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Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have announced the closing of the Utah Logan Mission. The closure is part of 19 boundary realignments and the creation of five new missions throughout the world.

In a press release, the Church announced it would merge the Utah Logan Mission with the Utah Ogden Mission in July 2018. Specific details are expected to be announced in the upcoming months.

Currently the mission, overseen by Jerald K. Allred and his wife, Christine, covers Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties in Utah. It also has assignments in parts of Bear Lake, Franklin and Oneida Counties in Idaho. It was created in July 2015.

The Church’s press release stated that boundary changes are common and anticipated. Since President Thomas S. Monson announced in 2012 the change in the ages for missionary service, the Church has created 76 new missions to accommodate a surge of growth, from 58,000 to 88,000 missionaries. The initial wave has since decreased to about 68,000 men and women.

Fewer missionaries means that not only are fewer missions needed but also a heightened importance of a more strategic placement of missionaries in areas of need around the world.

Brent H. Nielson, Executive Director of the Missionary Department said, “We want missionaries to be in the best possible place and position to help people, whether through sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ or community service.”

Missionaries will continue to be assigned to serve throughout the area but likely in fewer numbers. The consolidation will also mean the closure of the mission’s office, located at 179 E 800 N.

Jerald Allred will continue to serve as president of the mission until June 30, 2018, when he and Christine are released, after completing their three year term.

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