Free resources about the Virginia Richmond Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Virginia LDS Missions.
Virginia Richmond Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Richmond Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Virginia Richmond Mission
9327 Midiothian Turnpike, Suite 1B
Richmond,Virginia 23235-4965
Phone Number: 1-804-330-9620
Mission President: President Corey B. Smith
Virginia Richmond Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Virginia Richmond Mission (LDS). To access the official LDS.org map for the Richmond Mission:
Videos with Richmond RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Richmond Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
LDS-Friendly Videos about Virginia
Here are LDS-friendly educational videos about Virginia. We scoured YouTube to find the best quality videos about Virginia, that are free from inappropriate music, immodesty and profanity.
Virginia Richmond Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Richmond Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Virginia Richmond Mission Groups
Here are Richmond Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Richmond Mission.
- Virginia Richmond Mission Alumni Facebook Group (505 members)
- Richmond Mission President Wilson 2013-16 Group (433 members)
- Richmond Mission Perry Generation Group (333 members)
- Richmond Mission Presidents Feller/Tanner Group (238 members)
- Richmond Mission President Mark B. Millburn Group (161 members)
- Richmond Alumni President Spencer F. Kirk Group (128 members)
- Missionary Moms of DC South and Richmond Group (113 members)
- Richmond Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (22 members)
- Virginia Richmond Mission Facebook Group (21 members)
- Virginia Richmond Mission – President Brown Group (10 members)
- LDS Richmond Mission Google Plus Community (9 members)
- Richmond Mission President Allen Feller Group (1 member)
- Richmond 2001-04 President H. Trent Tanner Group (1 member)
Virginia Richmond Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Virginia Richmond Mission!
Shirt designs include Richmond Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Richmond missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Richmond Mission gifts
Virginia Richmond Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Richmond Mission.
- 2016-2019, Corey B. Smith
- 2013-2016, Ervin Bradley Wilson
- 2010-2013, James Carl Perry
- 2007-2010, Mark Branch Millburn
- 2004-2007, Spencer F. Kirk
- 2001-2004, H. Trent Tanner
- 1998-2001, Allen C. Feller
- 1995-1998, Dennis R. Webb
- 1992-1995, Robert Arther Brown
Virginia LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 94,528
- Missions: 3
- Temples:
- Congregations: 197
- Family History Centers: 46
Helpful Articles about Virginia
Virginia Richmond Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Richmond RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 1997-1999 (Jon)
- 2003-2005 (Ben)
- 2004-2006 (James)
- 2008-2009 (Brittany)
- 2012-2014 (Jeremy)
- 24 months (Jonathan)
- 18 months (Cindy)
- 1999-2000 (Andrea)
- 1996-1998 (Stephanie)
What cities/areas did you serve in?
- Manchester Branch, Harrisonburg, Gayton Ward, Bayside Ward, Denby Ward, Hopewell Ward, Mechanicsville. (Ben)
- Gloucester, Elizabeth City, North Carolina and Petersburg, Virginia just to name a few. (James)
- Richmond, Chesterfield, Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, Norfolk. (Jeremy)
- Gayton Ward, Jamestown Ward, Powhatan ward, Franklin Ward, Chickahominy Ward. (Jonathan)
- Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Stafford, and Chesterfield. (Cindy)
- Nassawadox, Smithfield, Farmville, Richmond, Franklin, WV. (Andrea)
What were some favorite foods?
- Crab legs. (Jon)
- Pasta with the Palmese family. (Ben)
- Steak, soft shell crab and oysters. (James)
- Collared greens. (Brittany)
- BBQ, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, hush puppies, seafood. (Jeremy)
- Collard Greens w/ Apple Vinegar, Corn Pudding, Carolina style pork sandwich. (Jonathan)
- I absolutely loved tacos and pupusas :). (Cindy)
- Collard greens and okra and tomato sandwiches. (Andrea)
- What I miss is Hush Puppies. Krispy Kreme. (Stephanie)
What was a funny experience?
