Washington Tacoma Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Tacoma's culture is a dynamic blend of historical significance and modern innovation, heavily influenced by its maritime and industrial heritage. The city's culinary scene features local favorites like Pacific Northwest seafood and farm-to-table dishes. Music and arts thrive in Tacoma, with performances at the Tacoma Opera and exhibits at the Tacoma Art Museum. Historical sites such as the LeMay – America’s Car Museum offer insights into the region's past, particularly its growth during the early 20th century. Tacoma's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the Pacific Northwest.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, coastal shores, and mountain ranges, with natural landmarks such as the Puget Sound and the nearby Mount Rainier, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

CLIMATE

The climate is temperate maritime with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. Summer temperatures average around 75°F, while winter temperatures average around 35°F. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the wettest months being November and December.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Roman Catholicism, Lutheran, and Methodist.

INDUSTRIES

Aerospace: The area supports a strong aerospace industry with major employers like Boeing excelling in aircraft manufacturing and innovation.

Technology: The region has a growing technology sector with companies like Microsoft excelling in software solutions and services.

Maritime: The area supports a robust maritime industry with companies like Port of Tacoma excelling in shipping and logistics.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Northwest Holiday Market, celebrating local crafts and community; the Tacoma Film Festival, showcasing independent films; and the Tacoma Arts Month, featuring a variety of arts and cultural activities.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Museum of Glass, known for its contemporary glass art exhibits; the Washington State History Museum, featuring historical exhibits; and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, offering diverse animal exhibits and marine life.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, kayaking, and biking, with major parks like Point Defiance Park and Owen Beach being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

In 1854, four missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in California were sent to labor in the Washington and Oregon territories. Enough converts joined to form a congregation along the Lewis River. During those early years, animosity against the Church members was so strong in Washington that when one convert died in 1911, her grave was dedicated secretly at night.

Many Church members helped with Washington's railroad construction for the Northern Pacific Oregon Short Line in the 1880s. In 1930, Church membership in Washington was 1,900 in eight congregations, with chapels in Everett, Spokane, Seattle, and Olympia. Many members flocked to the state with the completion of the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in the early 1940s. A temple was completed in Seattle in 1980.

The Spokane and Columbia River Washington Temples were completed and dedicated in 1999 and 2001, respectively.

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!

Tacoma President Kent Bowen 2008-11 Group

Tacoma Mission 2005-08 President Pearson Group

Tacoma President Douglas Weaver 2011-14 Group

Washington Tacoma Mission (Stone) Group

Washington Tacoma Mission Moms Group

Our Tacoma Washington Mission Winger’s Group

Tacoma Missionaries!!! Facebook Group

Tacoma Mission Missionaries of Spanish Group

Tacoma Mission Moms (LDS) Group

Tacoma Mission 1991-Present Facebook Group

Tacoma Mission 1995-1998 Facebook Group

Tacoma Mission Facebook Group