The Friend

The Friend, formerly titled The Children's Friend, is a monthly children's magazine published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It is aimed at those of Primary age, approximately ages 3 through 12. It includes messages from church leaders, stories, crafts, recipes, and artwork and poetry submitted by readers. History Origin Some have traced the precedent for The Friend to George Q. Cannon's establishment of the Juvenile Instructor as a "first-class child's paper" in January 1866. Over time though this periodical shifted to being under the organization of the Deseret Sunday School Union and became more aimed at teachers than children. The church's Primary organization was formed in 1878. In 1890, the Free Public School Act was passed by the Utah Territorial, establishing schools in the territory. Funded by taxpayers, LDS Church doctrine could not be taught in the public schools, which concerned the Primary General President, Louie B. Felt, who said, "If there was a time when it was important to attend to the spiritual education of our children, it is now when so many of our little ones attend the district school, where religion is forbidden to be taught." May Anderson, secretary to the Primary General Presidency, first suggested the idea for a periodical for children in 1893. The Children's Friend was ultimately under control of the Primary organization.