Lucy Grant Cannon
Born: 22 October 1880
Called as Second Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency: 1923
Called as First Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency: 1929
Called as Young Women's General President: 1937
Released: 1948
Died: 7 May 1966
Called as Second Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency: 1923
Called as First Counselor in the Young Women's General Presidency: 1929
Called as Young Women's General President: 1937
Released: 1948
Died: 7 May 1966
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, Spiritual Experiences of Mutual Improvement Girls
Young Woman's Journal, September 1923, Lucy Grant Cannon
Young Woman's Journal, May 1929, Lucy Grant Cannon
Improvement Era, July 1948, Service to the Young Women of the Church through the Y.W.M.I.A. - The Retiring Presidency
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, Spiritual Experiences of Mutual Improvement Girls
Young Woman's Journal, September 1923, Lucy Grant Cannon
Young Woman's Journal, May 1929, Lucy Grant Cannon
Improvement Era, July 1948, Service to the Young Women of the Church through the Y.W.M.I.A. - The Retiring Presidency
Jenson, Andrew. "Cannon, Lucy Grant." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 256.
CANNON, Lucy Grant, a member of the General Board of the Y. W. M. L A. and the second daughter of Pres. Heber J. Grant and Lucy Stringham, was born Oct. 22, 1880, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was educated in the public schools, attended the L. D. S. Seminary in the 18th Ward, the L. D. S. High School, and the University of Utah. She was married to Geo. Jenkins Cannon on June 26, 1902, and they have seven children, two boys and five girls, namely: Rachel C. Heninger, Irene C. Lloyd, Floi^ence C. Snow, Jean, George Ivins, Lucy Grant and Heber Stanley. Sister Cannon acted as a teacher in the Sunday school and as organist, secretary and counselor in the Primary Association. She was president of the Y. L. M. I. A. at the age of 18, and with the exception of three years she has been in the M. I. A. since she was 18 years old. She filled a mission to the Western States in 1901, being the first regular lady missionary to go with her companion. Some women, however, had previously accompanied their husbands into the mission field. She was called to the General Board in 1917, and acted as a counselor to Sister Martha H. Tingey and to Sister Ruth May Fox.
CANNON, Lucy Grant, a member of the General Board of the Y. W. M. L A. and the second daughter of Pres. Heber J. Grant and Lucy Stringham, was born Oct. 22, 1880, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was educated in the public schools, attended the L. D. S. Seminary in the 18th Ward, the L. D. S. High School, and the University of Utah. She was married to Geo. Jenkins Cannon on June 26, 1902, and they have seven children, two boys and five girls, namely: Rachel C. Heninger, Irene C. Lloyd, Floi^ence C. Snow, Jean, George Ivins, Lucy Grant and Heber Stanley. Sister Cannon acted as a teacher in the Sunday school and as organist, secretary and counselor in the Primary Association. She was president of the Y. L. M. I. A. at the age of 18, and with the exception of three years she has been in the M. I. A. since she was 18 years old. She filled a mission to the Western States in 1901, being the first regular lady missionary to go with her companion. Some women, however, had previously accompanied their husbands into the mission field. She was called to the General Board in 1917, and acted as a counselor to Sister Martha H. Tingey and to Sister Ruth May Fox.
"Spiritual Experiences of Mutual Improvement Girls." Young Woman's Journal. February 1917. pg. 111.
Spiritual Experiences of Mutual Improvement Girls.
A Remarkable Experience.[1]
“My mother, Lucy Stringham Grant, had been very ill for many months. One morning the family were called together and told that she was dying. I took the oil and asked my father to administer to her. He seemed reluctant about doing it but I insisted, and so he performed the ordinance but instead of praying for her recovery he dedicated her to the Lord. I was only twelve years old but I understood that my father had not administered to my mother as I wished him to. and so I immediately left the room and went to my own and prayed that God would heal her. As I was praying a voice said to me, ‘In the death of your mother the will of the Lord will be done.’ I was comforted from-that moment and soon a beautiful spirit pervaded the house. A half hour later my mother passed away and then I told my father and other members of the family of the answer to my prayer.
