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This devotional address entitled,

The Qualities Needed for Greatness,

was given on March 11th of 1969 by Bell S. Spafford,

then Relief Society General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is certainly an inspiration and also a challenge to speak before so large a group of

college students.

I appreciate very much the wonderful introduction given me by President Covey.

He referred to the 24 years of service, which I have given as President of Relief Society.

It may be of interest to you young students to know a little of my beginning years and particularly of my call.

I well remember I had been serving as a counselor to Sister Lyman in the presidency.

The first presidency called me to their office. And just before I left for the office,

Sister Lyman had advised me that she was to be released at the forthcoming General Conference,

and a new president was to be appointed. And she said offhand, it is by understanding that from now on,

the auxiliary heads are to be called for a period of five years only.

I went over to the office of the first presidency and was told that the next morning in the opening session of the General Conference,

my name would be presented for a sustaining vote of the church membership as the new general president of Relief Society.

And all I could think of was five years. And I thought, if I can stand

it for five years, maybe I can get by. And it's amazing how stupid one can be under such circumstances.

And I said to the brethren,

...