Louise Y. Robison
Born: 27 May 1866
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 2 April 1921
Called as Relief Society General President: 7 October 1928
Released: 31 December 1939
Died: 30 March 1946
Called as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 2 April 1921
Called as Relief Society General President: 7 October 1928
Released: 31 December 1939
Died: 30 March 1946
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, December 1928, Counselor Louise Y. Robison
Relief Society Magazine, January 1929, Louise Yates Robison
Relief Society Magazine, January 1929, President Louise Yates Robison
Relief Society Magazine, September 1934, President Robison Returns
Relief Society Magazine, February 1940, Louise Y. Robison
Relief Society Magazine, May 1946, In Memoriam: President Louise Y. Robison
Relief Society Magazine, December 1928, Counselor Louise Y. Robison
Relief Society Magazine, January 1929, Louise Yates Robison
Relief Society Magazine, January 1929, President Louise Yates Robison
Relief Society Magazine, September 1934, President Robison Returns
Relief Society Magazine, February 1940, Louise Y. Robison
Relief Society Magazine, May 1946, In Memoriam: President Louise Y. Robison
Jenson, Andrew. "Robison, Louise Y." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 178, 195-196.
ROBISON, Louise Y., seventh General President of the National Woman's Relief Society, was born May 27, 1866, at Scipio, Millard Co., Utah, a daughter of Thomas Yates and Elizabeth Francis. She attended the public schools and Brigham Young Academy and, being a natural leader, held office in the auxiliary organizations, including that of president of the Y. L. M. I. A. in the First and Emerson wards of Salt Lake City. She served on the Granite Stake Genealogical Board, and was a member and first counselor in the Granite Stake Relief Society Board. Sister Robison has been a member of the General Board of Relief Society since April 2, 1921, serving first as second counselor and has been General President of Relief Society since Oct. 8, 1928. During her presidency the Relief Societies in Utah have vigorously supported the movement of a State Training School for the feeble-minded and was largely responsible for its establishment. The Relief Society has also placed a beautiful monument in Nauvoo, Ill., marking the site of the building, in the upper room of which the National Woman's Relief Society (first known as the Female Relief Society) was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, Mar. 17, 1842. The dedication of this monument occurred July 24, 1933. Sister Robison supervised work of the Red Cross gauze room at the Gardo House, Salt Lake City, during the World war, and was instructor in surgical dressings. She is a director of the Utah Tuberculosis Association and member of the board of directors of the Visiting Nurses Association, and of the Utah State Public Welfare Board. She is a member of the board of directors of the Travelers' Aid Society and has attended two national conventions of this organization. She was a delegate to the National Conference of Social Work, to the National Women's Christian Temperance Union, to the National Council of Women, and to the International Congress of Women at the Century of Progress Fair at Chicago in 1933, where she presided at one of the general sessions of the Congress. She was also a delegate from the United States to the International Council of Women at Paris, France in 1935, and has traveled extensively in America and in Europe in the interest of the Relief Society. On Oct. 11, 1883, she was married to Joseph Lyman Robison and is the mother of six children.
ROBISON, Louise Y., seventh General President of the National Woman's Relief Society, was born May 27, 1866, at Scipio, Millard Co., Utah, a daughter of Thomas Yates and Elizabeth Francis. She attended the public schools and Brigham Young Academy and, being a natural leader, held office in the auxiliary organizations, including that of president of the Y. L. M. I. A. in the First and Emerson wards of Salt Lake City. She served on the Granite Stake Genealogical Board, and was a member and first counselor in the Granite Stake Relief Society Board. Sister Robison has been a member of the General Board of Relief Society since April 2, 1921, serving first as second counselor and has been General President of Relief Society since Oct. 8, 1928. During her presidency the Relief Societies in Utah have vigorously supported the movement of a State Training School for the feeble-minded and was largely responsible for its establishment. The Relief Society has also placed a beautiful monument in Nauvoo, Ill., marking the site of the building, in the upper room of which the National Woman's Relief Society (first known as the Female Relief Society) was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, Mar. 17, 1842. The dedication of this monument occurred July 24, 1933. Sister Robison supervised work of the Red Cross gauze room at the Gardo House, Salt Lake City, during the World war, and was instructor in surgical dressings. She is a director of the Utah Tuberculosis Association and member of the board of directors of the Visiting Nurses Association, and of the Utah State Public Welfare Board. She is a member of the board of directors of the Travelers' Aid Society and has attended two national conventions of this organization. She was a delegate to the National Conference of Social Work, to the National Women's Christian Temperance Union, to the National Council of Women, and to the International Congress of Women at the Century of Progress Fair at Chicago in 1933, where she presided at one of the general sessions of the Congress. She was also a delegate from the United States to the International Council of Women at Paris, France in 1935, and has traveled extensively in America and in Europe in the interest of the Relief Society. On Oct. 11, 1883, she was married to Joseph Lyman Robison and is the mother of six children.
"Counselor Louise Y. Robison." Relief Society Magazine. December 1928. pg. 652-653.
Counselor Louise Y. Robison
Louise Yates Robison has been counselor to President Williams since the beginning of her administration. With Sister Knight she has given to her president that loyalty which a presiding officer may justly expect from her counselors. Whatever success attaches to an organization in its work, must be shared by those who stand at the helm and push the work forward, and Louise Yates Robison has stood there and done her share.
In addition to her devoted work as counselor she has been at the head of the burial clothes department. It has been said by people who know the Relief Society work intimately that the organization has never been in a better condition than at the present time, a fact which all the statistics support, and among its departments one of the most efficient has been the burial clothes department. It has been dependable and has been run in a strictly business-like manner. To Sister Robison are due the heartiest congratulations and the gratitude of all who have been served from that department, for the efficient way in which the work has been done. Then, too, we cannot refrain from saying that sister Robison's personality is almost made to order for that special work, for one of her gifts is the gift of expressing sympathy delicately and yet with healing sweetness. The person who stands at the head of the burial clothes department comes daily in contact with those who are bowed down with sorrow. Their whole souls are reaching forth for that kindly touch which, if it cannot restore the loss, can at least assuage the grief. Anyone knowing Louise Y. Robison must know that no one in trouble can come in contact with her without recognizing that in her voice and touch and word there is love and healing. One of the members of the Board once said of her that she perhaps more than any other members of the Board has the power to speak the word of sympathy and hearten those bowed in sorrow.
Yet, in another way, Louise Y. Robison's service has been distinguished. Like Sister Knight she has gone all over the Church attending conventions in the nearby and remote stakes and she has gone forth with a message of gladness, and for her kindly ministrations comes the abundant reward of love and good will. It is sufficient endorsement of the work of Sister Robison as counselor that she has been selected the head of the organization, and in as much as the next issue of the Magazine will contain an editorial devoted to the new president we shall desist from saying the other things that should be said of her until the later writing.
Counselor Louise Y. Robison
Louise Yates Robison has been counselor to President Williams since the beginning of her administration. With Sister Knight she has given to her president that loyalty which a presiding officer may justly expect from her counselors. Whatever success attaches to an organization in its work, must be shared by those who stand at the helm and push the work forward, and Louise Yates Robison has stood there and done her share.
In addition to her devoted work as counselor she has been at the head of the burial clothes department. It has been said by people who know the Relief Society work intimately that the organization has never been in a better condition than at the present time, a fact which all the statistics support, and among its departments one of the most efficient has been the burial clothes department. It has been dependable and has been run in a strictly business-like manner. To Sister Robison are due the heartiest congratulations and the gratitude of all who have been served from that department, for the efficient way in which the work has been done. Then, too, we cannot refrain from saying that sister Robison's personality is almost made to order for that special work, for one of her gifts is the gift of expressing sympathy delicately and yet with healing sweetness. The person who stands at the head of the burial clothes department comes daily in contact with those who are bowed down with sorrow. Their whole souls are reaching forth for that kindly touch which, if it cannot restore the loss, can at least assuage the grief. Anyone knowing Louise Y. Robison must know that no one in trouble can come in contact with her without recognizing that in her voice and touch and word there is love and healing. One of the members of the Board once said of her that she perhaps more than any other members of the Board has the power to speak the word of sympathy and hearten those bowed in sorrow.
