I got my first CTR ring for my 12th Christmas. This was a monumental event in my young manhood. I would be getting my first “real” CTR ring and receiving the Aaronic priesthood within a one month period.
I was thrilled to finally be upgrading from my adjustable CTR ring that turned my finger green to a sterling silver CTR ring. I wore my CTR ring everyday. Not only did my ring serve as a constant reminder of the importance of the principles of the gospel I had been taught since I was in the Primary, but it also served as a reminder if I was ever faced with temptation.
My CTR ring and I had been through thick and thin together. A lot came from this little simple piece of metal wrapped around my finger. I lost it several times (only to find it each time after fervent prayer), threw it away (and found it again), it served a 2 year mission in Spain, and even inspired a business selling CTR rings on the internet!
My CTR ring definitely withstood the test of time, as has the symbol throughout The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But how did such a prominent symbol of our faith come to be?
The Church of Jesus Christ has used the CTR ring as a symbol of faith for over 55 years. The letters on the green shield, meaning “Choose The Right”, have a strong history and a meaning that goes much deeper than just a symbol for many of its 17.5 million members. Ever since the Church started using “CTR,” both on rings and in teaching manuals, it has grown to become a fashion statement and outward expression of faith for those that bear the symbolic logo.
In the early 1970s, eight women assigned to a committee by the church coined the idea of the ring. Naomi W. Randall, the lyricist of the Primary song “I Am a Child of God,” headed the committee and recommended that the Church incorporate some kind of “badge of belief” into the doctrinal teachings for the boys and girls of the Church.
Norma Nichols, also a member of the committee said, “Back then boys didn’t wear necklaces and earrings, so a ring seemed like a good idea.” The idea was for the shield to protect its bearers from temptation, and the green background of the shield was used to symbolize the evergreen tree – a tree that stays true and constant as the seasons change.
Once the design was finalized, Coy Miles—then president of a Salt Lake City jewelry company—was contracted to design the actual ring, while Joel Izatt was asked to create the artwork for the teaching materials.
In 1970, Gordon B. Hinckley, who was an apostle of the church at the time, officially announced the new “CTR” curriculum in a Church-wide conference. It was to be implemented as a part of the doctrine being taught to children ages 6 and 7.
As part of the new program, each child of the Church was given one of the new CTR rings, taught its symbolic meaning, and also taught how it can help them make the right decisions in life. Since then, the saying “Choose the Right” and its concepts have been taught to all the Latter-day Saint, Primary-aged children of the Church.
Beyond its teachings in the Church, the CTR symbol has been put on rings in over 40 different languages including pop-culture languages such as Klingon, Elvish and even Binary. Art, bracelets, and other accessories that bear the CTR shield have also become popular, especially amongst the youth of the church.
Since the letters CTR inside a shield are a registered trademark of the Church, companies pay royalties in exchange for rights to use the symbol on their own Latter-day Saint memorabilia. Thousands of CTR rings are sold through online retailers as well as actual brick and mortar stores—even generic retail stores where Church membership is prominent.
In recent years, the Church has introduced new “Emblems of Belonging” that children and youth can wear to remind themselves of their faith and encourage them to continue along the covenant path. Included in these emblems is a ring that children receive when they turn 8 years old and are baptized. With its nostalgic shield design, this new ring is very reminiscent of the original CTR ring, but the letters are replaced by temple spires to help children look forward to one day entering the temple.
However, members of the Church throughout the world still proudly wear their CTR rings, shirts, and necklaces to show their commitment and devotion to the Church, and to remind themselves to stand up for what is right. Symbolism within the Church is found abundantly, but this symbol is one of the most meaningful in my life.
Brandon is a husband, father, and business owner. Brandon has served in various church capacities including a missionary in Madrid, Spain, Young Men’s Presidency, Executive Secretary, temple worker, and Elders Quorum Presidency. He enjoys playing basketball, traveling, woodworking, yardwork, and discovering life with his twins.
As you grow older it also stands for Christ The Rock – the sure foundation upon which we build, and Current Temple Recommend – keeping yourself Temple worthy.
These have been the mainstay of my life for a long time.