“Years afterward at a meeting where my father was speaking I heard him tell this incident, and then add something that I had never before heard. He said: ‘After I had anointed my wife for her death, I saw the effect it had upon my little girl and so I called upon the Lord and told Him that I was willing to acknowledge His hand in the death of my wife but I could not bear the thought that the faith of my little girl should be shaken in His Almighty Power. So I pleaded with the Lord to manifest to her that it was His will that her mother should go.’ ”
[1] Told by Mrs. Lucy Grant Cannon, Salt Lake City.
Spiritual Experiences of Mutual Improvement Girls.
A Remarkable Experience.[1]
“My mother, Lucy Stringham Grant, had been very ill for many months. One morning the family were called together and told that she was dying. I took the oil and asked my father to administer to her. He seemed reluctant about doing it but I insisted, and so he performed the ordinance but instead of praying for her recovery he dedicated her to the Lord. I was only twelve years old but I understood that my father had not administered to my mother as I wished him to. and so I immediately left the room and went to my own and prayed that God would heal her. As I was praying a voice said to me, ‘In the death of your mother the will of the Lord will be done.’ I was comforted from-that moment and soon a beautiful spirit pervaded the house. A half hour later my mother passed away and then I told my father and other members of the family of the answer to my prayer.
“Years afterward at a meeting where my father was speaking I heard him tell this incident, and then add something that I had never before heard. He said: ‘After I had anointed my wife for her death, I saw the effect it had upon my little girl and so I called upon the Lord and told Him that I was willing to acknowledge His hand in the death of my wife but I could not bear the thought that the faith of my little girl should be shaken in His Almighty Power. So I pleaded with the Lord to manifest to her that it was His will that her mother should go.’ ”
[1] Told by Mrs. Lucy Grant Cannon, Salt Lake City.
Kimball, Mary Connelly. "Lucy Grant Cannon." Young Woman's Journal. September 1923. pg. 474-477.
Lucy Grant Cannon By Mary Connelly Kimball To know her is to love her With heart so kind and true Her hands are ever seeking Some loving act to do. Her face is beamed with radiance Her mind so calm and sure That we can always trust in her And know our faith’s secure. Ruth May Fox. Lucy Grant Cannon is rich in her inheritance. Her mother, Lucy Stringham Grant, was devoted to her family and a faithful Latter- day Saint. Her father, President Heber J. Grant has ever been an ardent advocate of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And for generations back on both sides this daughter inherits splendid traits. Lucy came to bless her parents’ home in Salt Lake City, October 22, 1880. Shortly after Lucy’s birth her father was called to preside over the Tooele stake of Zion so the family moved to Tooele. While there she took very ill with whooping cough. Her father called in Brother John Rowberry, the Patriarch of the Stake to give her a blessing. He said, “You have a very sick child. You think your daughter will die, don’t you?” “Yes, she will die unless the Lord heals her,” answered her father, “You don’t need to worry,” said the Patriarch, “obtain a pencil and paper and write what I have to say:” “I seal upon thee the blessing of life and strength to thy body that thou shalt grow up to perfection in all of thy parts and become a mother in Israel in due time, and the Spirit of the Most High shall rest upon thee. Thou shalt bear in mind the instructions of thy mother and appreciate the counsel and blessing of thy father and I seal upon thee the blessing of faith to be healed when thou art sick and rebuke the disease that is now preying upon thee. Thou shalt receive strength and animation to thy lungs. Thou shalt be healed of this affliction.” Several other times when the destroyer has sought her life she has been spared through the power of God, being made manifest in her behalf. One striking illustration of this occurred when, as a child Lucy and two sisters were taken by their father to Washington. While there Rachel and Lucy were stricken with diphtheria. The nurses and doctors in attendance thought it was impossible for Lucy to live. Brother George Q. Cannon came to administer to her and said: “The adversary has publicly decreed your death, but by the authority of the Priesthood of God and in the name of Jesus Christ we rebuke the decree end say you shall live.” The significance of this statement was made clear when Lucy was well enough to leave. The husband of the woman in whose house she had been, told her father, that he had a good joke on his wife who was a spiritualist. When the children were taken ill she had gone to her medium who told her that she could see two little girls sick at her home. She said that the older one would get better but the younger one would die. She said that she could see her body put into a coffin, carried