Marcia K. Howells
Born: 28 May 1888
Called as First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1 January 1940
Released: 6 April 1945
Died: 10 June 1976
Called as First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency: 1 January 1940
Released: 6 April 1945
Died: 10 June 1976
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Relief Society Magazine, May 1929, Mrs. Marcia Knowlton Howells
Relief Society Magazine, January 1940, Marcia Knowlton Howells
Relief Society Magazine, May 1945, Marcia Knowlton Howells
Relief Society Magazine, May 1929, Mrs. Marcia Knowlton Howells
Relief Society Magazine, January 1940, Marcia Knowlton Howells
Relief Society Magazine, May 1945, Marcia Knowlton Howells
Jenson, Andrew. "Howells, Marcia Knowlton." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 187-188.
HOWELLS, Marcia Knowlton, a member of the General Board of Relief Society since Feb. 20, 1929, was born May 28, 1888, at Farmington, Utah, a daughter of Benjamin F. Knowlton and Minerva E. Richards. She was educated in the Farmington public schools, the L. D. S. University and graduated from the University of Utah Normal School, after which she taught school four years. She was a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society and has worked and held office in all the women's auxiliaries of the Church. On Oct. 3, 1910, she was married to Dr. Thomas Joel Howells, and in 1921 took a trip around the world with him for research work and study. She is the mother of one son. Sister Howells was also a member and worked energetically in the Red Cross during the World war.
HOWELLS, Marcia Knowlton, a member of the General Board of Relief Society since Feb. 20, 1929, was born May 28, 1888, at Farmington, Utah, a daughter of Benjamin F. Knowlton and Minerva E. Richards. She was educated in the Farmington public schools, the L. D. S. University and graduated from the University of Utah Normal School, after which she taught school four years. She was a member of the presidency of the Salt Lake Stake Relief Society and has worked and held office in all the women's auxiliaries of the Church. On Oct. 3, 1910, she was married to Dr. Thomas Joel Howells, and in 1921 took a trip around the world with him for research work and study. She is the mother of one son. Sister Howells was also a member and worked energetically in the Red Cross during the World war.
Judd, Mary Grant. "Mrs. Marcia Knowlton Howells." Relief Society Magazine. May 1929. pg. 242-245.
Mrs. Marcia Knowlton Howells
By Mary Grant Judd
In the days when Merry Widow hats were all the vogue — twenty-five years ago to be exact—a group of light-hearted girls spent a fortnight at Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Grant Cottage had just been completed, and they were allowed to be its first occupants.
Towards the conclusion of the house party, Brother and Sister Grant arrived, and, as was their custom, took a lively interest in all that transpired. They enjoyed getting better acquainted with the girls; and when the guests had returned to the city, their hosts gave it as their opinion that the cabin had housed an exceptionally fine group of young people. They discussed this one and that, and then I remember President Grant's saying something to this effect: "Of course we are partial to our own, so we will leave them out; but of all the other girls, I was most impressed with Marcia Knowlton. She gives promise of being an exceptional woman.”
He did not know that at just about this time, in a patriarchal blessing, Marcia had been promised that she should be a leader among women. I doubt if he may even recall his words for, during the intervening years, he has seen little of the girl who so impressed him. But my association with her has been very close and I have remembered. And now, with the calling of Marcia Knowlton Howells to the General Board of the Relief Society, the words of my father, spoken somewhat carelessly at the time, appear to me almost in the light of prophecy.
The subject of this sketch was born May 28, 1888, in Farmington, Utah, the daughter of Minerva Richards and Benjamin Franklin Knowlton. Her father died when she was very young, leaving the entire care of herself, one brother, and three sisters, to her mother. Sister Knowlton is a descendant of the early pioneer Richards family, whose history at Nauvoo is so closely interwoven with that of our Church as to be almost inseparable. She is a true gentlewoman, dignified and refined. Though quiet and somewhat reserved one feels nevertheless that she has been a tower of strength to her fatherless children. Her faith in the gospel has not wavered; and though her responsibilities have been many, she has found time to take an active part in the Church.
Her daughter is but following where the mother has led; for Sister Knowlton, at the age of seventeen, was made secretary of the Davis Stake Relief Society at the time of its organization. For twenty-five years she gave continuous service, her last position being that of stake president.
The home over which she presided, the home where Marcia was reared, was one of order and spirituality. The loss of the father seemed to knit the family, closer together. Between the mother and children in that home there grew a deep and sacred love. Here, both night and morning, family prayers were said, the law of tithing observed, the Sabbath properly enjoyed, the Word of Wisdom rigidly adhered to. In short, the simple laws of the Gospel were here taught by both example and precept.