Yet, in another way, Louise Y. Robison's service has been distinguished. Like Sister Knight she has gone all over the Church attending conventions in the nearby and remote stakes and she has gone forth with a message of gladness, and for her kindly ministrations comes the abundant reward of love and good will. It is sufficient endorsement of the work of Sister Robison as counselor that she has been selected the head of the organization, and in as much as the next issue of the Magazine will contain an editorial devoted to the new president we shall desist from saying the other things that should be said of her until the later writing.
Knight, Jennie Brimhall. "Louise Yates Robison." Relief Society Magazine. January 1929. pg. 2-6.
Louise Yates Robison
President of National Woman's Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
By Jennie Brimhall Knight
Across the street from our home stands a group of beautiful, large maple trees. For a long time they have been a constant joy to all who come their way. The green leaves of spring speak hope, testifying of the coming of grateful shade to relieve the hot summer sun. Then, with their message of good cheer, beautiful beyond expression of brush or pen, come the glorious tints of autumn. These trees were planted by Louise Yates Robison when Provo was her home city. They are typical of her, for throughout her life she has sought to have beauty take the place of barrenness, to see that comfort and succor come to the rescue of those exposed to the fiery darts of want and poverty, and with words of cheer to make more colorful and happy the lives of the downhearted and depressed.
Among women who are blessed in being well born is our new president. Her birth occurred in Millard County on May 27, 1866. Her father was Thomas Yates; her mother, Elizabeth Francis Yates. She says, "I am thankful that I was born to those splendid parents, who were refined, spiritual and loving." Throughout life her father and mother were devoted lovers. They left their native land for the faith they had in the gospel, and bequeathed to their children a reverence for God, for his works, for his promises. Their daughter, following their worthy example, has a perfect trust in the Lord and deep respect for his authority here on earth.
In Pioneer days her father was bishop of Scipio; her mother a worker in the ward Relief Society and later president of the Millard Stake Relief Society—facts that bear witness to their leadership. When very young Louise learned to share with others her food and shelter as well as the companionship of her father and mother. In this home the foundation was laid for our new president's work in the Relief Society.
Sister Robison got her schooling in her home town and was for a season a student at the Brigham Young University. At that time Karl G. Maeser was principal—a fact that she appreciates. With hundreds of other students she received abundant spiritual enrichment through contact with his life. When a very young girl she was married to Joseph Lyman Robison, and thus her career as a student was cut short. Millard County has produced more than its share of gifted people, a fact indicating that a number of unusual families located in that section. Among these was the Robison family, and Joseph Lyman is a scion of that stock. It has been my good fortune to know the members of these families rather well and whenever they speak of young men of promise of Millard County, of the earlier period, they usually name Joseph Lyman Robison as one of them.
Many years of Mrs. Robison's life have been devoted to home making. Her two sons, like her brother Thomas, an engineer, are of the professional class. Her eldest son, Harold, who received his M. D. at the Rush Medical College in Chicago and his Master's Degree in Philadelphia, is a prominent physician of Los Angeles, California. Her son Rulgn is endowed with exceptional musical ability ; he has a rich tenor voice and is a member of the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She has four daughters — Florence, Winifred, Gladys and Dorothy, all married. Their mother's tribute is "my daughters are as successful homemakers and mothers as my sons are successful professional men." People who have come in contact with this family have been impressed by their mutual devotion and by the endearing terms with which they address each other. Having seen some of the daughters, I know that their mother is justified in her estimate of their ability.
In one capacity or another Louise Yates Robison has served the Church a great many years of her life. Before her marriage she was an officer in the Y. L. M. I. A.; for several years thereafter she was at home with her babies. She says "when they were old enough for me to leave them, I again began Mutual work." For many years she served as president of the First Ward Mutual in Salt Lake City, and later she was president in the Emerson Ward. Then came the period of her service on the Granite Stake Relief Society Board, followed by a call to the presidency of that Board. She was serving in the capacity of first counselor to President Leonora T. Harrington when she was placed on the General Board of the Relief Society and the Executive Committee in the position of second counselor to President Clarissa S. Williams. Sister Robison has also served on the Granite Stake Board of Genealogy, doing active work with Richard Summerhays.
During the war her very efficient service was generally appreciated, particularly by the Red Cross, for whom she did conspicuous work. Her special work at that time was in surgical dressings. She took training and later was sent out by the Red Cross as an instructor. She presided in the gauze room at the Gardo House. True to her nature, she cannot think of these wartime experiences without connecting it with the friendships that resulted from the work. Many a thought she devotes to the "fine women who gave their service to the Red Cross during that period of storm and stress."
Temple work is dear to her heart. She has said that there are no moments of her life when the spiritual seems to dominate so completely and push from her all that is earthly as when she is in the Temple doing the work of that Sacred House. She particularly appreciates her good fortune in being able to attend the dedicatory services of the Mesa Temple in Arizona. During that memorable week President Grant gave her an invitation to be present at every session—a courtesy which she deeply appreciates.
In positions of leadership Sister Robison is modest and unassuming. On April 2, 1921, when her name was announced as counselor to President Clarissa S. Williams, she turned to Leonora T. Harrington, her stake president, and said, "I didn't know there was another woman by that name in the Church." Much to her astonishment, Mrs. Harrington answered, "Why, that's you."
From the moment of her entrance on the General Board she has been energetically interested in Relief Society problems. During convention and conference periods she has visited more stakes than her real quota. No personal interest has ever stood in the way of her answering the call of the organization.
It is superfluous to say that she is industrious; her record of achievement bears eloquent testimony to this fact. She has spent many hours in the office when all others were gone. Besides her regular work as counselor, she has acted as chairman of a number of important committees. At her suggestion and under her supervision, a Church-wide campaign for home beautification was launched, resulting in unforeseen and extraordinary interest throughout the stakes of the Church.
At present she is a member of the Travelers' Aid Society, having attended two national conventions of this organization. This year her name is published as one of the directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. Her interest in social welfare problems has taken her to two conferences for social workers, one held at Denver, Colorado, and the other at Toronto, Canada. She is an active member of the State Conference of Social Work and of other organizations interested in community welfare.
Her kindly solicitude for all and her art of greeting each with endearing terms, coupled with her sympathy and patience, have proved invaluable assets in her work in the burial clothes department. This branch of the work of the Relief Society has been a notable success under her management. The bereaved and sorrowing, whenever they have entered her office, have found a haven of peace during those anxious hours when they are performing the last tender service for loved ones.
On October 7, 1928, President Grant presented her name at the Semi-annual Conference for General President of the National Woman's Relief Society of the Church—a position that she will doubtless fill with the same enthusiasm, energy, and faith that she has put into all other positions to which she has been called.
Sister Robison is interested in the progress of women the world over. Consequently, she has a vision of the great work to be done and the courage to do her part. She is full of faith and has an understanding heart. She comes to this notable position well qualified to fill it with dignity and honor. Our thoughts of her lead us to substitute the feminine for the masculine and repeat the words of the third paragraph of the first psalm in expressing our faith in our new President, Louise Yates Robison. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water; that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Louise Yates Robison
President of National Woman's Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
By Jennie Brimhall Knight
Across the street from our home stands a group of beautiful, large maple trees. For a long time they have been a constant joy to all who come their way. The green leaves of spring speak hope, testifying of the coming of grateful shade to relieve the hot summer sun. Then, with their message of good cheer, beautiful beyond expression of brush or pen, come the glorious tints of autumn. These trees were planted by Louise Yates Robison when Provo was her home city. They are typical of her, for throughout her life she has sought to have beauty take the place of barrenness, to see that comfort and succor come to the rescue of those exposed to the fiery darts of want and poverty, and with words of cheer to make more colorful and happy the lives of the downhearted and depressed.