to the train and then carried for days through large cities and over great prairies, up into the tops of the mountains end stop in a valley in the mountains where the coffin was removed and carried up to the side hill and buried. In Oct. 1882 her father was called to be an apostle and the family returned to Salt Lake to reside. Lucy was a sickly child and was seldom able to attend school during an entire year. When sixteen she went to work, but later returned to school for one more year. She early evidenced a love for music and studied both vocal and instrumental. Lucy Grant. Cannon has always been of a deeply religious temperament. One of her early recollections is when she was eight years old and the church had a special fast day. She fasted and attended all the meetings. This has ever since stood out to her as a red letter day. She has ever enjoyed working in the Church organizations. Even as a child she felt that whatever she did in the Church she was doing for the Savior. She felt a keen desire to see him face to face and with earnest longing she would sing: “We want to see the temple with lowers rising high-- Its spires majestic pointing unto the clear blue sky-- A house where saints may gather and richest blessings gain-- Where Jesus, our Redeemer, a dwelling may obtain. We want to meet the Savior, and see him face to face, When He shall come in glory unto that holy place. If we are true and faithful, we’ll hear our Savior’s voice-- Receive a Father’s blessing, and in his love rejoice.” When only five years of age she began her service in (he Church by passing tickets in the Primary Association. She had a very happy home life despite the fact that her mother was an invalid for years before her death and died when Lucy was twelve years of age. She was devotedly attached to her mother and nursed her faithfully and ministered to her wants. There was a beautiful companionship between the two. For six months while they were in California this faithful daughter was her mother’s nurse and constant companion. When the mother died she left six children the oldest fourteen and the youngest four and Lucy and her oldest sister helped mother them all. She has ever appreciated the loving care of Augusta W. Grant who came to her home after her mother’s death. It was said that one could not tell that these were not her own children so kind and considerate was she of their welfare. A beautiful influence was brought to bear on Lucy’s life through intimate association for years with her grandmother, Rachel Ivins Grant. She was living at her son’s home when his wife died. Only those who have been favored in knowing her can realize the unselfish influence of this beautiful character. She voiced her optimistic trust in these words: “Whatever comes it will all come out right in the end.” Every thing she said was faith promoting. Her room was always kept beautifully. It was like a place of retreat to the rest of the family. She was always there calm and placid. Thither the girls went to study for it was quiet there. After Lucy’s marriage her grandmother lived with her for seven years until her death. A dominant desire of Lucy’s life has been to please her father whom she loves devotedly. She has felt that any service she could render the Church would reach this end. He has lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ so strictly that she has felt she could safely follow him. Lucy served as a missionary in the Western States Mission. Her labors were characterized by fidelity to her trust. Her sweetness of disposition won friends and her faithful work was an asset to the cause. On June 26, 1902 she was married in the Salt Lake Temple to George J. Cannon, a son of Abraham and Sarah Cannon, and the oldest grandson of George Q. Cannon. Six children have blest their union. Never was there a mother who more thoroughly appreciated the privilege of bearing children. Each has been warmly welcomed. Sister Cannon is a lovely homemaker, she delights to be there and minister to her family and friends. A beautiful spirit ever pervades her home and her gracious hospitality delights the guests who are privileged to be there. Sister Cannon has given much service in various lines of the Mutual cause. When eighteen she was chosen as Ward President of the Young Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Association, and since then with the exception of five years, she has served continuously in ward and slake capacity in the Mutual Improvement work. She was a counselor in the Ensign Stake Presidency when she was called to the General Board. On July 5, 1923 she was sustained as second Counselor to President Martha H. Tingey. Lucy Grant Cannon sees the good in people. Always pleasant and considerate it is a joy to be with her. Of strong faith and unswerving allegiance one is made stronger by associating with her. To know her is to love her and all the Mutual officers and members will learn her worth as they become acquainted with her. |
LUCY GRANT CANNON
CHILDREN OF GEORGE J. AND LUCY GRANT CANNON
|
Talmage, May Booth. "Lucy Grant Cannon." Young Woman's Journal. May 1929. pg. 316-319.
