The Story of Primary
Stories from the Founding of the Primary Organization
The Founding of the Primary Organization
A History of the Primary Organization
Under the direction of the priesthood, the first Primary was organized. This organization for children has approximately one million attending.
Primary Celebrates 140 Years
Primary’s mission is to help children feel Heavenly Father’s love and develop an understanding of their divine identity.
Primary Makes Me Happy
An online exhibit from the Church History Museum celebrating the history of Primary.
Primary Organization Research Guide
This guide is designed to assist you in finding and accessing resources about the Primary’s history, leadership, materials, and programs.
Primary General Presidents
Aurelia Spencer Rogers
Primary Founder 1878
Eliza R. Snow
De Facto General Primary President 1878–1887
Louie Bouton Felt
First General Primary President 1880–1925
May Anderson
Second General Primary President 1925–1939
May Green Hinckley
Third General Primary President 1940–1943
Adele Cannon Howells
Fourth General Primary President 1943–1951
LaVern Watts Parmley
Fifth General Primary President 1951–1974
Naomi Maxfield Shumway
Sixth General Primary President 1974–1980
Dwan Jacobsen Young
Seventh General Primary President 1980–1988
Michaelene Packer Grassli
Eighth General Primary President 1988–1994
Patricia Peterson Pinegar
Ninth General Primary President 1994–1999
Coleen Kent Menlove
Tenth General Primary President 1999–2005
Cheryl C. Lant
Eleventh General Primary President 2005–2010
Rosemary M. Wixom
Twelfth General Primary President 2010–2016
Joy D. Jones
Thirteenth General Primary President 2016–2021
Camille N. Johnson
Fourteenth General Primary President 2021–2022
Susan H. Porter
Fifteenth
General Primary President 2022–Present