Among women who are blessed in being well born is our new president. Her birth occurred in Millard County on May 27, 1866. Her father was Thomas Yates; her mother, Elizabeth Francis Yates. She says, "I am thankful that I was born to those splendid parents, who were refined, spiritual and loving." Throughout life her father and mother were devoted lovers. They left their native land for the faith they had in the gospel, and bequeathed to their children a reverence for God, for his works, for his promises. Their daughter, following their worthy example, has a perfect trust in the Lord and deep respect for his authority here on earth.
In Pioneer days her father was bishop of Scipio; her mother a worker in the ward Relief Society and later president of the Millard Stake Relief Society—facts that bear witness to their leadership. When very young Louise learned to share with others her food and shelter as well as the companionship of her father and mother. In this home the foundation was laid for our new president's work in the Relief Society.
Sister Robison got her schooling in her home town and was for a season a student at the Brigham Young University. At that time Karl G. Maeser was principal—a fact that she appreciates. With hundreds of other students she received abundant spiritual enrichment through contact with his life. When a very young girl she was married to Joseph Lyman Robison, and thus her career as a student was cut short. Millard County has produced more than its share of gifted people, a fact indicating that a number of unusual families located in that section. Among these was the Robison family, and Joseph Lyman is a scion of that stock. It has been my good fortune to know the members of these families rather well and whenever they speak of young men of promise of Millard County, of the earlier period, they usually name Joseph Lyman Robison as one of them.
Many years of Mrs. Robison's life have been devoted to home making. Her two sons, like her brother Thomas, an engineer, are of the professional class. Her eldest son, Harold, who received his M. D. at the Rush Medical College in Chicago and his Master's Degree in Philadelphia, is a prominent physician of Los Angeles, California. Her son Rulgn is endowed with exceptional musical ability ; he has a rich tenor voice and is a member of the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She has four daughters — Florence, Winifred, Gladys and Dorothy, all married. Their mother's tribute is "my daughters are as successful homemakers and mothers as my sons are successful professional men." People who have come in contact with this family have been impressed by their mutual devotion and by the endearing terms with which they address each other. Having seen some of the daughters, I know that their mother is justified in her estimate of their ability.
In one capacity or another Louise Yates Robison has served the Church a great many years of her life. Before her marriage she was an officer in the Y. L. M. I. A.; for several years thereafter she was at home with her babies. She says "when they were old enough for me to leave them, I again began Mutual work." For many years she served as president of the First Ward Mutual in Salt Lake City, and later she was president in the Emerson Ward. Then came the period of her service on the Granite Stake Relief Society Board, followed by a call to the presidency of that Board. She was serving in the capacity of first counselor to President Leonora T. Harrington when she was placed on the General Board of the Relief Society and the Executive Committee in the position of second counselor to President Clarissa S. Williams. Sister Robison has also served on the Granite Stake Board of Genealogy, doing active work with Richard Summerhays.
During the war her very efficient service was generally appreciated, particularly by the Red Cross, for whom she did conspicuous work. Her special work at that time was in surgical dressings. She took training and later was sent out by the Red Cross as an instructor. She presided in the gauze room at the Gardo House. True to her nature, she cannot think of these wartime experiences without connecting it with the friendships that resulted from the work. Many a thought she devotes to the "fine women who gave their service to the Red Cross during that period of storm and stress."
Temple work is dear to her heart. She has said that there are no moments of her life when the spiritual seems to dominate so completely and push from her all that is earthly as when she is in the Temple doing the work of that Sacred House. She particularly appreciates her good fortune in being able to attend the dedicatory services of the Mesa Temple in Arizona. During that memorable week President Grant gave her an invitation to be present at every session—a courtesy which she deeply appreciates.
In positions of leadership Sister Robison is modest and unassuming. On April 2, 1921, when her name was announced as counselor to President Clarissa S. Williams, she turned to Leonora T. Harrington, her stake president, and said, "I didn't know there was another woman by that name in the Church." Much to her astonishment, Mrs. Harrington answered, "Why, that's you."
From the moment of her entrance on the General Board she has been energetically interested in Relief Society problems. During convention and conference periods she has visited more stakes than her real quota. No personal interest has ever stood in the way of her answering the call of the organization.
It is superfluous to say that she is industrious; her record of achievement bears eloquent testimony to this fact. She has spent many hours in the office when all others were gone. Besides her regular work as counselor, she has acted as chairman of a number of important committees. At her suggestion and under her supervision, a Church-wide campaign for home beautification was launched, resulting in unforeseen and extraordinary interest throughout the stakes of the Church.
At present she is a member of the Travelers' Aid Society, having attended two national conventions of this organization. This year her name is published as one of the directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. Her interest in social welfare problems has taken her to two conferences for social workers, one held at Denver, Colorado, and the other at Toronto, Canada. She is an active member of the State Conference of Social Work and of other organizations interested in community welfare.
Her kindly solicitude for all and her art of greeting each with endearing terms, coupled with her sympathy and patience, have proved invaluable assets in her work in the burial clothes department. This branch of the work of the Relief Society has been a notable success under her management. The bereaved and sorrowing, whenever they have entered her office, have found a haven of peace during those anxious hours when they are performing the last tender service for loved ones.
On October 7, 1928, President Grant presented her name at the Semi-annual Conference for General President of the National Woman's Relief Society of the Church—a position that she will doubtless fill with the same enthusiasm, energy, and faith that she has put into all other positions to which she has been called.
Sister Robison is interested in the progress of women the world over. Consequently, she has a vision of the great work to be done and the courage to do her part. She is full of faith and has an understanding heart. She comes to this notable position well qualified to fill it with dignity and honor. Our thoughts of her lead us to substitute the feminine for the masculine and repeat the words of the third paragraph of the first psalm in expressing our faith in our new President, Louise Yates Robison. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water; that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; and his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
"President Louise Yates Robison." Relief Society Magazine. January 1929. pg. 22-23.
President Louise Yates Robison
With the ushering in of the new year we present the new president, Louise Yates Robison, who, on October 7, 1928, was sustained in the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as seventh General President of the Relief Society. President Robison comes to this important office with a number of outstanding qualifications. Kindliness and good will towards others is with her both a science and an art. It is part of her natural equipment from both inheritance and cultivation. Since relief work is the phase on which chief emphasis is placed in the organization the inclination to help those who are in need of help must be a main part of the equipment of any president of a Relief Society.
Two things a good executive must be able to do: she must have the vision to see what is necessary to be done; also she must have the executive ability to carry out the things she sees. Some people have the mental ability to map out work but lack the art of putting over the plan after it has been formulated. Others have the power to execute, but lack the vision to see or know what were good to be done. President Robison appears to combine the ability of both seeing and doing.
It is almost axiomatic that a real leader will call around her people well suited to perform the particular tasks to which they are assigned. President Robison is, therefore, to be congratulated on her choice of counselors and secretary. It is one of the high points of leadership to surround oneself with efficient help; and in her first official act—that of selecting an efficient executive committee— she has given evidence of this high order of leadership.