Came a day when Marcia left her mother's home to start a new one of her own, but so potent had been the mother's teachings that the daughter could not forsake them even if she would. She had said that if at times her own inclinations might have led her to follow the easier way—the way of the crowd—the thought that it would pain her mother has deterred her.
For thoughtfulness of others is one of Marcia's outstanding attributes. If I were to try to put into words that something which distinguishes her from other individuals, I would say it is the quality of her generosity. She gives herself. Wherever you see her she is helping. "Let me do that," she says, in her pleasant way; and so willing does she seem that her friends appreciatively accept her proffers. She is generous with her time, doing more than her share when called upon. She is generous in her thoughts of others. Because she is not one of those persons who is passively good, she is tolerant of the failings of her acquaintances; and where there is good to be found, she is generous in her praise. She enjoys giving sincere compliments. Modest about her own talents, scarcely admitting that she has any, she greatly admires the accomplishments of others.
I might put it in another way and say she is genuinely unselfish. If working in a successful group, she is apt to give most credit to the other person. This in itself is a form of generosity; for we all like praise, whether we are willing to admit it or not. She never tries to attract attention to herself or to be "the center of the stage." In her makeup there is no jealousy. On the contrary, she gets keen enjoyment out of the good fortune of others. She is sympathetic. It seems to be her second nature to visit and help those in trouble. She is hospitable. Her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Howells, and herself have a wide circle of friends who are always made welcome in their pleasant home. Marcia is fun-loving, young in appearance and spirit, kindly, approachable, in short, a charming hostess.
If one adds to these likable personal qualities the fact that Marcia is a good executive, a tireless and enthusiastic worker, and has the background of a splendid education, one may readily see that she is well qualified for the position to which she has been called. Her schooling comprised attendance at the public schools of Farmington, the L. D. S. High School, and the University of Utah, the whole being rounded out by four years of teaching. In 1921, in company with her husband and young son, she took a trip around the world—a liberal education in itself. Always interested in Church work, she has served as a local or stake worker in Sunday School, Primary, Religion Class and Relief Society. At the time of her call to the Relief Society General Board she was acting as first counselor to Sister Elizabeth C. Williams of the Salt Lake stake.
Her president pays her this glowing tribute: "There is nothing too good to say for Sister Howells. She is a splendid executive, efficient, dependable, and one of those rare individuals who assume more than their share of responsibility. In our deliberations as a presidency, she was frank to give her opinions though they might differ radically from our own; but once a decision was reached, she readily fell in line, setting her own views aside. I admired her for this. We were loath to lose her, but felt it an honor to have her chosen to her present position."
I hope that many of you who read this sketch may know the happiness of meeting Marcia Knowlton Howells. It will enrich your experience as it has done mine. In our high school days I formed a high opinion of her character; and during all the years of our friendship, she has not disappointed me. No, not once.
Mrs. Marcia Knowlton Howells
By Mary Grant Judd
In the days when Merry Widow hats were all the vogue — twenty-five years ago to be exact—a group of light-hearted girls spent a fortnight at Brighton in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Grant Cottage had just been completed, and they were allowed to be its first occupants.
Towards the conclusion of the house party, Brother and Sister Grant arrived, and, as was their custom, took a lively interest in all that transpired. They enjoyed getting better acquainted with the girls; and when the guests had returned to the city, their hosts gave it as their opinion that the cabin had housed an exceptionally fine group of young people. They discussed this one and that, and then I remember President Grant's saying something to this effect: "Of course we are partial to our own, so we will leave them out; but of all the other girls, I was most impressed with Marcia Knowlton. She gives promise of being an exceptional woman.”
He did not know that at just about this time, in a patriarchal blessing, Marcia had been promised that she should be a leader among women. I doubt if he may even recall his words for, during the intervening years, he has seen little of the girl who so impressed him. But my association with her has been very close and I have remembered. And now, with the calling of Marcia Knowlton Howells to the General Board of the Relief Society, the words of my father, spoken somewhat carelessly at the time, appear to me almost in the light of prophecy.
The subject of this sketch was born May 28, 1888, in Farmington, Utah, the daughter of Minerva Richards and Benjamin Franklin Knowlton. Her father died when she was very young, leaving the entire care of herself, one brother, and three sisters, to her mother. Sister Knowlton is a descendant of the early pioneer Richards family, whose history at Nauvoo is so closely interwoven with that of our Church as to be almost inseparable. She is a true gentlewoman, dignified and refined. Though quiet and somewhat reserved one feels nevertheless that she has been a tower of strength to her fatherless children. Her faith in the gospel has not wavered; and though her responsibilities have been many, she has found time to take an active part in the Church.
