“The Church in USA—Washington,” New Era, Feb. 2009, 38

The Church in USA—Washington

In 1854, four missionaries 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, dislike for Church members was so strong in Washington that when one convert died in 1911, her grave had to be dedicated secretly at night.

Many Church members helped with Washington’s railroad construction in the 1880s. In 1930, Church membership in Washington was 1,900, with chapels in Everett, Spokane, Seattle, and Olympia. Temples in Washington include the Seattle (1980), Spokane (1999), and Columbia River Washington Temples (2001).

Here are a few facts about the Church today in Washington:

Membership	253,166
Missions	5
Temples	3
Congregations	495
Family History Centers	79