The new president was trained in a home in Scipio, where the possibilities for learning and refinement under pioneer conditions taxed in the highest degree those who lived in the community. All that could be achieved had to be wrought through hard work, with such help as our Father lends to those who diligently seek and serve him. In such an environment Mrs. Robison was reared. She has developed a high degree of spirituality which can be felt by those with whom she meets or labors. The deep joy she experiences in her Temple work is added evidence of her love for things spiritual. Through the experience of her lifetime she has learned to rely on the Lord; and where she places her reliance, she will lead others to place theirs. She believes in the ultimate triumph of good; and where her faith is, her works will follow.
In public address the new president is persuasive. Lighting up and transforming all her thoughts is a countenance of rare sweetness. Her charm and grace of manner, which are part of a really lovely personality, will shed a benediction on every stake that she may visit. She will be a most welcome visitor wherever it is her good pleasure to go; for one of her gifts is the ability to touch and win the hearts of those with whom she comes in contact.
President Louise Yates Robison
With the ushering in of the new year we present the new president, Louise Yates Robison, who, on October 7, 1928, was sustained in the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as seventh General President of the Relief Society. President Robison comes to this important office with a number of outstanding qualifications. Kindliness and good will towards others is with her both a science and an art. It is part of her natural equipment from both inheritance and cultivation. Since relief work is the phase on which chief emphasis is placed in the organization the inclination to help those who are in need of help must be a main part of the equipment of any president of a Relief Society.
Two things a good executive must be able to do: she must have the vision to see what is necessary to be done; also she must have the executive ability to carry out the things she sees. Some people have the mental ability to map out work but lack the art of putting over the plan after it has been formulated. Others have the power to execute, but lack the vision to see or know what were good to be done. President Robison appears to combine the ability of both seeing and doing.
It is almost axiomatic that a real leader will call around her people well suited to perform the particular tasks to which they are assigned. President Robison is, therefore, to be congratulated on her choice of counselors and secretary. It is one of the high points of leadership to surround oneself with efficient help; and in her first official act—that of selecting an efficient executive committee— she has given evidence of this high order of leadership.
The new president was trained in a home in Scipio, where the possibilities for learning and refinement under pioneer conditions taxed in the highest degree those who lived in the community. All that could be achieved had to be wrought through hard work, with such help as our Father lends to those who diligently seek and serve him. In such an environment Mrs. Robison was reared. She has developed a high degree of spirituality which can be felt by those with whom she meets or labors. The deep joy she experiences in her Temple work is added evidence of her love for things spiritual. Through the experience of her lifetime she has learned to rely on the Lord; and where she places her reliance, she will lead others to place theirs. She believes in the ultimate triumph of good; and where her faith is, her works will follow.
In public address the new president is persuasive. Lighting up and transforming all her thoughts is a countenance of rare sweetness. Her charm and grace of manner, which are part of a really lovely personality, will shed a benediction on every stake that she may visit. She will be a most welcome visitor wherever it is her good pleasure to go; for one of her gifts is the ability to touch and win the hearts of those with whom she comes in contact.
"President Robison Returns." Relief Society Magazine. September 1934. pg. 555.
President Robison Returns
WE are happy to announce the safe return of our beloved President, Louise Y. Robison from her European trip. We are sure our readers will be eager to read her report which will appear in a forthcoming issue of our magazine.
Sister Robison enjoyed good health while away and was warmly received wherever she went. The friendship, goodwill and love shown by the Relief Society sisters of Europe moved her deeply and made her more eager than ever to be humble and to perform her duties faithfully. She was delighted with the way the sisters in the European mission conducted their meetings and the earnestness and devotion they exhibited. They are eager to carry on the work as efficiently and to study the same lessons as their fellow members are doing in Zion. They have groups of "Singing Mothers" and some of the sisters in Switzerland yodel to the delight of those who hear them.
Through our President's visit, the General Board will understand conditions there much better and will therefore be able to give more aid.
We welcome our President back. It is a joy to see her take up her work immediately on her return and as of yore put her whole heart and soul into the work that is so dear to her.
President Robison Returns
WE are happy to announce the safe return of our beloved President, Louise Y. Robison from her European trip. We are sure our readers will be eager to read her report which will appear in a forthcoming issue of our magazine.
Sister Robison enjoyed good health while away and was warmly received wherever she went. The friendship, goodwill and love shown by the Relief Society sisters of Europe moved her deeply and made her more eager than ever to be humble and to perform her duties faithfully. She was delighted with the way the sisters in the European mission conducted their meetings and the earnestness and devotion they exhibited. They are eager to carry on the work as efficiently and to study the same lessons as their fellow members are doing in Zion. They have groups of "Singing Mothers" and some of the sisters in Switzerland yodel to the delight of those who hear them.
Through our President's visit, the General Board will understand conditions there much better and will therefore be able to give more aid.
We welcome our President back. It is a joy to see her take up her work immediately on her return and as of yore put her whole heart and soul into the work that is so dear to her.
Barker, Kate M. "Louise Y. Robison." Relief Society Magazine. February 1940. pg. 76-80.
Louise Y. Robison
General President of the National Woman's Relief Society—1928-1939
By Kate M. Barker “NOT until in the midst of work to be done, a man has said, 'This is my task'; not until in the face of a problem has he said, 'This is my opportunity'; not until in the great field of life, which is the field of religion, he has said, 'This is my cause', has his soul come to life."
This quotation was used by Sister Robison in one of her lovely talks at a Relief Society Conference, and it seems to me the words "soul come to life" describe her own radiant personality. Fortunate are the people and the cause who have such a leader! I think our Father in Heaven must receive a great deal of Joy from a worker like Louise Y. Robison— one who accepts a call to service as an opportunity, one who accepts with joy and puts her whole heart and soul into the work, one who never counts the time or effort required, one who no matter how many calls are made, how many meetings there are to attend, responds as though the greatest joy and privilege that could come to one has come to her. No matter how strenuous the day has been or the lateness of the hour, as long as there is a service to render she never seems tired but answers each with head high and eyes sparkling and with a sweet humility which keeps her very close to her Father in Heaven.
Her absolute testimony of the Gospel, her unusual love of God and of fellow men have made her a leader whose work even in the smallest detail has never become routine but has had a zest to it that has at all times enabled her to give her best.
Sister Robison was called to be General President of the Relief Society just prior to the depression in 1929. Since then, there have been so many aching hearts, so many discouraged mothers, so many near the breaking point, so many whose faith has begun to weaken. Her office in the General Board rooms has been a home where all who needed her could come for help. Invariably, those who came to open their hearts to her went away encouraged, feeling stronger to meet their problems. Truly, she has "the understanding heart". We who have worked close to her have always marveled at her vitality, at her great spirituality, her great strength, and at her power to give the human touch.
It is rare when one who has such great spiritual sensitiveness has also practical strength, which makes for capability in managing the business side of the work. The office work has been efficiently conducted; she was manager of the Burial Clothes Department and of the Magazine, both of which are on a sound basis financially. All has been so quietly handled that those who came to the office failed to realize the complexity of the business phase of the work and felt, rather, the predominance of the spiritual.
Relief Society stake presidents and all Relief Society workers have felt free to come to the office and talk over their problems with Sister Robison, knowing that they would be made welcome and could talk with one who understood, one who appreciated their strength and their work. Many expressions of appreciation have come from stake presidents. The following is typical:
"We could get so close to you and feel you were close to us."
It has been inspiring to see the marvelous response of all the stakes and wards to her leadership. Nothing was ever asked which did not receive immediate attention.
IN the eleven years in which she has been leader, great progress has been made in the Relief Society organization. In 1933, a monument was erected in Nauvoo, commemorating the organization of Relief Society there in 1842. This was a source of pleasure to Sister Robison, for it tied our organization to the Prophet Joseph and his wife and made one unit of Relief Society from the beginning.
