The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Virginia refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its members in West Virginia. The official church membership as a percentage of general population was 0.92% in 2014.[3] According to the 2014 Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey, roughly 2% of West Virginians self-identify themselves most closely with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[4] The LDS Church is the 9th largest denomination in West Virginia.[5]
History
Membership in West Virginia
Year
Membership
1930
2,285
1983
8,304
1989*
10,000
1999
12,290
2009
16,711
2019
17,143
*Membership was published as a rounded number. Source: Wendall J. Ashton; Jim M. Wall, Deseret News, various years, Church Almanac State Information: West Virginia[1]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2021)
Joseph Smith visited West Virginia in 1832 and that same year, two missionaries for the Church baptized 40 converts in the state.[6]
In 1884, a congregation of 26 people was organized in the area.[6]
On August 23, 1970, the first stake in West Virginia was organized in Charleston.[7]Ezra Taft Benson, then an apostle of the church, presided at the organization of the stake.[8]
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