Mission guide
Oregon Salem Mission
The Oregon Salem Mission is centered in Oregon’s capital city, where rich local history meets service in English and Spanish.
- English
- Spanish
Oregon Salem Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
Oregon Salem Mission T-Shirt
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Oregon Salem Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Oregon Salem 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. Families can expect a Pacific Northwest setting with wet winters, dry summers, and nearby Willamette Valley communities.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Main city
- Salem, 180,406 people (2024 estimate)
- Time zone
- Pacific Time (UTC-8)
- Climate
- Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers
- Languages
- English and Spanish
- Church in Oregon
- 148,062 members, 34 stakes, 278 congregations
A short history of the area
Salem became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, incorporated as a city in 1857, and became Oregon’s state capital when Oregon entered the Union in 1859. The city is known as the Cherry City because of its historic cherry-growing industry.
The Church here
- 1838Church President Joseph Smith visited Washington, D.C., where Henry Clay suggested that Latter-day Saints move to Oregon Territory.
- 1887Latter-day Saint settlement in Oregon grew after Church members established a lumber mill on North Powder River and encouraged several hundred Latter-day Saint families to migrate to Oregon.
- 1897The Northwestern States Mission was organized on July 26, with headquarters in Portland.
- 1898Mission headquarters moved to Baker City and later returned to Portland in 1902.
- 1901A stake was created in Oregon after enough members had migrated to the state.
- 1903Oregon’s five original congregations had grown to twelve.
- 1989The Portland Oregon Temple was dedicated, and more than 300,000 visitors toured it.
- 2013The Oregon Salem Mission was organized in July.
Temples nearby
Willamette Valley Oregon Temple
Dedicated June 7, 2026 · About 35 miles from Salem
Portland Oregon Temple
Dedicated August 19, 1989 · About 45 miles from Salem
Vancouver Washington Temple
Under construction · About 50 miles from Salem
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
- Cherries (an important Salem crop and the source of the nickname “Cherry City”)
- Kettle potato chips (made by Kettle Foods, headquartered in Salem)
- Marionberries (an Oregon fruit used in canned products)
- Oregon wine and food (featured at the Oregon Wine & Food Festival)
Fun facts
- The 45th Parallel passes through Salem’s city limits.
- Waldo Park consists of a single sequoia tree and is described as one of the smallest city parks in the world.
- The Oregon State Capitol’s dome is topped by a gold-leaf-covered statue officially named the Oregon Pioneer.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.