Mission guide

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission

The Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission serves a historic state shaped by the Mississippi River, faith, and Southern culture.

  • English
  • Spanish
Shop the shirts
Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission Heart Map design

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission T-Shirt in Solid White, front view

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

Choose size & color →
Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission Heart Map shirt in White: Louisiana outline with a red heart, front view

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission Heart Map Shirt

$29.00

Choose size & color →
Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission Flag Map shirt in White: Louisiana state flag in the outline of Louisiana with navy lettering, front view

Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission Flag Map Shirt

$29.00

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.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in English on White: “I glory in my Jesus”, 2 Nephi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt

$29.00

Choose size & color →
I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in English, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “I glory in my Jesus”, 2 Nephi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink)

$29.00

Choose size & color →
I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Spanish on White: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Spanish

$29.00

Choose size & color →
I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Spanish, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Spanish

$29.00

Choose size & color →

See every mission language →

About the mission

The Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The state is known for its Mississippi River communities, Cajun and Creole heritage, and history as an important route for Latter-day Saint immigration.

Missionaries speak English and Spanish. Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s capital and the mission’s main city.

At a glance

Country
United States, Louisiana
Main city
Baton Rouge, 227,470 residents in 2020
Time zone
Central Time (UTC−6 in standard time; UTC−5 in daylight time)
Climate
Humid subtropical, with hot humid summers, mild winters, and heavy rainfall
Church in Louisiana
30,076 members, 7 stakes, 53 congregations
FamilySearch centers
15

A short history of the area

Baton Rouge’s name comes from the French phrase le bâton rouge, or “the red stick.” In 1698, French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville led an exploration party up the Mississippi River. A red pole reportedly marked the boundary between the hunting grounds of the Houma and Bayagoula peoples.

French colonists established a military and trading post in 1721. Baton Rouge became Louisiana’s capital in 1846, replacing New Orleans. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city welcomed as many as 200,000 displaced residents.

The Church here

  1. 1841Church members in New Orleans asked Joseph Smith to send an Apostle or other Church leader to preach to them.
  2. 1841Joseph Smith sent Harrison Sagers to New Orleans, where he faced opposition from the community.
  3. November 1841New Orleans became the main port of arrival for nearly 17,500 Latter-day Saints emigrating from Europe.
  4. 1898Twenty-four Church missionaries labored in Louisiana, and 110 people joined the Church in the state.
  5. 1924Louisiana’s first official congregation was organized in New Orleans.
  6. 1955Louisiana’s first stake was established in New Orleans.
  7. 1975The Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission was organized.
  8. 2000The Church dedicated its first temple in Louisiana in Baton Rouge.

Temples nearby

Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple

Dedicated July 16, 2000 · Near Baton Rouge

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

English Read it free → Spanish 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

  • Gumbo (a hearty Louisiana stew often made with meat or seafood)
  • Jambalaya (a seasoned rice dish with meat or seafood)
  • Crawfish étouffée (crawfish served in a rich, seasoned sauce)
  • Beignets (fried dough covered with powdered sugar)

Fun facts

  • Baton Rouge is built on the first natural bluff upriver from the Mississippi River Delta, which helps protect its business district from seasonal flooding.
  • The 450-foot New Louisiana State Capitol was the tallest building in the South when it was completed.
  • The Port of Baton Rouge is the farthest upstream Mississippi River port able to handle Panamax ships.

Just got the call?

Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.

Start a mission call gameFind another mission