May Anderson: Second General Primary President and First Editor of 'The Children's Friend'

May Anderson emigrated with her parents from England to Salt Lake City in 1883 and became the close friend, secretary, and successor of Louie B. Felt, the first general president of the Primary. Hesitant when first asked to serve—'What do I know about your work?'—she was assured by Sister Felt, 'I believe it is your calling,' and served with the Primary for some thirty-five years. In January 1902, with May Anderson as editor, Louie Felt presided over the first publication of "The Children's Friend," the Church's official magazine for children; May wrote its lessons, shifting from rote catechism to stories and thought questions. She became the second general president of the Primary and testified: 'I am mother over more children than any woman, for I claim 50,000 children as mine, while I hold this position; and I pray every night and morning of my life that God will give me strength and ability to help to train them.' Her life—worn out in service to the children of the Church—is a testimony that in serving the little ones, one serves the Lord.