Helen W. Anderson
Born: 1 January 1901
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1957
Released: 1958
Died: 7 June 1990
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1957
Released: 1958
Died: 7 June 1990
Biographical Articles
Relief Society Magazine, December 1950, Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed to General Board of Relief Society
Relief Society Magazine, March 1957, Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed Second Counselor
Relief Society Magazine, October 1958, Helen Woodruff Anderson Released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society
Relief Society Magazine, March 1957, Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed Second Counselor
Relief Society Magazine, October 1958, Helen Woodruff Anderson Released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society
Judd, Mary Grant. "Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed to General Board of Relief Society." Relief Society Magazine. December 1950. pg. 808-809.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed to General Board of Relief Society
Mary Grant Judd.
Member, Relief Society General Board
ON September 26, 1950, Helen Woodruff Anderson was appointed a member of the general board of Relief Society, and was sustained in her new position at the October semi-annual conference of the Church.
Characterized by unusual executive ability, Sister Anderson has made many outstanding contributions to the work of Relief Society. Her earliest experience was gained under the direction of Sister Amy Brown Lyman, when she worked in the general Relief Society offices in charge of employment. She next served for several years as a visiting teacher, then as a member of the stake board in charge of social science, a stake counselor, and, finally, at the time of her call to the general board, she was serving as Relief Society president of Big Cottonwood Stake. She also served with marked success as assistant to Sister Ella P. Bennion, chairman of the Relief Society presidents’ department of the Jordan Valley Welfare Region.
There can be no doubt that the women of Big Cottonwood Stake will be loath to part with their president, for she has many outstanding characteristics which have endeared her to them. She possesses true humility, never holding herself aloof from those with whom she associates. On occasion she exhibits a sparkling sense of humor.
In reviewing a' successful life, such as Helen Woodruff Anderson’s, it is always revealing to trace influences which have contributed to that success. First of all must be mentioned that she comes of a line of valiant pioneers. Helen’s paternal grandfather, President Wil- ford Woodruff, was known for his great faith and humility. In fact, in the early days of the Church, he was given the significant title of “Wilford, the Faithful.” Helen’s father, Abraham O. Woodruff, following in the footsteps of his noble parent, was a valiant champion of righteousness. He was one of the youngest men ever chosen to be an apostle in our day. Her mother was Helen Winters, a descendant also of faithful and devoted pioneer forebears.
These young parents had fine testimonies of the gospel and a desire to live its principles. However, before they had had the opportunity of directing the lives of their children to any appreciable extent, a great tragedy took both of the parents from their little ones. While on a Church assignment in the City of Mexico, they both died with the dread disease of small pox.
Anna Rosenkilde, head nurse for many years of the Primary Children’s Hospital, cared for them during the several years when their kindly grandmother, Sister Emma S. Woodruff, made them a part of her household.
Following the death of their grandmother, the children were welcomed into the home of their aunt and uncle, President and Sister Heber J. Grant. There can be little doubt that the precepts and example of that kindly home had a marked influence on the character development and ideals of Helen W. Anderson.
In May 1925, she married Alex P. Anderson, a former missionary in the New Zealand Mission, and bishop of the Waterloo Ward for thirteen years. The Andersons have one son and four daughters: a married daughter, Bonnie A. Dimmitt; Barbara, who is teaching school; Woodruff (“Woodie”), a student at the University of Utah; and Judith and Lynda, in grade school.
The Anderson home is one of beauty, comfort, and refinement, where spirituality is combined with unusual friendliness.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed to General Board of Relief Society
Mary Grant Judd.
Member, Relief Society General Board
ON September 26, 1950, Helen Woodruff Anderson was appointed a member of the general board of Relief Society, and was sustained in her new position at the October semi-annual conference of the Church.
Characterized by unusual executive ability, Sister Anderson has made many outstanding contributions to the work of Relief Society. Her earliest experience was gained under the direction of Sister Amy Brown Lyman, when she worked in the general Relief Society offices in charge of employment. She next served for several years as a visiting teacher, then as a member of the stake board in charge of social science, a stake counselor, and, finally, at the time of her call to the general board, she was serving as Relief Society president of Big Cottonwood Stake. She also served with marked success as assistant to Sister Ella P. Bennion, chairman of the Relief Society presidents’ department of the Jordan Valley Welfare Region.
