Kansas Wichita Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Wichita's culture is a vibrant blend of Midwestern hospitality, agricultural traditions, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene includes local favorites such as barbecue and a growing farm-to-table movement. Music and arts thrive in Wichita, with venues like the Orpheum Theatre hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its aviation heritage with institutions like the Mid-America All-Indian Museum. Historically, Wichita has grown from a trading post into a bustling urban center, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features flat to gently rolling plains, with natural landmarks such as the Arkansas River and numerous scenic areas offering a blend of urban and rural landscapes.

CLIMATE

The climate is humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with average temperatures around 93°F, while winters are cold, averaging 32°F, with moderate snowfall. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with the wettest months being May and June.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include United Methodist, Roman Catholicism, and Southern Baptist.

INDUSTRIES

Aerospace: The region is known for its strong aerospace industry with companies like Spirit AeroSystems excelling in aircraft manufacturing and design.

Agriculture: The area supports a robust agricultural sector with companies like Cargill excelling in grain and livestock production.

Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is significant with companies like Johnson Controls excelling in building products and technology solutions.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Wichita Riverfest, celebrating local culture and community; the Old Cowtown Museum's Cowboy Christmas, showcasing historical reenactments; and the Wichita Fall Festival, featuring local arts, crafts, and food.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Exploration Place, known for its science and discovery exhibits; the Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, featuring beautiful horticultural displays; and the Kansas Aviation Museum, offering insights into aviation history.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, biking, and fishing, with major parks like Sedgwick County Park and Chisholm Creek Park being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

Members of the Shawnee and Delaware tribes in the Kansas area welcomed missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1831. Church members who volunteered in 1846 for U.S. military service in the Mormon Battalion were trained and equipped in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. For Church members emigrating from Europe, the Atchison, Kansas, area became a layover site on the journey to the Salt Lake Valley. In 1855, at a camp called Mormon Grove, more than 100 acres of crops were cultivated for future immigrants later that year.

In 1882, missionaries arrived in Kansas and organized the Meridian Branch on the border between Dickinson and Salina counties. Missionaries left Kansas temporarily after mob threats but returned in 1887.

The first stake in Kansas was organized in June 1962, and today there are seven stakes with over 38,000 members. Church members regularly contribute to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts across the state.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

Wichita Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group

Kansas Wichita Mission LDS Facebook Group