Lucy Grant Cannon
By May Booth Talmage
MUCH has been written and spoken by psychologists in argument as to whether heredity or environment is the determining factor in shaping human lives, but little cognizance is taken of a thought, which to Latter-day Saints is of supreme importance,— viz., the individuality of the spirit that is to be influenced. In the account given by Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price concerning the “intelligences that were organized before the world was,” we read: “And among these there were many of the noble and great ones; and God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers.”
In reviewing the lives of outstanding women, one can well imagine that within the pale of that great gathering of spirits there were women as well as men who were fore-ordained to the high calling of leadership.
One finds in the life of Lucy Grant Cannon—now First Counselor to Sister Ruth May Fox in the newly organized Presidency of the Y. L. M. I. A.—a well nigh perfect combination of all three factors which contribute so largely to successful leadership—a superior individuality, a splendid heritage and an ideal environment, with a resultant character and personality that are a source of inspiration and blessing to her constantly widening circle of friends.
That Sister Cannon was a choice spirit is shown in the fact that she has always “hungered and thirsted after righteousness” and has exemplified in her conduct the highest ideals and standards of living. That she is where the Lord would have her is attested by the fact that in a blessing bestowed while she was yet a child her future as the Lord designed it, was foretold, and its fulfilment as it has unfolded, was dependent upon her faithfulness.
Lucy is the second daughter of President Heber J. and Lucy Stringham -Grant and was born in Salt Lake City on Oct. 22, 1880. Somewhat frail in childhood her life was all but despaired of on more than one occasion when, through the power of faith and the blessing of the Lord her health was restored.
Hundreds of Latter-day Saints have been thrilled by the marvelous manner in which she was healed in Washington, D. C., as related by her father and recorded in Vol. 34 of the Young Woman s Journal.
Sister Cannon's education in the Church schools and the University of Utah has been supplemented by the splendid courses given in the M. I. A. throughout the years, of which she has been a conscientious and devoted student.
Being a gifted and an ardent lover of music she was afforded special training along both vocal and instrumental lines, and this talent so generously used in various types of home and Church service has been a continual source of joy to others.
At the early age of twelve, Lucy was bereft of her beloved mother. For several months prior to this event this daughter was the mother’s devoted companion and nurse, while they sojourned in California. She ministered to the wants of the invalid in a manner quite unusual in one sb young.
Between Lucy and her paternal grandmother there seemed to be a peculiar bond of affection. Both were members of the same household but when the former was married and went from her father’s to her own home to live, Grandma Grant chose to go with “Lutie,” with whom she lived in beautiful companionship until the close of her life.
This strong attachment and wonderful devotion between youth and age was a joy and inspiration to all who were privileged with intimate friendship in that hospitable home.
From early childhood Sister Cannon exhibited a strongly religious tendency and to those who know her best, her attitude toward Church activity has always seemed to be one of joyous appreciation for the privilege and opportunity to serve and to develop, rather than one of doing things merely from a sense of obligation or duly.
Sister Lucy comes to her present high calling with a rich preparation of experience. From girlhood she has been selected to fill positions of responsibility and leadership.
When but eighteen years of age she was made president of the Y. L. M. I. A. in the 13th Ward of Salt Lake City and was released from this position to go as a missionary to the Western States Mission. Her duties in the field were discharged with fidelity and honor and closely following her return in April, 1902, she was set apart as a member of the Salt Lake Stake Y. L. M. I. A. Board to serve under the Presidency of Nellie Colebrook Taylor.
