Sarah's involvement in the church led to the establishment of the women's Relief Society, as well as participation in the national suffrage movement.

There, a teenage Sarah attended Smith's School of the Prophets, which focused on religious and secular education.

Sarah desired to contribute to the construction efforts, but felt uncomfortable donating since Hiram was not a member of the church.

A dozen Latter Day Saint sisters gathered in hopes of "forming a 'Ladies Society' for future service projects".

[2] Eliza R. Snow assisted in creating formal guidelines for the organizations and preparing them for Smith's approval.

[1] However, Sarah made the initial journey alone with the children, as Hiram's business required him to stay in New York for some time.

"[6] In 1858 Brigham Young offered a solution that her husband Hiram should stand as proxy during her sealing to Joseph Smith.

"[3]: 11  The construction of the 15th Ward Relief Society Hall was intended to inspire similar endeavors by sisters throughout the church.

[3]: 10 In addition to her ward calling, Sarah served as the general secretary of the Relief Society starting in 1880, after it was reorganized under the leadership of Snow.