Church Security Plan In 1933 the First Presidency requested that each stake president conduct a survey indicating what resources they had available, their areas of need, and what employment opportunities there were. Stakes were urged to develop community enterprises where able bodied members could find employment. Local priesthood leaders were to look to the needs of their members and help them become self-reliant and not dependent on government agencies. By 1935 it appeared that many local units had fallen short. A churchwide survey conducted under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric indicated that approximately 18 percent of the members of the Church were either receiving Church or government relief (88,460 persons). "Further study revealed that between 11,500 and 16,500 of these persons did not actually need this relief."48 Concerned over such statistics, the First Presidency inaugurated the Security Plan at general conference inApril 1936. "The announced objective set forthe Church under this Program was toprovidebyOctober 1,1936, by a wholly voluntary system of gifts in cash or in kind, sufficient food, fuel, clothing, and bedding to supply through the coming winter, every needy and worthy Church family unable to furnish these for itself, in order that no member of the Church should suffer in these times of stress and emergency."49 At the October General Conference President Grant explained the purpose of the Church Security Plan was "to set up a system under which the curse of idleness will be done away with, the evils of the dole abolished and independence, industry, thrift, and self-respect be once more established among our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle in the lives of our Church members."50 The responsibility for the program rested primarily with the bishop of the ward who was to draw on all ward organizations to assist him. If more help was needed than the ward could provide, the bishop could draw on the stake, then the region, and finally the office of the Presiding Bishopric for assistance. In 1937 it was announced that sewing and canning centers were to be established. These would be directed by Relief Society officers who would act under the direction of priesthood leaders. Home training was established to help mothers learn the art of baking, sewing, and etc. Bishop's storehouses were also to be established for the storage and distribution of fuel, food and clothing. These materials were to come primarily from ward members.51 The Morgan Stake opened a storehouse 3 March 1937 in the Dale Pingree Produce building. The newspaper of Morgan reported: This is a part of the LD.S. Church Security Program, and is under the direction of the Stake Presidency, Stake Relief Society President and the Bishops of the wards. Donations of food and clothing will be accepted, and the general public is urged to support the drive. The produce and articles collected are to be used for church people who are in need. 130