Her daughter is but following where the mother has led; for Sister Knowlton, at the age of seventeen, was made secretary of the Davis Stake Relief Society at the time of its organization. For twenty-five years she gave continuous service, her last position being that of stake president.
The home over which she presided, the home where Marcia was reared, was one of order and spirituality. The loss of the father seemed to knit the family, closer together. Between the mother and children in that home there grew a deep and sacred love. Here, both night and morning, family prayers were said, the law of tithing observed, the Sabbath properly enjoyed, the Word of Wisdom rigidly adhered to. In short, the simple laws of the Gospel were here taught by both example and precept.
Came a day when Marcia left her mother's home to start a new one of her own, but so potent had been the mother's teachings that the daughter could not forsake them even if she would. She had said that if at times her own inclinations might have led her to follow the easier way—the way of the crowd—the thought that it would pain her mother has deterred her.
For thoughtfulness of others is one of Marcia's outstanding attributes. If I were to try to put into words that something which distinguishes her from other individuals, I would say it is the quality of her generosity. She gives herself. Wherever you see her she is helping. "Let me do that," she says, in her pleasant way; and so willing does she seem that her friends appreciatively accept her proffers. She is generous with her time, doing more than her share when called upon. She is generous in her thoughts of others. Because she is not one of those persons who is passively good, she is tolerant of the failings of her acquaintances; and where there is good to be found, she is generous in her praise. She enjoys giving sincere compliments. Modest about her own talents, scarcely admitting that she has any, she greatly admires the accomplishments of others.
I might put it in another way and say she is genuinely unselfish. If working in a successful group, she is apt to give most credit to the other person. This in itself is a form of generosity; for we all like praise, whether we are willing to admit it or not. She never tries to attract attention to herself or to be "the center of the stage." In her makeup there is no jealousy. On the contrary, she gets keen enjoyment out of the good fortune of others. She is sympathetic. It seems to be her second nature to visit and help those in trouble. She is hospitable. Her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Howells, and herself have a wide circle of friends who are always made welcome in their pleasant home. Marcia is fun-loving, young in appearance and spirit, kindly, approachable, in short, a charming hostess.
If one adds to these likable personal qualities the fact that Marcia is a good executive, a tireless and enthusiastic worker, and has the background of a splendid education, one may readily see that she is well qualified for the position to which she has been called. Her schooling comprised attendance at the public schools of Farmington, the L. D. S. High School, and the University of Utah, the whole being rounded out by four years of teaching. In 1921, in company with her husband and young son, she took a trip around the world—a liberal education in itself. Always interested in Church work, she has served as a local or stake worker in Sunday School, Primary, Religion Class and Relief Society. At the time of her call to the Relief Society General Board she was acting as first counselor to Sister Elizabeth C. Williams of the Salt Lake stake.
Her president pays her this glowing tribute: "There is nothing too good to say for Sister Howells. She is a splendid executive, efficient, dependable, and one of those rare individuals who assume more than their share of responsibility. In our deliberations as a presidency, she was frank to give her opinions though they might differ radically from our own; but once a decision was reached, she readily fell in line, setting her own views aside. I admired her for this. We were loath to lose her, but felt it an honor to have her chosen to her present position."
I hope that many of you who read this sketch may know the happiness of meeting Marcia Knowlton Howells. It will enrich your experience as it has done mine. In our high school days I formed a high opinion of her character; and during all the years of our friendship, she has not disappointed me. No, not once.
Judd, Mary Grant. "Marcia Knowlton Howells." Relief Society Magazine. January 1940. pg. 7-10.
Marcia Knowlton Howells
First Counselor
By Mary Giant Judd
IT was characteristic of Marcia Howells that when she was recently chosen as First Counselor to President Amy Brown Lyman in the general presidency of the Relief Society she was greatly surprised. Her personal stock sells low with herself but extremely high with those who know her well. Of this group, I am proud and happy to be one.
We first met at the L. D. S. High School, where Marcia was president of her class and later vice-president of the student body. Since that time, our understanding of and our love for each other have grown apace. I have watched my friend develop from an impetuous school girl, whose high spirits were sometimes hard to keep within bounds, into a mature woman who, though she has kept her enthusiasm, has developed poise, judgment and above all spirituality.
