14.)

The first meeting of the Primary Association was held in the Farmington Rock Chapel on Sunday, August 25, 1878. Over 200 children attended the first meeting. Lessons included such topics as faith, manners, keeping the Sabbath day holy, and controlling tempers.

Today the LDS Primary has about one million members. Children are grouped by age for Sunday instruction, which includes gospel teaching, sharing time, and music.