Mission guide
California Modesto Mission
The California Modesto Mission serves a Central Valley community shaped by railroads, agriculture, and strong local history.
- English
- Spanish
California Modesto Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
California Modesto Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
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California Modesto Mission Heart Map Shirt
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California Modesto Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Missionaries speak English and Spanish while serving local congregations and communities.
At a glance
- Mission
- California Modesto Mission
- Main city
- Modesto, 218,464 people (2020)
- Languages
- English and Spanish
- Time zone
- Pacific Time (UTC−8 in standard time)
- Climate
- Hot-summer Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and cool to mild rainy winters
- Church in California
- 725,648 members, 145 stakes, 1,085 congregations
A short history of the area
Agriculture and irrigation helped the city grow. Modesto's official motto is “Water Wealth Contentment Health.” The city also became known for its connection to George Lucas and the cruising scenes portrayed in American Graffiti.
The Church here
- 1846Latter-day Saint immigrants first arrived in San Francisco, and the Mormon Battalion arrived in San Diego in January.
- 1850The Latter-day Saint colony of New Hope was founded in California, and the first Church building was completed.
- 1851Church leaders encouraged colonization in San Bernardino to strengthen a travel route from the coast to Utah.
- 1920sA land boom attracted many Church members to California.
- 2015–2018The California Modesto Mission operated for a previous period.
- 2022A temple for Modesto was announced in April.
- 2024The California Modesto Mission was reinstated after the earlier 2015–2018 mission.
Temples nearby
Modesto California Temple
Opening soon · Near Modesto
Sunnyvale California Temple
Announced · About 60 miles from Modesto
Sacramento California Temple
Dedicated September 3, 2006 · About 70 miles from Modesto
Oakland California Temple
Dedicated November 17, 1964 · About 70 miles from Modesto
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- HolaHello
- Buenos díasGood morning
- ¿Cómo está?How are you?
- GraciasThank you
Foods to try
- Grain (an important agricultural product in the Modesto area)
- Vegetables (one of the area's major farm products)
- Fruit and nut trees (important crops in the surrounding agricultural region)
- Gallo wine (wine from Gallo Family Winery)
Fun facts
- Rockabilly music originated in Modesto with the formation of Maddox Brothers & Rose on KTRB Radio in 1937.
- George Lucas was born in Modesto, graduated from Thomas Downey High School, and attended Modesto Junior College.
- The Modesto American Graffiti Festival draws thousands of visitors, car enthusiasts, and hundreds of classic and antique cars.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.