Sidney Connor called as president of Youngstown Ohio Stake

The men serve as participants in the lay ministry

Staff report

youngstown

Sidney Connor has been called to serve as president of Youngstown Ohio Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He succeeds James S. Kirk, who served as stake president for the past eight years.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, extended the calling and Connor was sustained by the membership at the semiannual Youngstown Stake Conference on Jan. 25.

Craig Wagley of Canfield and Dana W. Harju of Jefferson were called to serve as counselors.

The three men will preside over the seven congregations within the stake boundaries, which include nearly 3,200 members.

The newly called presidency comes from diverse backgrounds and occupations.

Connor is a software engineer employed in the natural-gas industry. Harju is co-owner of Bortnick Tractor Sales and Wagley is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All three are ordained high priests in the church.

Connor said the Mormon Church has a lay ministry so the priesthood leaders maintain their employment in addition to serving in the church.

“We believe these callings are made by God and wherever you’re called, you serve,” Connor said.

Connor and his wife, Melody, moved to Columbiana from Maryland in August 2014. They have seven children and attend the Lisbon Ward (congregation). Connor has previously served on the Stake High Council as a bishop, a youth leader and seminary teacher, among other callings. He served 19 months as a missionary in Guatemala before he married.

Wagley served a mission in Louisiana, teaching in the Laotian language. He has served in the church as a bishop, a scoutmaster and most recently as a counselor to James Kirk for the past four years. He and his wife, Pamela, have six children and three grandchildren. They attend the Alliance Ward.

Harju was introduced to the church by his wife, Kimberly, before they were married and were both students at Ohio State University. He has served many years as a bishop to the Ashtabula congregation and previously was a member of the Stake High Council, a Sunday school and seminary teacher, among other callings. The Harju family includes three children and three grandchildren.