In the summer of 1899, Sacrament Program Distributors (Saccies as they were called) went on strike demanding fair working conditions, a pay increase, and basic human dignity. They were led by the charismatic duo of Kid Water and Little Boy Bread. Though the strike was long and bloody, it ultimately led to Lorenzo Snow granting the strikers’ demands, despite the financial hardship that the church was experiencing at the time. These events ultimately gave rise to his famous “Windows of Heaven” speech.

Rather than delivering Sacrament Programs to people’s houses in the hot sun, the Saccies were allowed to stay at the doors of the church building and hand them out in the shade of the church awning. Moreover, their pay was doubled from $0/100 programs to $0/50 programs. Perhaps most importantly, in a concession still in effect today, their name was changed from the sterile Sacrament Program Distributors to the more pleasant-sounding Ward Greeter. They also received vouchers for a 10% discount to get into heaven, but that practice was discontinued in the 1980s.

As you read your Sacrament Program, remember all the brave young men and women who fought for the rights we have today!