At a recent conference of Relief Society workers. Sister Lyman gave some instructions to the sisters as to the qualifications they should develop in their work. So well has Marcia Howells incorporated them in her activities as a member of the General Board that her president might have been speaking of her. Said Sister Lyman: "When you are appointed to a position, first learn what it means and what your duties are. Appreciate the office you hold and take your work seriously. We are aiming in Relief Society to have all women who hold positions live up to the standards of the Church; people admire our standards. Be orthodox Latter-day Saints. Be prayerful, seek the spirit of the Lord and work for a testimony of the Gospel. Have courage; you must have courage in positions of leadership. Give in on the little things that are not so important, but do not compromise on real principles. Keep a sense of humor. If you do that, discouragement will find no place in you. Be sympathetic and willing to help in any way possible. Be truly enthusiastic and friendly. Be well informed, gracious and humble. In short, be builders in action, through humility, through prayer and through God."
Marcia was called to the General Board early in the year 1929. She came well qualified for the work, having had a good education, four years' teaching experience, and the development that comes from world travel. Her service in the Church as Sunday School, Primary, Religion Class, and Relief Society worker, gave her an intimate understanding of the work of the auxiliaries. For ten years she has not only ably functioned in the regular work of the Relief Society General Board, but her special interest in health and social welfare has brought to her special responsibilities. For several years, she has represented the General Board as a member of the board of directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. In 1939, she acted as state chairman of the May Day- Child Health Day. She has represented the General Board as a member of the Salt Lake City Recreation Council. She attended the National Service Convention held in San Francisco and also a Social Service Institute at Berkeley. Her interest in social welfare has led her to take special educational courses along social service lines. Sister Lyman says of her work, "Marcia is a natural-born executive, with a great capacity for work. She has traveled all over the Church in the interest of Relief Society and never looks for the easiest assignments. If you give her an assignment you can dismiss it from your mind, knowing it will be well taken care of. She is systematic, a good planner, paying careful attention to detail, and she does her work without fuss or trouble. So much of our work is done in committees, and Marcia is a fine committee woman."
IN order to get a clear conception of any individual, one must know something of his background. To me it is always fascinating to open the book of the past and find out about ancestors and trace family traits. Marcia Howells came, on both her father's and mother's side, from a long line of sturdy pioneers, but it took a great amount of questioning to draw from her the fact that on both sides of her family her forbears go back to Revolutionary times, and far beyond. The reasons she gave for being hesitant was that she believes what Plutarch said: "It is indeed a grand thing to be well descended, but the glory of it belongs to our ancestors." In other words, don't live on the achievements of some ancestor but make a record of your own.
Daniel Knowlton, Marcia's great-great-grandfather, was an outstanding patriot of the American Revolution. When his country called, he left his plow in the furrow as "Cincinnatus of old" and willingly responded to duty. Daniel Knowlton once saved the life of Israel Putnam, one of the commanding officers, at the battle of Bunker Hill. From an interesting old record, "The Knowlton Ancestry," I quote: "The night before the Putnam men marched to the relief of Boston, 'Old Put,' as he was called, was noticed to leave his house and silently walk over to a field adjacent, and there look towards Ashford (where Daniel Knowlton lived) for some little time shading his eyes with his hand. Being followed by a neighbor and asked for whom he was looking, the old General ejaculated, 'Gad, Zounds! Had I only Daniel Knowlton to take with me! He alone is worth half a company, such is his courage and lack of fear. I could order him into the mouth of a loaded cannon, and he would go.' " Such a man you might imagine to be stern and forbidding, but such is not the case. "One day," says the record, "as Daniel was riding past a church at Ashford, he noticed a large crowd congregated about a whipping post, planted in the vicinity, according to the harsh custom of the day. Upon inquiry, he learned that a culprit was to be flogged for non-attendance at church and non-payment of dues. When the sentence was read preparatory to laying on the stripes, observing that the usual clause was omitted requiring the stripes to be applied to the bare back, he jumped from his horse and threw his own coat over the shoulders of the culprit, thus mitigating the force of the blows." "Bold, stern and intrepid as a lion in the battlefield, he was retiring, non-assertive in private life, and inclined to belittle his achievements. Nothing was more distasteful to his mind than display or ostentation."
Certainly, Marcia possesses many of the sterling character traits of her ancestor. Courage, loyalty, a spirit of daring, coupled with an innate modesty, humility and a willingness to serve when duty calls are pronounced characteristics.
If I were asked to put into words that peculiar something which distinguishes Marcia from other individuals, I would say it is the quality of her generosity. She gives herself. She is generous with her time, doing more than her share when called upon. She is generous in her thoughts of others. Their good fortune evokes happiness within her; their accomplishments calls forth her commendation. She is tolerant of their failings. Modest about her own talents, she recognizes and admires the talents of others. If working in a successful group, she is inclined to give the credit to the other persons, a true form of unselfishness.