Two years later when the Stake was divided and the Ensign Stake was organized Sister Cannon was chosen as 2nd Counselor to Emma W. Pyper, the newly appointed Mutual Stake President. This position she held during the four years of Sister Pyper’s incumbency.
Sister Lucy’s desire to serve is well illustrated in the fact that after being released from positions of honor in the Slake, she gave no less willing and efficient service in ward capacity, first as second counselor and class leader in the 27th Ward M. I. A. with Sarah Richards—now Cannon— as its president; and as second counselor to Mary Whitney Ensign in the Primary Association of the 18th Ward after the family located there.
Sister Lucy came again into the Ensign Stake Mutual presidency as second counselor to President Laura P. Nicholson, and following her service in this position she was called in October, 1916, to membership on the General Board of Y. L. M. I. A. In July, 1923, she succeeded. May Taylor Nystrom as second counselor to President Martha
H. Tingey and from that time until the present she has ever been a source of inspiration and strength. Whether acting in ward, stake or general capacity Lucy Grant Cannon has always been recognized as an indefatigable worker. Wise, dependable, loyal, considerate and tactful, she has become practically indispensable to the work and has won the admiration and love of all her co-workers.
Had our new President given to her board the privilege of choosing a first counselor by individual and secret ballot, the choice would undoubtedly have been unanimous for the one she has herself selected.
No sketch of this woman would be half complete if it told of her public life only.
One of the writer’s privileges in life has been to have the close and intimate personal friendship of Sister “Lutie,” as she is unofficially known among her friends. Her poise and strength of character were noted in childhood when at her mother’s death and that of the little brother who followed shortly afterward she showed such implicit faith and cheerful optimism as would have done credit to one of riper years.
Her interest in the younger sisters; her consideration and thoughtfulness for the new mother, Augusta W. Grant; and the never failing patience and devotion to Grandma Grant showed early the beautiful traits that have continued and developed throughout the years.
Upon Lucy's return from the mission field in April, 1902, she was married in the Salt Lake Temple to Brother George J. Camion, eldest son of Apostle Abraham H. and Sarah Jenkins Cannon. In her choice of life companion “Lutie” showed the same wisdom that has been so marked a characteristic of her life. Brother Cannon is at present a member of the Ensign Stake Presidency and the good qualities ascribed to his wife might with truth be applied to him also. He is indeed a worthy husband.
Five daughters, two sons and two granddaughters have come to bless their lives and from their home is radiated a spirit of cheer, of warm hospitality and of peace.
For many years the mother of Brother Cannon has also been a member of her son’s household, and thus we have seen “Lutie” as a sister, daughter, granddaughter, step-daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, beloved and admired by every one. Only a superior woman could be successful in all these roles. Without pretense or ostentation Lucy Cannon exemplifies the ideals and standards of a consistent Latter-day Saint as truly as any woman in the Church, and in so doing she honors herself, her illustrious ancestors and those of her husband—no less illustrious. She proves the effectiveness of a beautiful home and Church environment and even beyond these she is honoring the call made upon a choice spirit to lie a leader among the daughters of God.
Lucy Grant Cannon
By May Booth Talmage
MUCH has been written and spoken by psychologists in argument as to whether heredity or environment is the determining factor in shaping human lives, but little cognizance is taken of a thought, which to Latter-day Saints is of supreme importance,— viz., the individuality of the spirit that is to be influenced. In the account given by Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price concerning the “intelligences that were organized before the world was,” we read: “And among these there were many of the noble and great ones; and God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers.”
In reviewing the lives of outstanding women, one can well imagine that within the pale of that great gathering of spirits there were women as well as men who were fore-ordained to the high calling of leadership.
One finds in the life of Lucy Grant Cannon—now First Counselor to Sister Ruth May Fox in the newly organized Presidency of the Y. L. M. I. A.—a well nigh perfect combination of all three factors which contribute so largely to successful leadership—a superior individuality, a splendid heritage and an ideal environment, with a resultant character and personality that are a source of inspiration and blessing to her constantly widening circle of friends.
