Washington, D.C. South Mission
The Washington, D.C. South Mission is one of 134 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States, centered on Washington. Below you’ll find the mission office address, tips for letters and packages, weather, language and temples.
At a glance
- Mission leadersJames E and Jenessa Mac Pherson began serving around July 2024, according to the Church Newsroom.
- LanguageMissionaries here usually teach in English and Spanish; your call letter tells you your exact language.
- Nearest templeThe nearest operating temple is the Washington D.C. Temple, in the mission area.
- WeatherNear Washington, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 88°F / 31°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 29°F / -2°C), with roughly 1,229 mm of rain a year.
- The Church hereDistrict of Columbia has about 6,929,770 Church members.
This is an unofficial family guide, not affiliated with the Church; always follow your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
Mission office
Address & phone
- Office address
- 5242 Lyngate Ct, Burke VA 22015, United States
Source: Unofficial third-party directory (latterdaymissions.com) — may be out of date unofficial — confirm before mailing as of October 8, 2026
We haven’t verified the mission’s phone or email yet — use the contacts in your call packet or the Missionary Portal.
Mission leaders
Who leads the mission
James E and Jenessa Mac Pherson
Serving since July 2024 · new leaders expected July 2027
Source: Church Newsroom 2024 · as of October 8, 2026
Letters & packages
How to send letters & packages
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day (preparation day: their weekly day for errands, letters and rest); letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
Weather & climate
Seasons, rain & live weather
Profile: cool-winter · about 1229 mm of rain a year.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F / 6°C | 29°F / -2°C | 83 mm |
| Feb | 49°F / 10°C | 32°F / 0°C | 89 mm |
| Mar | 57°F / 14°C | 38°F / 3°C | 92 mm |
| Apr | 67°F / 19°C | 47°F / 8°C | 97 mm |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C | 153 mm |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 65°F / 18°C | 133 mm |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 71°F / 21°C | 189 mm |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 68°F / 20°C | 166 mm |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 63°F / 17°C | 131 mm |
| Oct | 69°F / 20°C | 52°F / 11°C | 90 mm |
| Nov | 56°F / 14°C | 40°F / 5°C | 83 mm |
| Dec | 47°F / 8°C | 33°F / 0°C | 98 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
What you’ll speak
English, Spanish
English uses the Latin alphabet; spelling is irregular, so listen a lot. Accents vary widely by region (US South, Caribbean, Scottish, Australian, Nigerian, etc.).
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
Closest temples & distances
- Washington D.C. Temple — Operating (November 19, 1974) · in or near Washington
- Winchester Virginia Temple — Under construction (9 August 2025) · about 64 mi (103 km) from Washington
- Richmond Virginia Temple — Operating (7 May 2023) · about 96 mi (154 km) from Washington
- Harrisburg Pennsylvania Temple — Site announced (2 April 2023) · about 96 mi (154 km) from Washington
The Church in District of Columbia
Members & congregations
- Church Membership
- 6,929,770
- Stakes
- 1742
- Congregations
- 14,641
- FamilySearch Centers
- 1,598
- Temples
- 101
- Missions
- 120
Practical
Time zone, currency, calling code
- Time zone
- America/New_York
- Currency
- USD
- Country code
- +1
Culture & food
Customs & local food
- Greet with a handshake and a smile; first names are common.
- Be on time and keep appointments short and friendly.
- Respect "no soliciting" signs and private property.
- Regional cultures differ a lot: rural South, big cities, Mountain West, etc.
Foods: BBQ and regional comfort food, Tex-Mex / Mexican food, Casseroles at ward dinners, Fast food on a budget
Family groups
Connect with other families
- Missionary Moms- DC South and Richmond Group
- D.C. South President G. Mark Albright 2009-12 Group
- DC South Missionaries Facebook Group
- DC South President James Hamula’s Flock Group
- DC South Mission President Wade 2000-03 Group
- DC South Mission: The Wixom Years Group
- D.C. South Pres. Arlen B. Crouch 1997-00 Group
- DC South Mission President John Ward Group
- DC South Mission! Facebook Group
- D.C. South Missionaries at BYU-Idaho Group
- DC South Mission Alumni Group
- DC South Missionaries 2003-2006 Group
- DC South Mission Videos Group
- D.C. South Reunion President Wixom 2006-09 Group
- DC South Mission 2003-2006 Facebook Group
As listed by latterdaymissions.com (unofficial). Groups may be private, renamed, or inactive.
Common questions
Quick answers
Who is the mission president of the Washington, D.C. South Mission?
The mission leaders are James E and Jenessa Mac Pherson, who began serving around July 2024, as announced by the Church Newsroom. Mission leaders usually serve about three years, so new leaders are expected around July 2027.
What is the Washington, D.C. South Mission office address?
An unofficial directory lists the office at 5242 Lyngate Ct, Burke VA 22015, United States. Offices move, so confirm the current mailing address in your call packet or with the mission office before sending anything.
How do I send a package to a missionary in the Washington, D.C. South Mission?
Domestic USPS/UPS/FedEx shipping usually works well; many missions prefer packages to the mission office, but ask whether to send to the missionary's apartment instead. Confirm the current address with the mission office first.
What language do missionaries speak in the Washington, D.C. South Mission?
Most missionaries here serve in English and Spanish. Your call letter states the language you will teach in.
What is the weather like in the Washington, D.C. South Mission?
Near Washington, the warmest month is usually July (average high about 88°F / 31°C) and the coolest is January (average low about 29°F / -2°C), with roughly 1,229 mm of rain a year. Use the packing list from your call packet as the final word.
What temples are near the Washington, D.C. South Mission?
Operating temples nearby include Washington D.C. Temple and Richmond Virginia Temple (about 154 km).
Other missions in District of Columbia
Other missions nearby
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources