Primary

The first Primary was organized on Aug. 25, 1878 in Farmington, Utah after Aurelia Spencer Rogers brought the idea to Church leaders. She felt the children in her neighborhood needed more guidance and gospel instruction. She had a vision that the children were the “key to the future”. After the Primary was established in Farmington, General Relief Society President Eliza R. Snow and other female Church leaders traveled through Utah to establish Primary associations in other parts of the state.

Sister Louie B. Felt became the first General Primary President over all Primaries in 1888. The Children’s Friend magazine for Primary children was first printed in 1902. The first Primary meeting included about 200 children ages 6-14, but today the organization serves almost 1 million children ages 18 months to 11 years old around the world. Read more about the history of the Primary here..

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes a “home centered, church supported” approach to gospel learning. The Come, Follow Me curriculum of scripture study offers resources for both Primary teachers and parents to teach gospel principles in age-appropriate ways. Children learning to develop Christlike attributes such as patience and kindness at home can have those lessons reinforced at church as they learn together with their peers. Explore the Come, Follow Me manual here.

Children can be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after they turn eight years old are regularly attending church, have permission from their parents, and have met with their bishop to discuss the covenants—or sacred promises—they make with God at baptism.

They are then baptized in water by immersion by someone holding the priesthood authority from God, are given the gift of the Holy Ghost by that same priesthood authority, and become official members of Jesus Christ’s Church. Learn more about baptism here.

Children of all ages are welcome at worship services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They can sit with family and friends as they listen to talks, sing hymns, and take the Sacrament (similar to Communion) during the main worship service. Children who have been baptized may also be invited to pray or speak in this and other Church meetings. During the second hour of church children can learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ in Primary with their peers through lessons and activities in class and singing time.

Church buildings generally feature, diaper changing stations in restrooms, a mothers’ lounge for nursing, and other accommodations for young families. All classes and activities for children have two adults present at all times. Find a church near you here.

In addition to gospel learning and singing time together on Sundays, children of all ages can participate in special Primary activities for their whole family, such as holiday parties or community service activities.

In most areas, Primary activities are held twice-a-month for children ages eight and up and are focused on helping them draw closer to Jesus Christ and strengthen friendships. These activities could include serving others, cooking, sports, games, field trips, camps and more.