- Hitting a deer with a member (Jon)
- At a dinner with a family I had gotten to be good friends with, I grabbed a 2-liter of pop off the table and drank from it. Needless to say, this surprised everyone and we didn’t get dinner from them for a while. (Ben)
- Elder Bradley Mortensen and I were walking in Elizabeth City. I found a ditch with frozen water. I walk on top off it and the ice broke. My foot fell through. (James)
- We tracked it into some people and the trailer park and asked if we could teach them. They invited us to come to a funeral lunch later. They asked us if we could bring the fried chicken. We brought it and then they didn’t want to hear anything from us. (Brittany)
- Playing games and listening to funny stories Christmas Eve with a family in my first area. Hilarious! So much so I was sick ALL of Christmas. (Jonathan)
- One Sunday, we were told Stafford would have freezing rain. At the beginning, all of us in our apartment just thought what does that mean? We were able to partake of the sacrament at a member’s home because church was cancelled that day. On our way out, we began to realize what people meant by freezing rain. We were sliding all over the place and we had to go up a hill to get to the member’s home. It was so fun and dangerous at the same time. On our way down, we decided to slide down the hill. A couple of us got scraped knees and crashed into a tree. It was hilarious and fun. None of us got seriously injured. (Cindy)
- Eating squirrel. (Andrea)
- Decorating the Elders’ car…..It said “Just Married”. I’m not a singer so I think this is really funny. My companion and I were singing “How Great Thou Art” to an investigator. My companion was really into it and suddenly the investigators dog was howling a long with us. (Stephanie)
What was a crazy experience?
- Hitting the deer. (Jon)
- While tracting in the Manchester Branch, a police officer was shot less than a block from us. (Ben)
- Elder Joel Bell and I found old mustard and used it with out checking the date. (James)
- I was in Richmond on an exchange, we were in the projects in Gilpin Court proselyting around 8 PM when we heard gun shots. We hurried and got him ASAP. (Jeremy)
- Had a gun pulled on me….twice….for tracting at night. People can be so sensitive. (Jonathan)
- I think a dangerous experience we had was when we were out working and it was started to snow really bad. We went to visit a member and on our way out, we realized the car was stuck in the snow. We couldn’t get it out and we were sandwiched in between two cars in the parking lot. We waited for a little bit and prayed that we wouldn’t hit any of the cars and tried again. We drove home and on our way home, a car got stuck right in front of us. We wanted to help but were advised to stay in the car so we waited for them to get unstuck and had to go over that same spot they got stuck in. Heavenly Father truly watched over us on our way home and we got home safely. (Cindy)
- One of our investigators met us at the door with a gun because he thought we were his debtors. (Andrea)
- Once we were delivering a Bible, a media referral. We stop in front of the house, bowed our heads, folded our arms and offered a prayer. One thing about being a missionary, you pray often. When we were done, there was a police officer at the window. He asked what we were doing in that neighborhood. When we explained we were there to give somebody a Bible, he told us to deliver the book and then leave. He told us that it was a dangerous neighborhood and the white girls in nice car (Ford Escort) might be in danger. We never felt like we were in any danger. I went into places and talked to people on my mission, that I know I would be scared to go or talk to now. I really believe that missionaries are protected. (Stephanie)
What was a spiritual experience?