There can be no doubt that the women of Big Cottonwood Stake will be loath to part with their president, for she has many outstanding characteristics which have endeared her to them. She possesses true humility, never holding herself aloof from those with whom she associates. On occasion she exhibits a sparkling sense of humor.
In reviewing a' successful life, such as Helen Woodruff Anderson’s, it is always revealing to trace influences which have contributed to that success. First of all must be mentioned that she comes of a line of valiant pioneers. Helen’s paternal grandfather, President Wil- ford Woodruff, was known for his great faith and humility. In fact, in the early days of the Church, he was given the significant title of “Wilford, the Faithful.” Helen’s father, Abraham O. Woodruff, following in the footsteps of his noble parent, was a valiant champion of righteousness. He was one of the youngest men ever chosen to be an apostle in our day. Her mother was Helen Winters, a descendant also of faithful and devoted pioneer forebears.
These young parents had fine testimonies of the gospel and a desire to live its principles. However, before they had had the opportunity of directing the lives of their children to any appreciable extent, a great tragedy took both of the parents from their little ones. While on a Church assignment in the City of Mexico, they both died with the dread disease of small pox.
Anna Rosenkilde, head nurse for many years of the Primary Children’s Hospital, cared for them during the several years when their kindly grandmother, Sister Emma S. Woodruff, made them a part of her household.
Following the death of their grandmother, the children were welcomed into the home of their aunt and uncle, President and Sister Heber J. Grant. There can be little doubt that the precepts and example of that kindly home had a marked influence on the character development and ideals of Helen W. Anderson.
In May 1925, she married Alex P. Anderson, a former missionary in the New Zealand Mission, and bishop of the Waterloo Ward for thirteen years. The Andersons have one son and four daughters: a married daughter, Bonnie A. Dimmitt; Barbara, who is teaching school; Woodruff (“Woodie”), a student at the University of Utah; and Judith and Lynda, in grade school.
The Anderson home is one of beauty, comfort, and refinement, where spirituality is combined with unusual friendliness.
Judd, Mary Grant. "Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed Second Counselor in General Presidency of Relief Society." Relief Society Magazine. March 1957. pg. 152-153.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed Second Counselor in General Presidency of Relief Society
Alberta H. Christensen
Member, General Board of Relief Society
ON January 2, 1957, Helen Woodruff Anderson was appointed to the office of Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society. Years of devoted Church service, academic training, and natural endowment qualify Sister Anderson for this important calling.
Helen Anderson, a gentle-voiced and gracious woman, evidenced, even in youth, personality traits which qualify her to fulfill her present assignment with distinction and honor. Humility, a subtle sense of humor, and a marked consideration for others have endeared her to those with whom she associates intimately and to all who have known her capable leadership. Hers is a judicious, quiet strength, with an element of self-restraint which commands respect; yet she is friendly and sociable, with a genuine interest in others. Her love for family and friends is apparent from the unselfish service she renders them.
In tracing the factors which have influenced her life, we recall that spirituality, devotion, and humility are her heritage. Her paternal grandfather was President Wilford Woodruff, fourth President of the Church. The memory of his humility and devotion has been for Helen a guiding light through the years. She is a daughter of the late Helen May Winters and Abraham O. Woodruff, a member of the Council of the Twelve. The early death of her parents left their four young children parentless.
Fortunately, the homes into which they were welcomed were kindly and understanding. After the death of their paternal grandmother, they made their home with President Heber J. Grant and Augusta Winters Grant, a sister of their mother. Here Helen matured in an atmosphere of refinement and spiritual integrity. She always speaks lovingly and appreciatively of the influence of this home in shaping her ideals and attitudes toward life. She recalls such counsel from Aunt Augusta which she feels has influenced her attitude and action: “Always do a little more than is expected of you; learn to enjoy the things you are required to do; self preparation and trust in the Lord are companion requirements for success in any assignment.”
Sister Anderson attended the L.D.S. High School and was graduated from the University of Utah with a major in home economics. In 1925 she married Alexander Pyper Anderson, who had filled a mission in New Zealand and later was bishop of Waterloo Ward for thirteen years. They have five children, four daughters and one son. All are married except Lynda, a high school student.
