A Brief History of the CTR Ring

One of the most recognizable symbols of faith among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a simple silver adjustable ring consisting of a green shield and the three letters CTR. The CTR ring was created over 40 years ago as a type of "Badge of Belief" for LDS youth. Today the CTR shield is still found on rings as well as other jewelry, clothing and gifts.

HISTORY

In the 1970's a committee consisting of: Noami W. Randall, Norma Nichols, Virginia Cannon, Vauna Jacobsen, Ruth Clinger, Virginia Bryner, Jean Hughes and Helen Evans; was tasked with creating a symbol of faith that could be incorporated into the instruction of LDS youth. What the committee came up with was a simple green shield with the letters CTR symbolizing "choose the right". The ring was designed with the letters CTR encased in a shield representing a shield from temptation. The green background was added to represent the evergreen tree which "stays constant from season to season".

For a short time, the committee considered dropping "the" from "choose the right". Norma Nichols recalled weighing the decision to exclude the word "the". In then end she felt the right decision had been made because "choosing the right" had a significantly different meaning than "choosing right". There being only one only one way, meant choosing the right makes all the difference. No one could have imagined how well the emblem would be embraced church wide. In the 1970 the church added a new "CTR" program to the primary curriculum for six and seven year old children.

TODAY

A CTR ring is as common among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a cross is among Christians or a rosary among Catholics. Is it a fad? Is it trendy to wear a CTR ring? LDS youth throughout the church would declare wearing a CTR ring makes a statement about the values they hold.

PURCHASING

The first CTR ring was made of nickel and platinum and was available through the church for a mere 35 cents. Today a similar adjustable ring cost one dollar at the Church Distribution Center. However, the LDS church has licensed the rights to manufacture CTR rings and other CTR related products. Today there are three major manufacturers of CTR rings which combined sell hundreds of thousands of rings a year. CTR rings are sold in typical brick and mortar retail stores.