The Gosford Australia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was created this past weekend, 17th of May. A stake is a group of congregations in a geographical area.
Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church, presided at a special conference at Avondale College Church in Cooranbong, Lake Macquarie and announced the change.
Australian Latter-day Saint leader, Elder Johnny Leota, accompanied Elder Nielsen at the conference.
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Approximately 2,600 Latter-day Saints and guests of the Church attended the conference in person or via webcast to other locations buildings in the region.
Elder Nielsen told the congregations: “This is now the 129th stake of the Church in the Pacific Area. A new stake was also formed in Auckland,New Zealand this weekend.”
“The Church of Jesus Christ continues to grow and flood the earth. It's exciting and we are all part of it," Elder Nielsen said, "I know the Lord is hastening His work."
Elder Leota added, “It is because of your faith and love that this (the new stake formation) is happening today. The Savour’s will is being done today.”
There are over 15 million Latter-day Saints worldwide who belong to approximately 30,000 congregations.
As a result of the creation of the new stake, leadership changes were made including a new stake presidency for the Gosford stake and changes in the Baulkham Hills, Hebersham and Newcastle stakes.
Conrad E. Dunn has been called as the new stake president in the Gosford Australia Stake with Paul A. Carnovale as 1st counselor and Oscar Westerlund as 2nd counselor.
President of the Gosford Stake, Conrad Dunn, said, “It was a very special and historic day. The spirit of the Lord was present as we all came together one last time. The Newcastle Stake was created on the 15th February 1980 and since then many faithful brothers and sisters have served over the years to build and grow the stake. So what we witnessed today was a collective effort of many over the years and a reminder of what is possible if we trust in the Lord and exercise faith in Him.”
“We warmly welcome the Normanhurst and Toronto Wards into the Gosford Stake. Both of these congregations play an important role in the creation of the new stake. We are excited about the many new friendships that will be formed as we unite together.”
Jacob D. Whiting will remain as president of the Newcastle stake with John Faustini and Pita M. Tupou serving as his counsellors.
Speakers at the conference shared messages based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Watch a short video about what Latter-day Saints believe.