Though but ten years old when her father, Benjamin Franklin Knowlton, died, the example of true hospitality set in his home has stayed with Marcia, making her the charming hostess she is today. As a little girl, she recalls there were no auto camps or even hotels in the little town of Farmington where she grew up, but the shelter of their home and the bounties of their table were generously and freely extended to even the casual acquaintance.
The home over which Marcia and her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Howells, Salt Lake City Health Commissioner, preside is an inviting one; hospitality, refinement, peace and harmony reign therein. Dr. Howells has not only ably served his community but his Church as well. He fulfilled a mission to Great Britain and upon his return was appointed a member of the Salt Lake Stake Sunday School Superintendency.
Marcia's spiritual nature has found expression in extensive temple work. Genealogy and temple work were activities in which both her father and her mother, Minerva Richards, found great satisfaction. Her mother said shortly before her death: "The crowning joy of my life was the privilege of serving as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple." For many years Sister Minerva Knowlton was a devoted and capable Relief Society leader, being chosen secretary- treasurer of the first Davis Stake Relief Society. Later, she became ward Relief Society president. This position was followed by that of stake president. Of her mother, Marcia could well say, as President Grant did of his widowed mother: "It is a glorious thing to be, like Nephi of old, 'born of goodly parents.' It is of greater value than wealth or precious stones. My mother was both father and mother to me. Her tender love bound me to her with cords of steel, and if I succeed in the battle of life, I will owe it all to her."
In our high school days, I formed a high opinion of the character of Marcia, and during all the years of our friendship she has not disappointed me—no, not once.
Marcia Knowlton Howells
First Counselor
By Mary Giant Judd
IT was characteristic of Marcia Howells that when she was recently chosen as First Counselor to President Amy Brown Lyman in the general presidency of the Relief Society she was greatly surprised. Her personal stock sells low with herself but extremely high with those who know her well. Of this group, I am proud and happy to be one.
We first met at the L. D. S. High School, where Marcia was president of her class and later vice-president of the student body. Since that time, our understanding of and our love for each other have grown apace. I have watched my friend develop from an impetuous school girl, whose high spirits were sometimes hard to keep within bounds, into a mature woman who, though she has kept her enthusiasm, has developed poise, judgment and above all spirituality.
At a recent conference of Relief Society workers. Sister Lyman gave some instructions to the sisters as to the qualifications they should develop in their work. So well has Marcia Howells incorporated them in her activities as a member of the General Board that her president might have been speaking of her. Said Sister Lyman: "When you are appointed to a position, first learn what it means and what your duties are. Appreciate the office you hold and take your work seriously. We are aiming in Relief Society to have all women who hold positions live up to the standards of the Church; people admire our standards. Be orthodox Latter-day Saints. Be prayerful, seek the spirit of the Lord and work for a testimony of the Gospel. Have courage; you must have courage in positions of leadership. Give in on the little things that are not so important, but do not compromise on real principles. Keep a sense of humor. If you do that, discouragement will find no place in you. Be sympathetic and willing to help in any way possible. Be truly enthusiastic and friendly. Be well informed, gracious and humble. In short, be builders in action, through humility, through prayer and through God."
Marcia was called to the General Board early in the year 1929. She came well qualified for the work, having had a good education, four years' teaching experience, and the development that comes from world travel. Her service in the Church as Sunday School, Primary, Religion Class, and Relief Society worker, gave her an intimate understanding of the work of the auxiliaries. For ten years she has not only ably functioned in the regular work of the Relief Society General Board, but her special interest in health and social welfare has brought to her special responsibilities. For several years, she has represented the General Board as a member of the board of directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. In 1939, she acted as state chairman of the May Day- Child Health Day. She has represented the General Board as a member of the Salt Lake City Recreation Council. She attended the National Service Convention held in San Francisco and also a Social Service Institute at Berkeley. Her interest in social welfare has led her to take special educational courses along social service lines. Sister Lyman says of her work, "Marcia is a natural-born executive, with a great capacity for work. She has traveled all over the Church in the interest of Relief Society and never looks for the easiest assignments. If you give her an assignment you can dismiss it from your mind, knowing it will be well taken care of. She is systematic, a good planner, paying careful attention to detail, and she does her work without fuss or trouble. So much of our work is done in committees, and Marcia is a fine committee woman."
IN order to get a clear conception of any individual, one must know something of his background. To me it is always fascinating to open the book of the past and find out about ancestors and trace family traits. Marcia Howells came, on both her father's and mother's side, from a long line of sturdy pioneers, but it took a great amount of questioning to draw from her the fact that on both sides of her family her forbears go back to Revolutionary times, and far beyond. The reasons she gave for being hesitant was that she believes what Plutarch said: "It is indeed a grand thing to be well descended, but the glory of it belongs to our ancestors." In other words, don't live on the achievements of some ancestor but make a record of your own.
