The Lawrence 1st and 2nd Wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were divided last week to form the Wakarusa Valley Ward.

Growth of the Church in the Douglas County area necessitate the change, which was primarily a division of the 2nd Ward, with a small portion of the 1st Ward becoming part of the 2nd Ward.

Wakarusa Valley Ward is the area of Lawrence east of Louisiana Street and all of those who reside south of 1250 N. Road. It also includes Eudora and Baldwin. Lawrence 2nd Ward consists of those living north of North 1250 Road and south of 15th Street, plus a small area north of 15th Street near Kansas University. Lawrence 1st Ward boundaries are north of 15th Street, and Lecompton, Perry, Oskaloosa, McLouth and Ozawkie. About 330 members reside in each ward.

The new bishopric of the Wakarusa Valley Ward is Bishop Doug Von Feldt, of Lawrence. He and his wife, Alyson, have three children. His first counselor is Kevin Young, Baldwin. He and his wife, Sandra, have six children. Second counselor is Rob Smoot, Eudora. He and his wife, Rebecca, have four children.

Division of the wards necessitated the release of the second counselor in the Bishopric of the 2nd Ward. Justin Bingham was released, and Stephen Lassen, Lawrence, was called. He and his wife, Dani, have two children.