- Finding and baptizing a man that lived in Buena Vista. (Jon)
- We had a family show up to church that had never talked to the missionaries before. They just liked the Mormons they had known in the past and wanted their unborn son to have a good church. The were baptized a couple months later and confirmed members on my birthday. (Ben)
- Thanksgiving I ate too much- my stomach was racked with pain, I had to go back to the apartment, then rested not for long, then awoke without pain like I didn’t over eat. The Lord wanted me to teach and testify. (James)
- Baptizing an awesome family in Virginia Beach. (Jeremy)
- Teaching what the Spirit felt like, and then watching an investigator feel it powerfully for the first time. It was amazing! (Jonathan)
- There are so many it is really hard to choose just one! I loved how the Spirit was always the teacher of our lessons. I would know when He wasn’t and those were scary moments, but I would love when we would get back to trusting Him and see how He wanted to teach. I saw many changes in many different people all with different life situations and different personalities. The amazing thing was that the Spirit knew them best and knew their needs, He just needed us to be willing to prepare spiritually every morning. Studies were always a great spiritual experience along with lessons. (Cindy)
- Teaching moments, zone conferences, baptisms. (Andrea)
What are some interesting facts about the Richmond Mission?
- Loaded with Civil War history that I wish I took a little more time to see. But we were busy serving our missions. (Jon)
- Our first U.S President was born in Westmorland Virginia. (James)
- Almost everybody is religious in VA. It’s the prettiest state in the US. (Jeremy)
- Tons of History, Lots of historical landmarks, but what is better is getting a local and having them explain the history of the area. It’s WAY better! (Jonathan)
- There are a lot of battle fields. You are coming to one of the best missions. 🙂 Virginia is for Lovers! (Cindy)
- Chesapeake is now its own mission! (Andrea)
What was the weather like?
- Excellent. Awesome 4 seasons. (Jon)
- Over all the weather in Virginia is more mild that I was used to in Idaho. Having said that I had no idea what humidity was, and the hurricane was fun. (Ben)
- Freezing, hot and humid. (James)
- Very rainy and humid, occasional snow in the winter. Really hot and humid in the summer. (Jeremy)
- Humid cold in winter. Cover your skin. Once the wind hits it, you’re done. Spring has a lot of allergies, thunderstorms, and Cicadeas. I miss it every day. Summer is humid hot. Stay hydrated and ask for water while tracting. (Jonathan)
- AMAZING!!! (Cindy)
- Huuuuuuumid! (Andrea)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- Awesome people. Very neat place. (Jon)
- The people there are so caring, even the people that had no desire to talk to us were always saying they would pray for us. I was just glad to hear they prayed. (Ben)
- Many were kind and listened to what we had to say. (James)
- The Southern hospitality. Most people are at least nice, even if they don’t want to listen to you. (Jeremy)
- Combination of humble and poor, stubborn and lazy, rich and proud. You never know who is around to speak with, but whether you are being cussed out for simply existing, or teaching the minister of a church that felt the Spirit and then closed his church because he knew it was a dishonest way to make a living, the PEOPLE are what matter most. The weather may hinder you, but the PEOPLE are what make your mission custom-fit for you. It was for me. (Jonathan)
- I loved everything. Each area has something special about it if you make it special. I love the people in each area and I just loved everything! (Cindy)
- Southern hospitality. Nicest people ever. (Andrea)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Only take the clothes that will be appropriate for the time of year that you’re in the MTC, have your family send the rest to the mission home so you have less things to take on the plane. (Ben)
- Pack extra suit pants. (James)
- You no idea what type of clothing you will actually like or wear when you get out there. So if possible, find out if there’s a possibility of purchasing more clothing when you get out there, and if so wait to take fewer articles of clothing with you. (Brittany)
- Lightweight rain jacket is a must. (Jeremy)
- Shoe polish. The rain and humidity will wear off the shine on your shoes. Scarfs go a long way to keep you warm in winter. Sturdy gloves for winter, but not ski gloves. They have hard doors in VA. Rain/wind repelling coats for bad weather. Sewing kit for darning socks (even Gold Toe get torn), short sleeve shirts for summer/long sleeve during winter. Don’t mix up the two, you will pay for it. (Jonathan)
- For the Summer take lighter fabric clothing if you are an Hermana or a Sister. It gets really humid and hot but light fabric is always nice. For the winter, take 7-8 pairs of fleece lined leggings or tights, boots, a nice winter coat, or a windbreaker, scarves, and gloves if you don’t like being cold. Also take a flashlight, there are no street lights in Virginia and if you are a walking or biking missionary you will appreciate having a light. (Cindy)