When in Europe in 1934 she visited some of the missions, and with her fine sensitiveness to the feelings of others she sensed their feeling of being by themselves, far away from the center of the Church; immediately upon her return she began, as she always did, to meet the need through a monthly bulletin.
That all the women of the Church should have opportunities for culture and service has always been the desire of Sister Robison. Early in her administration, a combined chorus from the Salt Lake Stake was organized and called the "Singing Mothers". Today in practically every mission and stake in the Church there are groups of Singing Mothers.
The high standard of the educational work of Relief Society has been maintained, with emphasis being placed on application to daily life. Quoting Sister Robison: "We must be sure that we are developing character as well as culture." She believes that a woman's greatest mission is that of mother and homemaker, and courses in home beautification, sanitation, nutrition and child guidance have been stressed. In 1938, a new course, "Education For Family Life", was started. Sister Robison has been very enthusiastic about this course.
She was reared in an ideal Latter-day Saint home, a home where there was love and tender care, where a child had the finest of opportunities for spiritual and cultural development. Her mother, Elizabeth F. Yates, was for twenty-one years president of the Millard Stake Relief Society. Her father, Thomas Yates, was bishop of the Scipio Ward.
She is the mother of six children: Dr. Harold Robison, a successful physician of Los Angeles, Rulon Robison, one of the outstanding musicians of Boston, and four lovely daughters, Florence, Winifred, Gladys and Dorothy, who are making happy homes of their own. The loyalty, the love, the companionship, the enjoyment of each other which her family group has is evidence of the home life she and Brother Robison made when they were all together.
The welfare work and Welfare Department have been under Sister Robison's direct supervision. There has been maintained the closest cooperation with the Public Health Nurses, the State Board of Health and all agencies interested in welfare work. The Welfare Department has grown and is giving wonderful service to the bishops of the Salt Lake Region.
She has always been especially solicitous for little children and the aged. That any child should be cold or hungry or have to go through life handicapped because of lack of dental or medical care is to her unbearable. So her plea has always been that ward presidents increase their charity fund and meet these needs, that if they could not, to let her know and somehow the needed money would be secured.
Because of her great interest and outstanding work, when the State Board of Public Welfare was organized she was asked by Governor Blood to be a member of that board. Following is an expression of appreciation from him:
"When the State Department of Public Welfare was created, it appeared both desirable and wise that one of the six appointive board members should be a woman. It was necessary that the woman chosen have intelligence, poise, understanding of social problems on a statewide basis, sympathy for the needs of people and a recognition of the financial burdens placed on taxpayers by welfare programs. In short, the person selected must possess an unusual combination of talent and experience. In Mrs. Louise Y. Robison I found a person who possessed in a high degree the required qualifications and whose sense of duty persuaded her to accept the difficult, self-sacrificing and, at times, even thankless obligations of a member of the State Board of Public Welfare.
"In the past five years I have had opportunity to become acquainted with, and have many times acknowledged, the superior attainments of Mrs. Robison. Her long service in the work of the Relief Society was a preparation of the greatest worth in taking up this task. As a Board Member, she has been faithful in attendance, wise in counsel, excellent in judgment, and in every way helpful to her fellow members.
"As Governor of the State of Utah, and as Chairman of the State Board of Public Welfare, I acknowledge the services she has rendered, and in this I am joined by all members of the Board."
She has been a member of the Travelers Aid Board as well as of the Board of Visiting Nurses.
In 1939, a conference was called by President Roosevelt to study "Children in a Democracy", Again her worth was recognized by the Governor, and she was appointed Utah's representative to this conference.
The qualities which we all appreciate and which have made her the admired leader of the women of the Church have been recognized by the national and international leaders of women. At the World Conference of Women in 1933 held in Chicago she was asked to preside at one of the meetings. We who have gloried in her poise, in her graciousness as a presiding officer, can know how she brought honor to herself and her organization at this time.
In 1934, she attended the meeting of the International Council of Women in Paris, France, being one of nine American women chosen as delegates by the National Council. She was appointed on the Committee of Single Moral Standards where she was asked to report the work of the Relief Society and the standards of the Latter-day Saint Church.
She is a life member of the National Council of Women. The following is taken from a letter from Lena Madesin Phillips, formerly president of the National Council of Women: "You were a great source of satisfaction and help to us. I particularly count upon your sound judgment, your vision and your fine cooperative spirit."
When the Church Welfare Plan was announced. Sister Robison was enthusiastic and ever since has been a most ardent worker for the Plan. She has been advisor to the Church Welfare Committee, a member of the Deseret Industries Committee, has presided at the Relief Society department in the Salt Lake regional meetings, and for some time went to the Ogden regional meetings. Her great desire has been that Relief Society women meet their responsibilities in the Plan. How wonderfully the women responded is shown in the work they have done.
In response to the plea of the General Authorities .that people be helped to help themselves, "Mormon Handicraft" was started. Sister Robison has the vision of what this project may become, not only in giving women an opportunity of staying in the home and yet supplementing the family income but also in the spiritual and cultural values which come to those who create beauty. The Church Welfare Program and those who are guiding it have had no more active, loyal supporter. The following is an expression of appreciation from the Presiding Bishopric:
"Among the men and women with whom we are privileged to work there are some we would call Kings and Queens because of the motives and methods of their lives. In this group we would include Sister Louise Y. Robison. To know her is to love and honor her. As advisors to the Relief Society, it has been our privilege to meet weekly with Sister Robison and her Counselors, and we have come to know her for her real worth.
"Her charming, queenly ways have endeared her to the Latter-day Saints and others throughout the world wherever she has gone in discharge of her great responsibility as President of the National Woman's Relief Society.
"Sister Robison shall never be forgotten, for her teachings to the women of the Church have come from a rich, warm understanding of the needs of our Heavenly Father's children, touched with a deep spirituality which is the reward of diligently seeking the Father's will and words.
"She truly has been about her Father's business, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the widow and fatherless and freely giving of her love and kindness.
"We extend to her our love and blessings."
All who know Sister Robison will recall her loyalty, her friendliness, her keen sense of humor, her ready wit and delightful way of expressing it, her charm, her spirituality.
There are leaders whom we respect because of their strength of character; there are leaders whom we admire because of outstanding ability; Sister Robison is a leader whom we respect and admire and whom we love.
"No leader has been more greatly loved, and few so loved."
Louise Y. Robison
General President of the National Woman's Relief Society—1928-1939
By Kate M. Barker “NOT until in the midst of work to be done, a man has said, 'This is my task'; not until in the face of a problem has he said, 'This is my opportunity'; not until in the great field of life, which is the field of religion, he has said, 'This is my cause', has his soul come to life."
This quotation was used by Sister Robison in one of her lovely talks at a Relief Society Conference, and it seems to me the words "soul come to life" describe her own radiant personality. Fortunate are the people and the cause who have such a leader! I think our Father in Heaven must receive a great deal of Joy from a worker like Louise Y. Robison— one who accepts a call to service as an opportunity, one who accepts with joy and puts her whole heart and soul into the work, one who never counts the time or effort required, one who no matter how many calls are made, how many meetings there are to attend, responds as though the greatest joy and privilege that could come to one has come to her. No matter how strenuous the day has been or the lateness of the hour, as long as there is a service to render she never seems tired but answers each with head high and eyes sparkling and with a sweet humility which keeps her very close to her Father in Heaven.
Her absolute testimony of the Gospel, her unusual love of God and of fellow men have made her a leader whose work even in the smallest detail has never become routine but has had a zest to it that has at all times enabled her to give her best.
Sister Robison was called to be General President of the Relief Society just prior to the depression in 1929. Since then, there have been so many aching hearts, so many discouraged mothers, so many near the breaking point, so many whose faith has begun to weaken. Her office in the General Board rooms has been a home where all who needed her could come for help. Invariably, those who came to open their hearts to her went away encouraged, feeling stronger to meet their problems. Truly, she has "the understanding heart". We who have worked close to her have always marveled at her vitality, at her great spirituality, her great strength, and at her power to give the human touch.
