Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adds second ward in Ava

From left, second counselor Justin Barber, Bishop Tyler Mason and first counselor H.J. Coble form the leadership for the newly organized Ava Second Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The West Plains Stake added the second congregation to accommodate local growth, renaming the original congregation the Ava First Ward. A ward is defined by the church as a local congregation, while a stake is a larger organization made up of several congregations in a surrounding area. The West Plains Stake serves members in Ava and the surrounding communities. Both wards will continue to meet at the same location in Ava at separate times.