History

Timeline

The following is a timeline of key events associated with the origins and ongoing growth of the Spokane Washington Stake. Jump below for stake history news and stories.

1896

The first missionaries visit Spokane.

1905

The first Latter-day Saint Sunday School is organized, with 22 participating members.

1916

The Spokane Branch was organized with local leadership, George Cluff serving as president.

1920

After meeting in rented halls for many years, the Church acquires its first chapel, located at 5th and Howard near Lewis and Clark High School.

1940

The North Spokane Branch was organized, with the Spokane Branch renamed to Spokane Central Branch.

1947

Elder Ezra Taft Benson and Elder Mark E. Peterson, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, convened a special conference at the Lewis and Clark High School Gymnasium with church members from across the Inland Northwest. During the conference they organized the 168th stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Albert I Morgan is sustained as the first stake president.

1952

The Indiana Chapel is dedicated as the first chapel built by Latter-day Saints in Spokane County.

1958

The Spokane Stake Center located at Southeast Boulevard and 29th Avenue is dedicated. Later the same year, the stake is divided to create the Lewiston Idaho Stake. Derald P. Romney is sustained as the second stake president of the Spokane Stake.

1962

The stake is once again divided, this time to organize the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Stake.

1971

The Spokane East Stake is organized as the second stake in Spokane County.

1974

Church leaders and members participate in Expo ’74, the world’s fair hosted by the City of Spokane. This included construction of the Mormon Pavilion and multiple performances of the Mormon Expo Choir.

1975

Dwaine E. Nelson is sustained as the third stake president of the Spokane Stake at the conclusion of President Romney’s 17-year tenure.

1979

The Spokane North Stake is organized as a division of the Spokane East and Spokane stakes. President Nelson is sustained as president of the North Stake and Mark S. Bickley is sustained as the fourth president of the Spokane Stake.

1988

The current Spokane Stake Center located at 29th Avenue and Pittsburg Street was dedicated, replacing the original stake center. Steven L. Bates is called to serve as the fifth president of the Spokane Stake.

1992

The Spokane Stake is divided to organize the Spokane West Stake.

1997

Garry E. Borders is called to serve as the sixth stake president of the Spokane Stake.

2006

B. James Lee succeeds President Borders as seventh president of the Spokane Stake. A regional celebration is held to commemorate the centennial of the Church in the region and video produced documenting the Church’s regional history.

2010

The Friendship Park Branch is organized, serving Marshallese members and friends throughout the region.

2015

Darrell L. Moseley is called to serve as the eighth president of the Spokane Stake.

2016

The Spokane Mt. Spokane Stake is organized from a division of the Spokane, Spokane North and Spokane Valley stakes.

2022

The Spokane Stake commemorates 75 years since the organization of the stake. The Spokane 2nd Ward rejoins the Spokane Stake after being a part of the Spokane West Stake for thirty years.

2023

The Regal Branch is organized, serving members and friends in the region who speak Swahili, as well as others from African nations who have settled in Spokane.

2024

Timothy M. Cobb is called to serve as president of the Spokane Stake.

Stake History News and Stories

Browse our news and stories reporting on the history of the stake, including recent important milestones.