- You can buy things there that are more specific to the area and not load yourself before you go. (Andrea)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- Feeling the Spirit. (Jon)
- I met some of the most amazing people, and I was able to learn how to talk to people about subjects that can be very personal. The biggest blessing was being prepared to meet my wife when I returned home. (Ben)
- The ability to teach with clarity. (James)
- Everything. I am beyond grateful for everything it did for me and prepared me for the rest of my life but most importantly serving the people there. (Jeremy)
- These are the blessings which I, emphasis I, received for serving the Lord: The Ability to FOLLOW THE SPIRIT’S PROMPTINGS. This is the single-most skill any missionary SHOULD HAVE PRIOR TO SERVING. The other stuff can be learned along the way. I was blessed to attend BYU, get a scholarship, and graduate debt-free. I was blessed to attend Institute and sing in a choir (which I never would have done), became my best spiritual self, and am now married with one child. I gained a testimony of Tithing because I paid for my mission. (Jonathan)
- Many, I don’t know where to start. One of the biggest blessings that I can see is I have been taught by my Father how to live my life with applying the principles of the Gospel. The Gospel is a huge blessing in my life now and for my future. (Cindy)
- I loved meeting so many people and being in so many different homes. It teaches you what kind of home environment you want to have and what you don’t. I learned how to be a great member. (Andrea)
What are some skills you gained?
- Talking to people, listening, dealing with challenging people, making priorities, learning to listen to the Spirit, how to study, how to teach, leading group discussions. (Ben)
- For me personally not much a skill as a good habit- studying intensively. (James)
- Leadership skills, communication skills, responsibility, accountability. (Jeremy)
- Scripture study, at least focused scripture study. I learned to make tortillas, follow maps, plan my schedule, communicate constructively with my companion when we argued, how to teach, teach with a companion, teach with good flow, how to listen effectively, how to stick to my schedule, how to stay positive in hard times, how to change my plans, how to work hard, how to keep working hard, how to stay positive mentally when you hit a dog, how to bless a dog, how to console a sad owner of said dog, how to smile when I’m being told to “F-off”, how to be bold when someone tears down my testimony, how to know when to walk away, how to work with ward leadership effectively, how to work with stake leadership effectively, how to be a therapist to a companion who wants to go home, how to be supportive when he does go home, how to plan games, how to teach temple prep, how to follow up with commitments, how to Sincerely give commitments for which I will follow up, how to understand the Lord’s timing in transfers, how to let go of people who don’t progress, how to hold on to people who don’t progress, how to serve less active members, how to fellowship less active members who to progress, how to bless a sick member/ex-communicated husband, HOW TO FOLLOW THE SPIRITS PROMPTINGS WHEN THEY COME. Everything listed above came because if gained this skills. (Jonathan)
- Diligence, having a purpose at all times, more loving, always seeking to improve. (Cindy)
- People skills. Study. Teaching effectively (by the Spirit) and knowing your stuff. (Andrea)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- I wish I had known the scriptures better. It took half my mission to be really comfortable with finding good different verses for the topics we discussed regularly. (Ben)
- What I wish I did at the beginning of my mission would be focusing on the less active members in the assigned ward or wards and locate potential investigators through them. (James)
- That there are tough times, the great times always out weigh the hard but it does get exhausting and trying some times. (Jeremy)
- How to effectively follow the spirit (#1!!) How to study the scriptures. I wish I had gained a solid testimony. (I don’t regret getting one as a missionary, I was converted on my mission). Read the Book of Mormon (what’s 3 Nephi 11?) How to plan effectively. Motivated my trainer. BETTER SOCIAL SKILLS WITH YOUNG WOMEN. It took a while for me to adopt this one as a missionary. (Jonathan)
- I wish I would have prepared more before going on a mission and really focusing on not complaining. Life will never be the way we want, life will always be how Heavenly Father wants to help us and shape us because He knows our potential. I also wish I would have trusted Him more. (Cindy)
- Obedience brings blessings…obedience in exactness brings miracles. (Andrea)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries called to Richmond?
- Just go and serve the Lord. It blesses those around you and you for the remainder of your life. (Jon)
- Learn to love the people and your companion. If you love the people you teach like your own family it is easy to have a desire to help them learn and feel the Spirit. (Ben)
- Remember you are on the Lord’s time, you are doing His work, you hold His priesthood, you are His tools. (James)
- Love the people, serve them and consider yourself a Virginian for life! (Jeremy)
- Two things: First, if you are teetering about whether to go, GO. WHY YOU GO doesn’t matter. WHY YOU STAY is what does. Even Elder Richard G. Scott served because his girlfriend waited for him. He even waited for her when he got home because she served one too. Second, SERVING A MISSION BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING IS A GOOD REASON TO SERVE. There is Too much emphasis on Being mission ready before you go, and that turns some young men away. “I’m not as ready as [so-and-so friend], so I’m just not going to go.” I want to strangle those young men. “The Lord blesses the person who serves Him.” Even Nephi didn’t know where to go in Laban’s house, yet LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM BECAUSE HE SIMPLY WAS OBEDIENT!! Only because the Spirit told him to do so. Don’t expect that yourself, the Lord needs you, needs YOU for other things. For me, my mission is the PRIMARY SPIRITUAL ARCHIVE for my testimony. Simply Going and Doing brought me more blessings than Sitting and Stewing. My dad and brother didn’t serve (no judging), but for my brother and myself who did serve, it has made all the difference for us. My brother is happily active in the church, my father is not at all. Your decision to serve, should be all your own, but deciding to stay will make it TONS LESS MISERABLE, because it will be. That’s part of the territory. The Lord will bless you for deciding to serve, even if it’s short. “The fat man walking is running laps around the skinny man on the couch.” Who you are doesn’t matter. Be worthy and obedient, hardworking and focused, and you will “be the means of bringing about great things”. Trust me. Seriously. Trust me. (Jonathan)
- A mission is one of the best choices you could ever make at this time in your life. Heavenly Father has been waiting for you to take that step and now that you have, you have to remember to always seek for His guidance, be humble, be grateful, and most of all be happy in any circumstance. Heavenly Father loves you and He will help your mission be the best thing for your life. I loved my mission and loved how Heavenly Father was always the teacher in every day. He has helped me see my potential and see who I can become if I am willing to sacrifice, love, and serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength! Trust me when I say He knows what you are going through, He knows your situation and knows that you can overcome all challenges that are given to you and it is only through our Faith in His son Jesus Christ! Love every day, hour, minute, and second even if you are upset things didn’t come out the way you wanted them to in that moment just laugh! I promise that you will look back at those experiences and just love those moments! Cherish every moment and just love it! I know that without Christ I would be nothing and without my Father’s love I wouldn’t have served a mission. I am so grateful for His forgiveness, understanding, and for not expecting me to be perfect. He has truly changed my life and the life for my future family. I know that this is the true church of Christ here on earth. If you don’t know if this is the true church yet, I invite you to pray tonight and ask him with real intent! He will answer and this question is truly important for the rest of your mission. Good luck with the best year and a half or two years you are in for the best time FOR your life :). (Cindy)
- Enjoy it. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. Keep a good journal. (Andrea)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I had a companion that I now know is high-functioning autistic. Simply lacked some social skills. Because he couldn’t get some social signals given by the members, and though we spoke English, let’s just say he offended almost the entire ward, one member dinner at a time…good times. Love the guy, still friends with him. (Jonathan)