That Sister Cannon was a choice spirit is shown in the fact that she has always “hungered and thirsted after righteousness” and has exemplified in her conduct the highest ideals and standards of living. That she is where the Lord would have her is attested by the fact that in a blessing bestowed while she was yet a child her future as the Lord designed it, was foretold, and its fulfilment as it has unfolded, was dependent upon her faithfulness.
Lucy is the second daughter of President Heber J. and Lucy Stringham -Grant and was born in Salt Lake City on Oct. 22, 1880. Somewhat frail in childhood her life was all but despaired of on more than one occasion when, through the power of faith and the blessing of the Lord her health was restored.
Hundreds of Latter-day Saints have been thrilled by the marvelous manner in which she was healed in Washington, D. C., as related by her father and recorded in Vol. 34 of the Young Woman s Journal.
Sister Cannon's education in the Church schools and the University of Utah has been supplemented by the splendid courses given in the M. I. A. throughout the years, of which she has been a conscientious and devoted student.
Being a gifted and an ardent lover of music she was afforded special training along both vocal and instrumental lines, and this talent so generously used in various types of home and Church service has been a continual source of joy to others.
At the early age of twelve, Lucy was bereft of her beloved mother. For several months prior to this event this daughter was the mother’s devoted companion and nurse, while they sojourned in California. She ministered to the wants of the invalid in a manner quite unusual in one sb young.
Between Lucy and her paternal grandmother there seemed to be a peculiar bond of affection. Both were members of the same household but when the former was married and went from her father’s to her own home to live, Grandma Grant chose to go with “Lutie,” with whom she lived in beautiful companionship until the close of her life.
This strong attachment and wonderful devotion between youth and age was a joy and inspiration to all who were privileged with intimate friendship in that hospitable home.
From early childhood Sister Cannon exhibited a strongly religious tendency and to those who know her best, her attitude toward Church activity has always seemed to be one of joyous appreciation for the privilege and opportunity to serve and to develop, rather than one of doing things merely from a sense of obligation or duly.
Sister Lucy comes to her present high calling with a rich preparation of experience. From girlhood she has been selected to fill positions of responsibility and leadership.
When but eighteen years of age she was made president of the Y. L. M. I. A. in the 13th Ward of Salt Lake City and was released from this position to go as a missionary to the Western States Mission. Her duties in the field were discharged with fidelity and honor and closely following her return in April, 1902, she was set apart as a member of the Salt Lake Stake Y. L. M. I. A. Board to serve under the Presidency of Nellie Colebrook Taylor.
Two years later when the Stake was divided and the Ensign Stake was organized Sister Cannon was chosen as 2nd Counselor to Emma W. Pyper, the newly appointed Mutual Stake President. This position she held during the four years of Sister Pyper’s incumbency.
Sister Lucy’s desire to serve is well illustrated in the fact that after being released from positions of honor in the Slake, she gave no less willing and efficient service in ward capacity, first as second counselor and class leader in the 27th Ward M. I. A. with Sarah Richards—now Cannon— as its president; and as second counselor to Mary Whitney Ensign in the Primary Association of the 18th Ward after the family located there.
Sister Lucy came again into the Ensign Stake Mutual presidency as second counselor to President Laura P. Nicholson, and following her service in this position she was called in October, 1916, to membership on the General Board of Y. L. M. I. A. In July, 1923, she succeeded. May Taylor Nystrom as second counselor to President Martha
H. Tingey and from that time until the present she has ever been a source of inspiration and strength. Whether acting in ward, stake or general capacity Lucy Grant Cannon has always been recognized as an indefatigable worker. Wise, dependable, loyal, considerate and tactful, she has become practically indispensable to the work and has won the admiration and love of all her co-workers.
Had our new President given to her board the privilege of choosing a first counselor by individual and secret ballot, the choice would undoubtedly have been unanimous for the one she has herself selected.
