The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also called the Mormon Church) was started by Joseph Smith in 1830 in New York. Mormons believe they are restoring the original Christian church and spread their message around the world.

Mormon missionaries first came to West Virginia in 1832, starting in Cabell County. At first, many members moved to Utah, so few stayed in West Virginia. A permanent church presence began in 1886, but early missionaries faced persecution—they were sometimes attacked, and meetings were disrupted.

Things got better in the 1900s, and church leaders encouraged members to stay and grow local congregations. By 1930, there were about 2,500 Mormons in the state. Over time, the church grew more, and by 2022, there were over 17,000 members in 35 congregations across West Virginia.

The church focuses on spiritual growth, family, and helping others, including sending aid during floods and giving food and clothing to families in need.