Daniel Knowlton, Marcia's great-great-grandfather, was an outstanding patriot of the American Revolution. When his country called, he left his plow in the furrow as "Cincinnatus of old" and willingly responded to duty. Daniel Knowlton once saved the life of Israel Putnam, one of the commanding officers, at the battle of Bunker Hill. From an interesting old record, "The Knowlton Ancestry," I quote: "The night before the Putnam men marched to the relief of Boston, 'Old Put,' as he was called, was noticed to leave his house and silently walk over to a field adjacent, and there look towards Ashford (where Daniel Knowlton lived) for some little time shading his eyes with his hand. Being followed by a neighbor and asked for whom he was looking, the old General ejaculated, 'Gad, Zounds! Had I only Daniel Knowlton to take with me! He alone is worth half a company, such is his courage and lack of fear. I could order him into the mouth of a loaded cannon, and he would go.' " Such a man you might imagine to be stern and forbidding, but such is not the case. "One day," says the record, "as Daniel was riding past a church at Ashford, he noticed a large crowd congregated about a whipping post, planted in the vicinity, according to the harsh custom of the day. Upon inquiry, he learned that a culprit was to be flogged for non-attendance at church and non-payment of dues. When the sentence was read preparatory to laying on the stripes, observing that the usual clause was omitted requiring the stripes to be applied to the bare back, he jumped from his horse and threw his own coat over the shoulders of the culprit, thus mitigating the force of the blows." "Bold, stern and intrepid as a lion in the battlefield, he was retiring, non-assertive in private life, and inclined to belittle his achievements. Nothing was more distasteful to his mind than display or ostentation."
Certainly, Marcia possesses many of the sterling character traits of her ancestor. Courage, loyalty, a spirit of daring, coupled with an innate modesty, humility and a willingness to serve when duty calls are pronounced characteristics.
If I were asked to put into words that peculiar something which distinguishes Marcia from other individuals, I would say it is the quality of her generosity. She gives herself. She is generous with her time, doing more than her share when called upon. She is generous in her thoughts of others. Their good fortune evokes happiness within her; their accomplishments calls forth her commendation. She is tolerant of their failings. Modest about her own talents, she recognizes and admires the talents of others. If working in a successful group, she is inclined to give the credit to the other persons, a true form of unselfishness.
Though but ten years old when her father, Benjamin Franklin Knowlton, died, the example of true hospitality set in his home has stayed with Marcia, making her the charming hostess she is today. As a little girl, she recalls there were no auto camps or even hotels in the little town of Farmington where she grew up, but the shelter of their home and the bounties of their table were generously and freely extended to even the casual acquaintance.
The home over which Marcia and her husband, Dr. Thomas J. Howells, Salt Lake City Health Commissioner, preside is an inviting one; hospitality, refinement, peace and harmony reign therein. Dr. Howells has not only ably served his community but his Church as well. He fulfilled a mission to Great Britain and upon his return was appointed a member of the Salt Lake Stake Sunday School Superintendency.
Marcia's spiritual nature has found expression in extensive temple work. Genealogy and temple work were activities in which both her father and her mother, Minerva Richards, found great satisfaction. Her mother said shortly before her death: "The crowning joy of my life was the privilege of serving as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple." For many years Sister Minerva Knowlton was a devoted and capable Relief Society leader, being chosen secretary- treasurer of the first Davis Stake Relief Society. Later, she became ward Relief Society president. This position was followed by that of stake president. Of her mother, Marcia could well say, as President Grant did of his widowed mother: "It is a glorious thing to be, like Nephi of old, 'born of goodly parents.' It is of greater value than wealth or precious stones. My mother was both father and mother to me. Her tender love bound me to her with cords of steel, and if I succeed in the battle of life, I will owe it all to her."
In our high school days, I formed a high opinion of the character of Marcia, and during all the years of our friendship she has not disappointed me—no, not once.
Lyman, Amy Brown. "Marcia Knowlton Howells." Relief Society Magazine. May 1945. pg. 272-274.
