Jill Mulvay Derr shared thoughts from the life of Eliza R. Snow in the Hinkley Center on Nov. 11.
Derr studied and researched Eliza R. Snow for many years. A biography written by Derr will soon be released, detailing the influence Snow had in Church history.
Scott Cameron attended the event and is a friend of Derr. He shared that 22 other friends had come to support her as well. They have all been friends since college, and Derr had an impact on each of them.
“Jill has taught us over the years, just by her comments on our study group and giving examples from people in Church history to help illustrate points of doctrine,” Scott Cameron said.
Scott Cameron elaborated that he and the other friends are looking forward to Derr’s publication of the biography of Snow, as well as a collection of Snow’s poetry.
Janet Cannon, another friend of Derr’s, shared how she learned more about Snow’s involvement with the Relief Society being brought to the stake and general levels, whereas in the early days of the Church it was only at the ward level.
“She is the ultimate expert in Eliza R. Snow. I mean, she's revered for her knowledge of this woman,” Cannon said, speaking of Derr
Cannon shared how the song "O My Father," written by Snow and sung at the beginning of the lecture, is one reason she loves Snow and her poetry.
Lori Boyer, also a friend of Derr, agreed with Cannon. They expressed how the words of the song are precious to them because of the truths shared in the song.
Boyer continued that Snow’s poetry has always touched her because of the depth that it brings. She said that what was shared about Eliza R. Snow reminded her of Derr.
"She studied all this, but she remembers it,” Boyer said. "I think a lot of Eliza has rubbed off on her."
Susie Cameron, a student at BYU, attended the event with some of her friends. She was inspired by Snow’s commitment to the "retrenchment" movement, inviting the Relief Society members to simplify their lives, remove excesses and increase their self-reliance.
“I like clothes a lot too, but she, for the retrenchment movement, she had to give up her fashion," Susie Cameron said. "That's something that I can do too."
Preston Bennett, a BYU student who attended the event, said he thought it was interesting learning about different aspects of Church history that he hadn’t heard about before.
Bennett said he felt a call to action through Derr’s words of “giving yourself to God and letting Him guide you.”