Helen loves Relief Society and understands the many facets of its program, having given it many years of devoted service. It has been joyful service, for her testimony is strong, being faith grounded and maintained by constant activity. Under President Amy Brown Lyman, she worked in the general Relief Society offices in charge of employment. She has been a visiting teacher, stake board member, stake counselor, and president of Big Cottonwood Stake Relief Society. She has also served as group leader in the employment division of Jordan Valley Welfare Region. Since 1950 she has been a member of the general board of Relief Society, where she has become recognized for her ability and dependability and loved by her coworkers.
As each new door of increased responsibility opens, Helen W. Anderson steps humbly forward, inspired by her rich heritage, and sustained by her great abilities and her unwavering faith.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Appointed Second Counselor in General Presidency of Relief Society
Alberta H. Christensen
Member, General Board of Relief Society
ON January 2, 1957, Helen Woodruff Anderson was appointed to the office of Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society. Years of devoted Church service, academic training, and natural endowment qualify Sister Anderson for this important calling.
Helen Anderson, a gentle-voiced and gracious woman, evidenced, even in youth, personality traits which qualify her to fulfill her present assignment with distinction and honor. Humility, a subtle sense of humor, and a marked consideration for others have endeared her to those with whom she associates intimately and to all who have known her capable leadership. Hers is a judicious, quiet strength, with an element of self-restraint which commands respect; yet she is friendly and sociable, with a genuine interest in others. Her love for family and friends is apparent from the unselfish service she renders them.
In tracing the factors which have influenced her life, we recall that spirituality, devotion, and humility are her heritage. Her paternal grandfather was President Wilford Woodruff, fourth President of the Church. The memory of his humility and devotion has been for Helen a guiding light through the years. She is a daughter of the late Helen May Winters and Abraham O. Woodruff, a member of the Council of the Twelve. The early death of her parents left their four young children parentless.
Fortunately, the homes into which they were welcomed were kindly and understanding. After the death of their paternal grandmother, they made their home with President Heber J. Grant and Augusta Winters Grant, a sister of their mother. Here Helen matured in an atmosphere of refinement and spiritual integrity. She always speaks lovingly and appreciatively of the influence of this home in shaping her ideals and attitudes toward life. She recalls such counsel from Aunt Augusta which she feels has influenced her attitude and action: “Always do a little more than is expected of you; learn to enjoy the things you are required to do; self preparation and trust in the Lord are companion requirements for success in any assignment.”
Sister Anderson attended the L.D.S. High School and was graduated from the University of Utah with a major in home economics. In 1925 she married Alexander Pyper Anderson, who had filled a mission in New Zealand and later was bishop of Waterloo Ward for thirteen years. They have five children, four daughters and one son. All are married except Lynda, a high school student.
Helen loves Relief Society and understands the many facets of its program, having given it many years of devoted service. It has been joyful service, for her testimony is strong, being faith grounded and maintained by constant activity. Under President Amy Brown Lyman, she worked in the general Relief Society offices in charge of employment. She has been a visiting teacher, stake board member, stake counselor, and president of Big Cottonwood Stake Relief Society. She has also served as group leader in the employment division of Jordan Valley Welfare Region. Since 1950 she has been a member of the general board of Relief Society, where she has become recognized for her ability and dependability and loved by her coworkers.
As each new door of increased responsibility opens, Helen W. Anderson steps humbly forward, inspired by her rich heritage, and sustained by her great abilities and her unwavering faith.
Spafford, Belle S. "Helen Woodruff Anderson Released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society." Relief Society Magazine. October 1958. pg. 653-654.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society
Belle S. Spafford
General President of Relief Society
THE General Board of Relief Society announces that on August 11, 1958, Helen Woodruff Anderson was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency and as a member of the General Board, necessitated by a call to serve with her husband, Brother Alexander P. Anderson, who was appointed by the First Presidency to preside over the New Zealand South Mission.
Sister Anderson has given long and valued service to Relief Society in ward, stake, and General Board capacities. She has won the love and esteem of the sisters with whom she has associated wherever her Relief Society activities have taken her. While she will be greatly missed by her present associates, all rejoice that one so able, experienced, understanding, and gracious has been called to lead the sisters and guide the work of Relief Society under the direction of the Priesthood in that faraway mission of the Church.