Marcia Knowlton Howells
First Counselor in the General Presidency, 1940-45
President Amy Brown Lyman
DAUGHTER of a Relief Society stake president and relative of one of the two elders who assisted the Prophet Joseph Smith at the organization meeting of the Relief Society, Marcia Knowlton Howells has, since her childhood days, been familiar with Relief Society work and activities, and she has always loved, appreciated, and honored this great woman's auxiliary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Her mother, Minerva Richards Knowlton, was a life-long member of the Society and served for many years with distinction as Relief Society president of Davis Stake, which at that time covered the whole of Davis County. In addition to traveling about, supervising and directing the welfare, health, and civic activities in this progressive unit. Sister Knowlton planned and prepared the courses of study used in her wards. The General Board at that time did not provide, as it does today, a uniform course of study, and stakes were left to prepare their own work. Marcia, no doubt, remembers seeing her mother work long hours and far into the night over her outlines, after a hard day of household activities.
Her grandfather's uncle. Dr. Willard Richards, accompanied Joseph Smith and John Taylor to that important meeting in Nauvoo, Illinois, on March 17, 1842, when the Relief Society was organized, and assisted by acting as temporary secretary until the organization was effected and Eliza R. Snow was appointed permanent secretary. His name is listed among the seven donors who, on that memorable occasion, made charity contributions and thus established the first charity fund of the Society.
With this unusual Relief Society background, a rich heritage in itself for a Relief Society worker, with her long years of service in the organization, and with her exceptional ability, Sister Howells has been able to make outstanding contributions to the Relief Society cause in both ward and stake as well as on the General Board.
I first met Marcia Knowlton at the summer cottage of Sister Heber J. Grant at Brighton where we were both guests. I was immediately attracted to her because of her charming and interesting personality, her fine qualities of heart and mind, and her boundless energy and interest in life. And from that time on I have loved and admired her and have enjoyed association with her as a fellow worker in civic and Church activities.
SISTER HOWELLS was called to the General Board of Relief Society on February 2, 1929, and on January 1, 1940 was appointed first counselor in the general presidency. As a Board member she has given generously of her time to important committee work, and has traveled extensively throughout the Church attending stake and mission conferences and conventions.
Her work in the general presidency has been largely of an administrative nature. As manager of the temple and burial clothes department and general director of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, she has demonstrated unusual executive and managerial ability, carrying forward her labors in these connections with efficiency, diligence, and dispatch, and achieving, withal, phenomenal success.
Directing the work of these two important departments, always a challenge, has been especially taxing the last few years because of the shortage of materials and merchandise and because of war restrictions; but Sister Howells has always regarded this assignment as a rare privilege which she has enjoyed. She appreciates the distinctive and important service and opportunity these projects provide or offer to the people of the Church.
As a member of the general Church Welfare committee, with special assignment to the clothing committee, and as work director on the General Board, Sister Howells has given time and attention to the clothing and sewing plans of the Church Welfare program, and to the sewing activities which are carried on in the regular work meetings of the Society. She has also assisted with the preparation of that portion of the General Welfare budget which has to do with the clothing program.
Sister Howells has represented the General Board in many community activities, notably those which have had to do with health and welfare work. She was state chairman of the May Day—Child Health Day in 1939. She is at present a valued member of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. She recently helped to direct the establishment of the splendid library of which the U.S.O. of Salt Lake City has been so proud. In 1939, she attended the National Conference of Social Workers at San Francisco, following which she attended a social service institute at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1941 in company with Sister Donna D. Sorensen, she represented the Society at the biennial meeting of the National Council of Women.
Sister Howells has been a wise, safe, and helpful counselor. Blessed with intelligence, broad experience, and sound judgment, and fortified with a burning testimony of the gospel and with an understanding of the responsibilities and obligations resting upon those who serve in a Church capacity, she has been able to recognize the relative importance and value of the many questions and problems presented for consideration and action, and to help to make wise, reasonable, and safe decisions.
She is an able presiding officer and a gifted and fluent public speaker, with an excellent vocabulary. She gave promise of these fine qualities of leadership when, as a young woman, she served as president of her class at the L.D.S. high school, and as vice-president of the student body of that institution; also later during her four-year period of teaching.
She was educated in the public schools of Farmington, at the L.D.S. high school and University of Utah, preparing herself for the teaching profession at the latter institution. In 1910, she was married to Dr. Thomas J. Howells, a leading physician of the State, and an able and progressive specialist in the field of public health. He was for many years the Salt Lake City health commissioner, in which position he gave excellent service, and is at present a member of the State Board of Health.
Sister Howells is a generous, devoted, and unselfish friend. She is never happier than when doing something for others. When her friends are in trouble she is among the first to visit and comfort them, I count it as one of the distinctive privileges of my life to associate with and share work with Marcia Knowlton Howells.