No sketch of this woman would be half complete if it told of her public life only.
One of the writer’s privileges in life has been to have the close and intimate personal friendship of Sister “Lutie,” as she is unofficially known among her friends. Her poise and strength of character were noted in childhood when at her mother’s death and that of the little brother who followed shortly afterward she showed such implicit faith and cheerful optimism as would have done credit to one of riper years.
Her interest in the younger sisters; her consideration and thoughtfulness for the new mother, Augusta W. Grant; and the never failing patience and devotion to Grandma Grant showed early the beautiful traits that have continued and developed throughout the years.
Upon Lucy's return from the mission field in April, 1902, she was married in the Salt Lake Temple to Brother George J. Camion, eldest son of Apostle Abraham H. and Sarah Jenkins Cannon. In her choice of life companion “Lutie” showed the same wisdom that has been so marked a characteristic of her life. Brother Cannon is at present a member of the Ensign Stake Presidency and the good qualities ascribed to his wife might with truth be applied to him also. He is indeed a worthy husband.
Five daughters, two sons and two granddaughters have come to bless their lives and from their home is radiated a spirit of cheer, of warm hospitality and of peace.
For many years the mother of Brother Cannon has also been a member of her son’s household, and thus we have seen “Lutie” as a sister, daughter, granddaughter, step-daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, beloved and admired by every one. Only a superior woman could be successful in all these roles. Without pretense or ostentation Lucy Cannon exemplifies the ideals and standards of a consistent Latter-day Saint as truly as any woman in the Church, and in so doing she honors herself, her illustrious ancestors and those of her husband—no less illustrious. She proves the effectiveness of a beautiful home and Church environment and even beyond these she is honoring the call made upon a choice spirit to lie a leader among the daughters of God.
Josephson, Marba C. "Service to the Young Women of the Church through the Y.W.M.I.A. - The Retiring Presidency." Improvement Era. July 1948. pg. 430, 476.
Service to the Young Women of the Church Through the Y.W.M.I.A. By Marba C. Josephson Associate Editor The Retiring Presidency For thirty-one years General President Lucy Grant Cannon has labored in the presidency or on the general board of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. The news of her release has touched the hearts of the many Mutual workers throughout the Church who have been privileged to partake of her fine spirit and share her testimony. Sister Cannon has exemplified the gospel in all of her activities. Her faith has been unwavering; her spirit undaunted in trying to bring principles of correct living to the young women of the Church. She began her active Church service as a Sunday School teacher; she then served as organist, secretary, and counselor in the Primary Association. At the age of eighteen she was made a ward president of Y.W.M.I.A., and from that time forward, she has been engaged in Mutual activity with the exception of three years. In 1901, she filled a mission to the Western States, one of the first unmarried women to go on a regular mission. In 1917, she was called to the general board of the Y.W.M.I.A. She has acted as counselor to two presidents, Martha Home Tingey and Ruth May Fox, until she was called to be general president, October 29, 1937, which position she held until April 1948, when her health made it wise for her to be released. Together with her appointment as general president of the Mutual, Sister Cannon became the associate manager of The Improvement Era and has served in that capacity since that time. She has long been interested in the welfare of the Era, for at the time when her father, Heber J. Grant, decided that the Era was essential to the Church, she with her sisters addressed and stamped thousands of letters to the membership of the Church, urging their support of this vital magazine. During the trip to Europe which she made with her father, President Heber J. Grant, she wrote a series of articles titled, "The Log of a European Tour," which ran in The Improvement Era and revealed delightful qualities of mind and spirit as well as her indomitable faith. Married to George J. Cannon in the Salt Lake Temple, she is the mother of seven children. She has lived to the heritage that is hers as daughter of President Heber J. Grant and Lucy Stringham—and by dint