Sister Anderson was called to the General Board September 26, 1950. She was serving as Big Cottonwood Stake Relief Society president at the time of her call and also as assistant group leader of the Relief Society Presidents’ Department at the Jordan Valiev Region bimonthly welfare meetings. Her wide experience in Relief Society, her native endowments, her training in the field of home economics, her firm testimony of the gospel, and her dependable devotion to the work of the Church contributed toward eminently qualifying her for her position on the General Board.
When a vacancy occurred in the General Presidency, Sister Anderson was a logical choice to fill this high office. She was appointed Second Counselor in the General Presidency by the First Presidency on January 1, 1957. She has met the responsibilities of this position with characteristic devotion, ability, and with unusual sensitiveness to the diversified and exacting requirements of it. She has also shown a quick sensibility to the interests and responsibilities of her associates in the Presidency.
Her special division of responsibility in the General Presidency has been the work meeting program and the annual stake Relief Society conventions. She has had supervision of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, instituting some new features. As a member of the General Presidency, she has served as an advisory member of the General Church Welfare Committee, a member of its clothing committee, and also a member of the Deseret Industries Committee. She has also been chairman of the General Board Committee assigned to assist with taking inventories at the general Church Welfare storehouse.
To all of her work Sister Anderson has given a judicious, quiet strength and a spirit of devoted service. She has been a valued and beloved counselor.
Her service to Relief Society is by no means terminated by her call to the New Zealand South Mission; it is merely transferred to a new field of labor, where her many virtues and qualifications will be a blessing to the sisters and will advance the work of the Relief Society there.
Her associates of the General Board wish for her in her new field of service happiness, and the choice blessings of the Lord.
Helen Woodruff Anderson Released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency of Relief Society
Belle S. Spafford
General President of Relief Society
THE General Board of Relief Society announces that on August 11, 1958, Helen Woodruff Anderson was released as Second Counselor in the General Presidency and as a member of the General Board, necessitated by a call to serve with her husband, Brother Alexander P. Anderson, who was appointed by the First Presidency to preside over the New Zealand South Mission.
Sister Anderson has given long and valued service to Relief Society in ward, stake, and General Board capacities. She has won the love and esteem of the sisters with whom she has associated wherever her Relief Society activities have taken her. While she will be greatly missed by her present associates, all rejoice that one so able, experienced, understanding, and gracious has been called to lead the sisters and guide the work of Relief Society under the direction of the Priesthood in that faraway mission of the Church.
Sister Anderson was called to the General Board September 26, 1950. She was serving as Big Cottonwood Stake Relief Society president at the time of her call and also as assistant group leader of the Relief Society Presidents’ Department at the Jordan Valiev Region bimonthly welfare meetings. Her wide experience in Relief Society, her native endowments, her training in the field of home economics, her firm testimony of the gospel, and her dependable devotion to the work of the Church contributed toward eminently qualifying her for her position on the General Board.
When a vacancy occurred in the General Presidency, Sister Anderson was a logical choice to fill this high office. She was appointed Second Counselor in the General Presidency by the First Presidency on January 1, 1957. She has met the responsibilities of this position with characteristic devotion, ability, and with unusual sensitiveness to the diversified and exacting requirements of it. She has also shown a quick sensibility to the interests and responsibilities of her associates in the Presidency.
Her special division of responsibility in the General Presidency has been the work meeting program and the annual stake Relief Society conventions. She has had supervision of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, instituting some new features. As a member of the General Presidency, she has served as an advisory member of the General Church Welfare Committee, a member of its clothing committee, and also a member of the Deseret Industries Committee. She has also been chairman of the General Board Committee assigned to assist with taking inventories at the general Church Welfare storehouse.
To all of her work Sister Anderson has given a judicious, quiet strength and a spirit of devoted service. She has been a valued and beloved counselor.
Her service to Relief Society is by no means terminated by her call to the New Zealand South Mission; it is merely transferred to a new field of labor, where her many virtues and qualifications will be a blessing to the sisters and will advance the work of the Relief Society there.
Her associates of the General Board wish for her in her new field of service happiness, and the choice blessings of the Lord.