Marcia Knowlton Howells
First Counselor in the General Presidency, 1940-45
President Amy Brown Lyman
DAUGHTER of a Relief Society stake president and relative of one of the two elders who assisted the Prophet Joseph Smith at the organization meeting of the Relief Society, Marcia Knowlton Howells has, since her childhood days, been familiar with Relief Society work and activities, and she has always loved, appreciated, and honored this great woman's auxiliary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Her mother, Minerva Richards Knowlton, was a life-long member of the Society and served for many years with distinction as Relief Society president of Davis Stake, which at that time covered the whole of Davis County. In addition to traveling about, supervising and directing the welfare, health, and civic activities in this progressive unit. Sister Knowlton planned and prepared the courses of study used in her wards. The General Board at that time did not provide, as it does today, a uniform course of study, and stakes were left to prepare their own work. Marcia, no doubt, remembers seeing her mother work long hours and far into the night over her outlines, after a hard day of household activities.
Her grandfather's uncle. Dr. Willard Richards, accompanied Joseph Smith and John Taylor to that important meeting in Nauvoo, Illinois, on March 17, 1842, when the Relief Society was organized, and assisted by acting as temporary secretary until the organization was effected and Eliza R. Snow was appointed permanent secretary. His name is listed among the seven donors who, on that memorable occasion, made charity contributions and thus established the first charity fund of the Society.
With this unusual Relief Society background, a rich heritage in itself for a Relief Society worker, with her long years of service in the organization, and with her exceptional ability, Sister Howells has been able to make outstanding contributions to the Relief Society cause in both ward and stake as well as on the General Board.
I first met Marcia Knowlton at the summer cottage of Sister Heber J. Grant at Brighton where we were both guests. I was immediately attracted to her because of her charming and interesting personality, her fine qualities of heart and mind, and her boundless energy and interest in life. And from that time on I have loved and admired her and have enjoyed association with her as a fellow worker in civic and Church activities.
SISTER HOWELLS was called to the General Board of Relief Society on February 2, 1929, and on January 1, 1940 was appointed first counselor in the general presidency. As a Board member she has given generously of her time to important committee work, and has traveled extensively throughout the Church attending stake and mission conferences and conventions.
Her work in the general presidency has been largely of an administrative nature. As manager of the temple and burial clothes department and general director of the Mormon Handicraft Shop, she has demonstrated unusual executive and managerial ability, carrying forward her labors in these connections with efficiency, diligence, and dispatch, and achieving, withal, phenomenal success.
Directing the work of these two important departments, always a challenge, has been especially taxing the last few years because of the shortage of materials and merchandise and because of war restrictions; but Sister Howells has always regarded this assignment as a rare privilege which she has enjoyed. She appreciates the distinctive and important service and opportunity these projects provide or offer to the people of the Church.
As a member of the general Church Welfare committee, with special assignment to the clothing committee, and as work director on the General Board, Sister Howells has given time and attention to the clothing and sewing plans of the Church Welfare program, and to the sewing activities which are carried on in the regular work meetings of the Society. She has also assisted with the preparation of that portion of the General Welfare budget which has to do with the clothing program.
Sister Howells has represented the General Board in many community activities, notably those which have had to do with health and welfare work. She was state chairman of the May Day—Child Health Day in 1939. She is at present a valued member of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Utah Tuberculosis Association. She recently helped to direct the establishment of the splendid library of which the U.S.O. of Salt Lake City has been so proud. In 1939, she attended the National Conference of Social Workers at San Francisco, following which she attended a social service institute at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1941 in company with Sister Donna D. Sorensen, she represented the Society at the biennial meeting of the National Council of Women.
Sister Howells has been a wise, safe, and helpful counselor. Blessed with intelligence, broad experience, and sound judgment, and fortified with a burning testimony of the gospel and with an understanding of the responsibilities and obligations resting upon those who serve in a Church capacity, she has been able to recognize the relative importance and value of the many questions and problems presented for consideration and action, and to help to make wise, reasonable, and safe decisions.
She is an able presiding officer and a gifted and fluent public speaker, with an excellent vocabulary. She gave promise of these fine qualities of leadership when, as a young woman, she served as president of her class at the L.D.S. high school, and as vice-president of the student body of that institution; also later during her four-year period of teaching.
She was educated in the public schools of Farmington, at the L.D.S. high school and University of Utah, preparing herself for the teaching profession at the latter institution. In 1910, she was married to Dr. Thomas J. Howells, a leading physician of the State, and an able and progressive specialist in the field of public health. He was for many years the Salt Lake City health commissioner, in which position he gave excellent service, and is at present a member of the State Board of Health.
Sister Howells is a generous, devoted, and unselfish friend. She is never happier than when doing something for others. When her friends are in trouble she is among the first to visit and comfort them, I count it as one of the distinctive privileges of my life to associate with and share work with Marcia Knowlton Howells.