of her own fortitude Sister Cannon has added to that heritage. We can be sure that Sister Cannon will carry into her new endeavors the same diligence that she has evidenced thus far in her life. While her activities may not be so widespread as they have been as general president of the Y. W. M. I. A. which has carried her into nearly every stake and mission in the Church, they will be still conducive of great good among those with whom she labors. VERNA Wright Goddard, first counselor to Sister Cannon, has made a place for herself among the young women of the Church. A daughter of Kindness Badger and Joseph A. Wright, she, like Sister Cannon, early became active in the Church, first as a Sunday School teacher and chorister at the age of fourteen. As ward choir leader she was given a silver cup for her efficiency. She also worked as counselor in the Primary Association and as teacher in the Religion Class. Following her graduation from the Latter-day Saint University, she studied nursing under Dr. Margaret S. Roberts. She was a guide on Temple Block, where she met J. Percy Goddard, whom she married in the Salt Lake Temple, and became the mother of four children, two boys and two girls, three of whom have served on missions for the Church. Following her marriage she became active in her new ward where she served as Gleaner teacher and as Relief Society leader in theology. Sister Goddard's work in the Relief Society culminated in a pageant called the "Gospel Dispensation." She was also in the presidency of the ward Y.W.M.I.A., and for the Mutual she wrote and directed many ward shows. In 1935, she was called to serve as president of the Liberty Stake Y.W.M.I.A. During this time she also acted as leader of the Women's Division in the Sunday School in her ward and as chairman of the Brighton Girls' Home. She was called to the position of second counselor when Sister Cannon became president, and upon the release of Sister Helen Williams in July 1944, Sister Goddard became first counselor in the presidency. Lucy Taylor Andersen was appointed to the general presidency as second counselor to Sister Cannon July 5, 1944, when Helen Spencer Williams was released as a result of ill health.. Sister Andersen, like the other members of the presidency, began her Church activity in her youth, for she was only thirteen when she became a teacher in the Sunday School. From that time until the present she has been active in the various organizations of the Church. While she was attending the University of Utah, she acted as parttime secretary to her grandfather, Heber J. Grant, then president of the Council of the Twelve. When her father, John H. Taylor, a member of the Y.M.M.I.A. general board, and later called to the First Council of the Seventy, and her mother, Rachel Grant Taylor, who served altogether for twenty-seven years on the Y.W.M.I.A. general board, were called to head the Northern States Mission, Lucy accompanied them. For two years she served in the office as her father's secretary. She later acted as a regular missionary throughout Indiana and Wisconsin. It was during her stay in Chicago that she met Waldo M. Andersen, of Logan, Utah, whom she married in 1926 in the Salt Lake Temple. They have one son, who has gone into the same mission field in which his grandparents and parents served. Shortly after the Andersens established themselves in Salt Lake City, Sister Andersen was called to the stake board of the Y.W.M.I.A., first as Lion House representative and later as Bee Hive and Gleaner leader. She was called to the general board of the Y.W.M.I.A. in December 1937, and was appointed to the Bee Hive committee, later being named its chairman, which position she held until she was called to the general presidency of the organization. In addition to her Mutual work she has been a regular missionary on Temple Square. The general board was released with the general presidency at the April conference. The general board released is constituted of: Ethel S. Anderson, Minnie E. Anderson, Norma P. Anderson, Alicebeth W. Ashby, Marjorie Ball, Clarissa A. Beesley, Emily H. Bennett, Hazel B. Bowen, Carol H. Cannon, Leora C. Cropper, Virginia F. Cutler, lone Duncan, Ruth H. Funk, Irene Hailes, Gladys E. Harbertson, Polly R, Hardy, Winnifred C. Jardine, Freda Jensen, Katie C. Jensen, Marba C. Josephson, Ann C. Larson, Helena W. Larson, Florence B. Pinnock, Lillian Schwendiman, Erma R. Stevens, Sarah D. Summerhays, Bertha K. Tingey, Marie Waldram, Margaret N. Wells, Vella H. Wetzel, Virginia Wigginton, Erda Williams, and Sara D. Yates. |
LUCY GRANT CANNON
President VERNA W. GODDARD
First Counselor LUCY T. ANDERSEN
Second Counselor |