Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Oklahoma City's culture is a vibrant blend of Southern influences, Native American heritage, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its local specialties like chicken-fried steak and barbecue. Music and arts thrive in Oklahoma City, with venues like the Civic Center Music Hall and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Oklahoma History Center. Historically, Oklahoma City has grown from a frontier settlement into a vibrant urban center, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of rolling plains, river valleys, and urban landscapes, with natural landmarks such as the North Canadian River and the nearby Great Plains, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

CLIMATE

The climate is humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with average temperatures around 94°F, while winters are mild, averaging 40°F, with occasional snowfall. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed 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 Roman Catholicism, Baptist, and Methodist.

INDUSTRIES

Energy: The region has a strong energy sector with major employers like Devon Energy excelling in oil and gas production.

Aerospace: Companies like Boeing lead in aerospace manufacturing and technology.

Healthcare: The area supports a robust healthcare industry with companies like INTEGRIS Health excelling in medical services and patient care.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Festival of the Arts, celebrating visual and performing arts; the Redbud Classic, featuring a community race and fitness events; and the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, commemorating the lives lost in the 1995 bombing.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, known for its extensive Western art and history exhibits; the Science Museum Oklahoma, featuring interactive science exhibits; and the Oklahoma City Zoo, offering diverse animal exhibits.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, fishing, and boating, with major parks like Lake Hefner and Myriad Botanical Gardens being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

Some of the first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oklahoma did construction work in the Cherokee Nation in 1847. They preached about the Church until antagonism forced one Church member to leave the area. In June 1855, Latter-day Saint missionary headquarters for the Native American territory were created. As early as July, missionaries preached to some 400 Native Americans. Many missionaries suffered from illnesses such as malaria from serving in the area, and at least four died. By 1860, most missionaries left for Utah. The Civil War scattered many members and leaders.

In 1887, a few missionaries, still plagued by ill health, returned to Oklahoma. Missionary publications were translated into the Cherokee language. In 1892, the first meetinghouse was erected in Manard, Cherokee County. In 1921, a congregation was created in Gore, Oklahoma, with 113 members.

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!

Oklahoma City Mission Group

Oklahoma City Mission 1991-95 Group

Friends from Oklahoma City Mission Group

Oklahoma City Mission (OOCM) Pre-2000 Group

Oklahoma City Stake Mission Prep Class Group