Mission guide
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission
The Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission serves a historic region shaped by faith, freedom, and the City of Brotherly Love.
- English
- Spanish
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission shirts
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission Heart Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →
Pennsylvania Philadelphia 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.
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 serve in English and Spanish, reflecting the languages used in the mission.
At a glance
- Country
- United States (Pennsylvania)
- Main city
- Philadelphia, 1,603,797 residents (2020 census)
- Languages
- English / Spanish
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (UTC-5 standard time)
- Climate
- Humid subtropical, with hot, muggy summers and moderately cold winters
- Church in Pennsylvania
- 54,354 members, 13 stakes, 105 congregations
A short history of the area
Philadelphia played a central role in the founding of the United States. The Declaration of Independence was adopted there in 1776, and the U.S. Constitution was ratified at Independence Hall in 1787. Philadelphia also served as the U.S. capital from 1790 to 1800.
The Church here
- 1828Joseph and Emma Smith moved to Harmony, present-day Oakland, Pennsylvania, where Joseph translated most of the Book of Mormon.
- May 15, 1829Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist near the Susquehanna River, according to Latter-day Saint belief.
- 1830The Church was organized, and twelve congregations were organized in Pennsylvania during the 1830s.
- 1839The Church was established in Philadelphia by Samuel and Lewis James and Benjamin Winchester.
- 1840The Philadelphia congregation had more than 450 members in the city and adjoining counties by October.
- 1960The Philadelphia Stake was organized.
- 2016The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple was dedicated.
Temples nearby
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple
Dedicated September 18, 2016 · Near Philadelphia
Summit New Jersey Temple
Announced · About 65 miles from Philadelphia
Manhattan New York Temple
Closed for renovation · About 80 miles from Philadelphia
Harrisburg Pennsylvania Temple
Announced · About 95 miles from Philadelphia
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
- Cheesesteak sandwich (a roll filled with chopped steak and cheese)
- Hoagie (a long sandwich filled with meat, cheese, and other toppings)
- Soft pretzel (a baked, twisted pretzel often served with mustard)
- Water ice (a sweet, flavored frozen dessert)
Fun facts
- Philadelphia contains 67 National Historic Landmarks, including Independence Hall.
- Elfreth’s Alley, first developed in 1703, is the nation’s oldest residential street.
- Philadelphia is home to the nation’s first library, founded in 1731, and the nation’s first hospital, founded in 1751.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.