It is rare when one who has such great spiritual sensitiveness has also practical strength, which makes for capability in managing the business side of the work. The office work has been efficiently conducted; she was manager of the Burial Clothes Department and of the Magazine, both of which are on a sound basis financially. All has been so quietly handled that those who came to the office failed to realize the complexity of the business phase of the work and felt, rather, the predominance of the spiritual.
Relief Society stake presidents and all Relief Society workers have felt free to come to the office and talk over their problems with Sister Robison, knowing that they would be made welcome and could talk with one who understood, one who appreciated their strength and their work. Many expressions of appreciation have come from stake presidents. The following is typical:
"We could get so close to you and feel you were close to us."
It has been inspiring to see the marvelous response of all the stakes and wards to her leadership. Nothing was ever asked which did not receive immediate attention.
IN the eleven years in which she has been leader, great progress has been made in the Relief Society organization. In 1933, a monument was erected in Nauvoo, commemorating the organization of Relief Society there in 1842. This was a source of pleasure to Sister Robison, for it tied our organization to the Prophet Joseph and his wife and made one unit of Relief Society from the beginning.
When in Europe in 1934 she visited some of the missions, and with her fine sensitiveness to the feelings of others she sensed their feeling of being by themselves, far away from the center of the Church; immediately upon her return she began, as she always did, to meet the need through a monthly bulletin.
That all the women of the Church should have opportunities for culture and service has always been the desire of Sister Robison. Early in her administration, a combined chorus from the Salt Lake Stake was organized and called the "Singing Mothers". Today in practically every mission and stake in the Church there are groups of Singing Mothers.
The high standard of the educational work of Relief Society has been maintained, with emphasis being placed on application to daily life. Quoting Sister Robison: "We must be sure that we are developing character as well as culture." She believes that a woman's greatest mission is that of mother and homemaker, and courses in home beautification, sanitation, nutrition and child guidance have been stressed. In 1938, a new course, "Education For Family Life", was started. Sister Robison has been very enthusiastic about this course.
She was reared in an ideal Latter-day Saint home, a home where there was love and tender care, where a child had the finest of opportunities for spiritual and cultural development. Her mother, Elizabeth F. Yates, was for twenty-one years president of the Millard Stake Relief Society. Her father, Thomas Yates, was bishop of the Scipio Ward.
She is the mother of six children: Dr. Harold Robison, a successful physician of Los Angeles, Rulon Robison, one of the outstanding musicians of Boston, and four lovely daughters, Florence, Winifred, Gladys and Dorothy, who are making happy homes of their own. The loyalty, the love, the companionship, the enjoyment of each other which her family group has is evidence of the home life she and Brother Robison made when they were all together.
The welfare work and Welfare Department have been under Sister Robison's direct supervision. There has been maintained the closest cooperation with the Public Health Nurses, the State Board of Health and all agencies interested in welfare work. The Welfare Department has grown and is giving wonderful service to the bishops of the Salt Lake Region.
She has always been especially solicitous for little children and the aged. That any child should be cold or hungry or have to go through life handicapped because of lack of dental or medical care is to her unbearable. So her plea has always been that ward presidents increase their charity fund and meet these needs, that if they could not, to let her know and somehow the needed money would be secured.
Because of her great interest and outstanding work, when the State Board of Public Welfare was organized she was asked by Governor Blood to be a member of that board. Following is an expression of appreciation from him:
"When the State Department of Public Welfare was created, it appeared both desirable and wise that one of the six appointive board members should be a woman. It was necessary that the woman chosen have intelligence, poise, understanding of social problems on a statewide basis, sympathy for the needs of people and a recognition of the financial burdens placed on taxpayers by welfare programs. In short, the person selected must possess an unusual combination of talent and experience. In Mrs. Louise Y. Robison I found a person who possessed in a high degree the required qualifications and whose sense of duty persuaded her to accept the difficult, self-sacrificing and, at times, even thankless obligations of a member of the State Board of Public Welfare.
"In the past five years I have had opportunity to become acquainted with, and have many times acknowledged, the superior attainments of Mrs. Robison. Her long service in the work of the Relief Society was a preparation of the greatest worth in taking up this task. As a Board Member, she has been faithful in attendance, wise in counsel, excellent in judgment, and in every way helpful to her fellow members.
"As Governor of the State of Utah, and as Chairman of the State Board of Public Welfare, I acknowledge the services she has rendered, and in this I am joined by all members of the Board."
She has been a member of the Travelers Aid Board as well as of the Board of Visiting Nurses.
In 1939, a conference was called by President Roosevelt to study "Children in a Democracy", Again her worth was recognized by the Governor, and she was appointed Utah's representative to this conference.
The qualities which we all appreciate and which have made her the admired leader of the women of the Church have been recognized by the national and international leaders of women. At the World Conference of Women in 1933 held in Chicago she was asked to preside at one of the meetings. We who have gloried in her poise, in her graciousness as a presiding officer, can know how she brought honor to herself and her organization at this time.
In 1934, she attended the meeting of the International Council of Women in Paris, France, being one of nine American women chosen as delegates by the National Council. She was appointed on the Committee of Single Moral Standards where she was asked to report the work of the Relief Society and the standards of the Latter-day Saint Church.
She is a life member of the National Council of Women. The following is taken from a letter from Lena Madesin Phillips, formerly president of the National Council of Women: "You were a great source of satisfaction and help to us. I particularly count upon your sound judgment, your vision and your fine cooperative spirit."
When the Church Welfare Plan was announced. Sister Robison was enthusiastic and ever since has been a most ardent worker for the Plan. She has been advisor to the Church Welfare Committee, a member of the Deseret Industries Committee, has presided at the Relief Society department in the Salt Lake regional meetings, and for some time went to the Ogden regional meetings. Her great desire has been that Relief Society women meet their responsibilities in the Plan. How wonderfully the women responded is shown in the work they have done.
In response to the plea of the General Authorities .that people be helped to help themselves, "Mormon Handicraft" was started. Sister Robison has the vision of what this project may become, not only in giving women an opportunity of staying in the home and yet supplementing the family income but also in the spiritual and cultural values which come to those who create beauty. The Church Welfare Program and those who are guiding it have had no more active, loyal supporter. The following is an expression of appreciation from the Presiding Bishopric:
"Among the men and women with whom we are privileged to work there are some we would call Kings and Queens because of the motives and methods of their lives. In this group we would include Sister Louise Y. Robison. To know her is to love and honor her. As advisors to the Relief Society, it has been our privilege to meet weekly with Sister Robison and her Counselors, and we have come to know her for her real worth.
"Her charming, queenly ways have endeared her to the Latter-day Saints and others throughout the world wherever she has gone in discharge of her great responsibility as President of the National Woman's Relief Society.
"Sister Robison shall never be forgotten, for her teachings to the women of the Church have come from a rich, warm understanding of the needs of our Heavenly Father's children, touched with a deep spirituality which is the reward of diligently seeking the Father's will and words.
"She truly has been about her Father's business, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the widow and fatherless and freely giving of her love and kindness.
"We extend to her our love and blessings."
All who know Sister Robison will recall her loyalty, her friendliness, her keen sense of humor, her ready wit and delightful way of expressing it, her charm, her spirituality.
There are leaders whom we respect because of their strength of character; there are leaders whom we admire because of outstanding ability; Sister Robison is a leader whom we respect and admire and whom we love.
"No leader has been more greatly loved, and few so loved."
