Washington Yakima Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Yakima's culture is deeply influenced by its agricultural and wine production heritage. The city's culinary scene features fresh produce and award-winning wines from local vineyards. Music and arts thrive with performances at the Capitol Theatre and exhibits at the Yakima Valley Museum. Historical sites such as the Fort Simcoe highlight the region's development during the 19th century. Yakima's cultural fabric reflects a strong sense of community and historical pride.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, river valleys, and agricultural lands, with natural landmarks such as the Yakima River and the nearby Cascade Range, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

CLIMATE

The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average around 88°F, while winter temperatures average around 30°F. Rainfall is sparse, with the majority occurring in spring and fall, and snowfall is infrequent but possible in winter.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

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

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The area supports a strong agricultural industry with major employers like Tree Top excelling in fruit processing and production.

Wine Production: The region has a significant wine production industry with companies like Ste. Michelle Wine Estates leading in vineyard management and wine production.

Manufacturing: The area has a robust manufacturing industry with companies like Monson Fruit Company excelling in fruit packing and distribution.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Central Washington State Fair, celebrating local agriculture and community; the Yakima Folklife Festival, showcasing music and cultural traditions; and the Yakima River Canyon Marathon, featuring scenic runs and community gatherings.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Yakima Valley Museum, known for its historical exhibits; the Yakima Sportsman State Park, featuring outdoor activities and natural beauty; and the Wanapum Heritage Center, offering insights into the indigenous history of the area.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, fishing, and wine tasting, with major parks like Yakima Sportsman State Park and Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park 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!