Barker, Kate M. "In Memoriam: President Louise Y. Robison." Relief Society Magazine. May 1946. pg. 295-297, 356.
In Memoriam: President Louise Y. Robison
Kate M. Barker
Counselor to Sister Robison in the Relief Society General Presidency
(This address was delivered at the funeral services for Sister Robison held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, April 4, 1946.)
TODAY, for the first time, I have the responsibility of speaking in this building without Sister Robison at my side. On all other occasions, knowing that I was frightened, she would reach her hand out to mine and say, “You can do it.” And somehow, when she said this, we stood up and with the help of the Lord did our best. I feel that she is encouraging me now, that I can see her sweet smile and that she is telling me that no matter if I fail to express adequately what is in my heart, she knows what I feel and think, and how ardently I would love to give fitting utterance to my and your admiration and love.
I am sure that all our hearts are filled to overflowing with pride and gratitude. We are proud that one whom we love so dearly has glorious-ly prepared herself for a greater work. We are proud of the honor Sister Robison brought to the Church and to the Relief Society in all the contacts she made, national and international. We are proud that we are numbered among her friends. We are deeply grateful for her lovely self, for her beautiful life, that we were so blessed as to be permitted to work with her. We are grateful that she was our president.
There is sadness in our hearts for we know that something lovely has gone from our lives. No more will come those precious letters so full of love and encouragement, that always came when needed. She gave us so much of sweetness, she poured so much of warmth into our hearts. How we shall miss her!
But we know that our sorrow is for our own great loss. We know that this is a glorious day for Sister Robison — Commencement Day — and that she graduated with the highest honors. We know that her beautiful, radiant personality, her charm, her poise, her captivating sense of humor, her graciousness, her sympathy, her great love, her abiding testimony —all of those qualities which made her a great leader, so lovable and beloved—will go with her and be intensified in her new sphere of activity.
Someone has said that the happiest person is the one who thinks the most interesting and beautiful thoughts, and that such a person never grows old, but grows happier as the years pass. This was true of Sister Robison. The last time I talked with her she was not well. Though nothing could dim her radiant spirit, her delightful humor, yet I sensed a yearning of her soul for higher things, for greater service.
The opportunity for greater service has come. What a wonderful lifetime of service she has given here— eleven years of which she was president of the great Relief Society of the Church. Translate this into kind words, encouraging words, inspirational words, into kind deeds, into days and years spent in seeking those things that would enrich the lives of the women of the Church, and what a glorious record we have. She gave so generously of her time and always of herself, we wondered at her vitality. She gave so cheerfully. I have told her many times that she must be a great joy to her Father in heaven, she served him so cheerfully.
She was always solicitous of the women and so appreciative of their work. She so loved the “Singing Mothers” and I know how beautifully she would express her appreciation of this group today who have come to sing to do honor to her. When she stood before a group and said, “Dear Sisters,” something went from her heart to touch our heartstrings and we had a spiritual feast.
Probably her greatest contribution to Relief Society was the strengthening of the ties of unity, love, and co-operation. She traveled much, visiting wards and stakes and missions, and every visit strengthened the bonds of love and friendship.
Her vision of Relief Society was one of sisterhood and friendliness. Hear her plea:
“In some of the wards we still find there is lack of hospitality. We go to a meeting and are so in earnest in the work we are doing, that we are not as attentive as we might be to those fine women who come to our meetings. We do not feel that way when a friend comes. We are happy to have her come and we tell her so. Cannot we take this hospitality into our ward Relief Societies? . . . . There is nothing in the world that makes work go so smoothly as to be thoughtful and courteous to everyone.”
She exemplified this kindness in her own contacts. How often she expressed her love and appreciation to the Relief Society workers:
“Often we know that you have patiently labored with sad hearts and tired hands to render the service required in these times of distress, and no cry for help has gone unheeded. From our hearts we thank you. We honor you and love you ... We face the future with confidence and hope born of our faith in you and in the gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
I have heard both officers and members say: “Oh, Sister Robison, we can get so close to you and feel you are close to us.”
One bishop in a remote ward said, “Sister Robison belongs to the Church—not to one ward or stake. We all feel she belongs to us.”
She truly had that great gift, “the understanding heart—the human touch.”
In one of her addresses, she told of the night in Gethsemane, when the Savior, knowing that he was facing a terrible ordeal, could have called legions to help him, but he took his friends with him and said, “Tarry ye here, and watch with me.” He was sorrowful unto death and while he prayed they slept, and when he came to them he said, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40).
Then said Sister Robison: “I wonder if there is anyone here who does not need the human touch. I wonder if there is a woman in the Church who, through the Relief Society, has not the opportunity of watching the one hour with those who are bearing heavy burdens. Sisters, you have been given that privilege, you can comfort and bless souls.”
WE know she will enter on her new work “over there” with her head high, with eyes sparkling, with the enthusiastic zeal which characterized her work here, and with the same sweet humility which kept her always close to her Father in heaven.
“Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.”
Sister Robison has great faith, a simple, absolute faith. She knows that God lives. She knows the gospel is true. I quote her again:
“I believe firmly that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony that God lives, is the anchor that holds us and makes us feel secure.”
That was the message she always wished the Board Members to take to the stakes.
“But God has spoken,” she would say. “Let us make the women feel that God has spoken and that it be-hooves all to listen when Jehovah speaks.”
Great faith she had and hope and confidence. Love, the greatest of all gifts, she had in a superlative
degree. The great love she gave came back to her. One hears on every side, “Sister Robison will go down in history as the most beloved woman in the Church.” She loved her family with a tender love. To hear her but speak their names was a joy, she put so much of pride and love into it. She loved her friends and how loyal she was to them.
She loved children. That any child should go through life handicapped for lack of medical or dental care or proper food, was to her intolerable. “Don’t let a child suffer,” she would plead. “If you haven’t the money in your ward or stake, let me know and somehow I will find it.”
She loved people. At a party given by her Board Members on her birthday a year ago, Sister Nellie Parker paid her this beautiful tribute:
One of the outstanding strengths of Sister Robison’s leadership is her ability to put the arms of her love around even the most timid and inexperienced women and give them confidence in themselves and create within them a zealousness for the cause. She is able to draw out their best abilities and win their love and cooperation . . . She is enshrined in the hearts of those women who served her from Canada to Mexico, from Hawaii to Europe.
She loved the gospel. Deeply concerned as she was that no one should suffer for want of the material necessities of life, she also had that most precious of all gifts, the understanding heart, the ability to sense the spiritual needs of those who came to her discouraged, in sorrow, in doubt, or with faith faltering. And, coupled with this rare gift of seeing, she had the gift of giving that which was needed. I have seen women come to her office, crushed, despondent, and I have seen them leave with the light of hope and faith rekindled. How much this gift is needed today. If every woman in the Church could radiate spirituality as did Sister Robi-son, what a light we would be to the world.
She loved her work in the Church. To her it was never a duty to be per-formed, but a glorious, joyous opportunity which she welcomed. Can you not hear her say, “Welcome the task that takes you beyond yourself?”
In the early days of the Church when our Heavenly Father was “raising up a people who would serve him in righteousness” — a people who would be faithful enough and strong enough to carry on his work in these last days, he told them the qualifications needed for such a people. How often he emphasized, “Serve with an eye single to the glory of God.”
No one who thinks of honor to self is wholly devoted to a cause. But when one loses self in devotion to a great cause, that is one of the forms of superlative greatness; in fact, there can be no true greatness without it. “He who loses his life shall find it.” This greatest of all tributes we pay to Sister Robison.
She had the greatest of all gifts-love.
She truly served with an eye single to the glory of God.
To her family I wish to say, speak-ing for the women of the Church, that we love her. Her sweet influence will live on in our hearts forever. Our prayer is that we may so live, so carry on, that again some day she will be our leader.
In Memoriam: President Louise Y. Robison
Kate M. Barker
Counselor to Sister Robison in the Relief Society General Presidency
(This address was delivered at the funeral services for Sister Robison held in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, April 4, 1946.)
TODAY, for the first time, I have the responsibility of speaking in this building without Sister Robison at my side. On all other occasions, knowing that I was frightened, she would reach her hand out to mine and say, “You can do it.” And somehow, when she said this, we stood up and with the help of the Lord did our best. I feel that she is encouraging me now, that I can see her sweet smile and that she is telling me that no matter if I fail to express adequately what is in my heart, she knows what I feel and think, and how ardently I would love to give fitting utterance to my and your admiration and love.
I am sure that all our hearts are filled to overflowing with pride and gratitude. We are proud that one whom we love so dearly has glorious-ly prepared herself for a greater work. We are proud of the honor Sister Robison brought to the Church and to the Relief Society in all the contacts she made, national and international. We are proud that we are numbered among her friends. We are deeply grateful for her lovely self, for her beautiful life, that we were so blessed as to be permitted to work with her. We are grateful that she was our president.
There is sadness in our hearts for we know that something lovely has gone from our lives. No more will come those precious letters so full of love and encouragement, that always came when needed. She gave us so much of sweetness, she poured so much of warmth into our hearts. How we shall miss her!
But we know that our sorrow is for our own great loss. We know that this is a glorious day for Sister Robison — Commencement Day — and that she graduated with the highest honors. We know that her beautiful, radiant personality, her charm, her poise, her captivating sense of humor, her graciousness, her sympathy, her great love, her abiding testimony —all of those qualities which made her a great leader, so lovable and beloved—will go with her and be intensified in her new sphere of activity.
Someone has said that the happiest person is the one who thinks the most interesting and beautiful thoughts, and that such a person never grows old, but grows happier as the years pass. This was true of Sister Robison. The last time I talked with her she was not well. Though nothing could dim her radiant spirit, her delightful humor, yet I sensed a yearning of her soul for higher things, for greater service.
The opportunity for greater service has come. What a wonderful lifetime of service she has given here— eleven years of which she was president of the great Relief Society of the Church. Translate this into kind words, encouraging words, inspirational words, into kind deeds, into days and years spent in seeking those things that would enrich the lives of the women of the Church, and what a glorious record we have. She gave so generously of her time and always of herself, we wondered at her vitality. She gave so cheerfully. I have told her many times that she must be a great joy to her Father in heaven, she served him so cheerfully.
She was always solicitous of the women and so appreciative of their work. She so loved the “Singing Mothers” and I know how beautifully she would express her appreciation of this group today who have come to sing to do honor to her. When she stood before a group and said, “Dear Sisters,” something went from her heart to touch our heartstrings and we had a spiritual feast.
Probably her greatest contribution to Relief Society was the strengthening of the ties of unity, love, and co-operation. She traveled much, visiting wards and stakes and missions, and every visit strengthened the bonds of love and friendship.
Her vision of Relief Society was one of sisterhood and friendliness. Hear her plea:
“In some of the wards we still find there is lack of hospitality. We go to a meeting and are so in earnest in the work we are doing, that we are not as attentive as we might be to those fine women who come to our meetings. We do not feel that way when a friend comes. We are happy to have her come and we tell her so. Cannot we take this hospitality into our ward Relief Societies? . . . . There is nothing in the world that makes work go so smoothly as to be thoughtful and courteous to everyone.”
She exemplified this kindness in her own contacts. How often she expressed her love and appreciation to the Relief Society workers:
“Often we know that you have patiently labored with sad hearts and tired hands to render the service required in these times of distress, and no cry for help has gone unheeded. From our hearts we thank you. We honor you and love you ... We face the future with confidence and hope born of our faith in you and in the gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
I have heard both officers and members say: “Oh, Sister Robison, we can get so close to you and feel you are close to us.”
One bishop in a remote ward said, “Sister Robison belongs to the Church—not to one ward or stake. We all feel she belongs to us.”
She truly had that great gift, “the understanding heart—the human touch.”
In one of her addresses, she told of the night in Gethsemane, when the Savior, knowing that he was facing a terrible ordeal, could have called legions to help him, but he took his friends with him and said, “Tarry ye here, and watch with me.” He was sorrowful unto death and while he prayed they slept, and when he came to them he said, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40).
Then said Sister Robison: “I wonder if there is anyone here who does not need the human touch. I wonder if there is a woman in the Church who, through the Relief Society, has not the opportunity of watching the one hour with those who are bearing heavy burdens. Sisters, you have been given that privilege, you can comfort and bless souls.”
WE know she will enter on her new work “over there” with her head high, with eyes sparkling, with the enthusiastic zeal which characterized her work here, and with the same sweet humility which kept her always close to her Father in heaven.
“Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.”
Sister Robison has great faith, a simple, absolute faith. She knows that God lives. She knows the gospel is true. I quote her again:
“I believe firmly that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony that God lives, is the anchor that holds us and makes us feel secure.”
That was the message she always wished the Board Members to take to the stakes.
“But God has spoken,” she would say. “Let us make the women feel that God has spoken and that it be-hooves all to listen when Jehovah speaks.”
Great faith she had and hope and confidence. Love, the greatest of all gifts, she had in a superlative
degree. The great love she gave came back to her. One hears on every side, “Sister Robison will go down in history as the most beloved woman in the Church.” She loved her family with a tender love. To hear her but speak their names was a joy, she put so much of pride and love into it. She loved her friends and how loyal she was to them.
She loved children. That any child should go through life handicapped for lack of medical or dental care or proper food, was to her intolerable. “Don’t let a child suffer,” she would plead. “If you haven’t the money in your ward or stake, let me know and somehow I will find it.”
She loved people. At a party given by her Board Members on her birthday a year ago, Sister Nellie Parker paid her this beautiful tribute:
One of the outstanding strengths of Sister Robison’s leadership is her ability to put the arms of her love around even the most timid and inexperienced women and give them confidence in themselves and create within them a zealousness for the cause. She is able to draw out their best abilities and win their love and cooperation . . . She is enshrined in the hearts of those women who served her from Canada to Mexico, from Hawaii to Europe.
She loved the gospel. Deeply concerned as she was that no one should suffer for want of the material necessities of life, she also had that most precious of all gifts, the understanding heart, the ability to sense the spiritual needs of those who came to her discouraged, in sorrow, in doubt, or with faith faltering. And, coupled with this rare gift of seeing, she had the gift of giving that which was needed. I have seen women come to her office, crushed, despondent, and I have seen them leave with the light of hope and faith rekindled. How much this gift is needed today. If every woman in the Church could radiate spirituality as did Sister Robi-son, what a light we would be to the world.
She loved her work in the Church. To her it was never a duty to be per-formed, but a glorious, joyous opportunity which she welcomed. Can you not hear her say, “Welcome the task that takes you beyond yourself?”
In the early days of the Church when our Heavenly Father was “raising up a people who would serve him in righteousness” — a people who would be faithful enough and strong enough to carry on his work in these last days, he told them the qualifications needed for such a people. How often he emphasized, “Serve with an eye single to the glory of God.”
No one who thinks of honor to self is wholly devoted to a cause. But when one loses self in devotion to a great cause, that is one of the forms of superlative greatness; in fact, there can be no true greatness without it. “He who loses his life shall find it.” This greatest of all tributes we pay to Sister Robison.
She had the greatest of all gifts-love.
She truly served with an eye single to the glory of God.
To her family I wish to say, speak-ing for the women of the Church, that we love her. Her sweet influence will live on in our hearts forever. Our prayer is that we may so live, so carry on, that again some day she will be our leader.