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Liberty MO Stake Splits - Shoal Creek MO Stake Created
Two New Stake Presidencies formed
Norma King, Director of Media (Rush Creek Ward)
The Liberty Missouri Stake was divided on Sunday, June 8, 2025, forming a second stake—the Shoal Creek Missouri Stake. New leaders were also sustained and set apart for each stake.
The much-anticipated announcements were made during a special stake conference in the Northland presided over by Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, General Authority Seventy; and Elder Corbin E. Coombs, Area Seventy.
The new Liberty Missouri Stake presidency members are: Matthew Russell, president, with Randall Cramer, first counselor; and Brody Perschon, second counselor.
Members of the new Shoal Creek Missouri Stake presidency are: Michael Beach, president; David Cook, first counselor; and Nathan Crisenberry, second counselor.
Congregations in the Liberty Missouri Stake are: Doniphan, Hodge Park, Kellybrook, Liberty, Liberty YSA, North Brook Park, Rush Creek and Shoal Creek Valley.
Congregations in the Shoal Creek Missouri Stake are: New Mark, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Platte Woods, Tiffany Springs, Smithville Lake and San Rafael (Spanish).
No unit boundaries, meeting times or locations will be changed. Liberty Missouri Stake will continue their offices at the Liberty Missouri Stake Center. Shoal Creek Missouri Stake offices will temporarily be at the Clayview building in the old stake offices, whereas the Stake Center temporarily will be at the Jackson building.
“I witness that the will of the Lord has been accomplished and that the individuals that have been called, have been called of God,” Elder Carpenter told the congregation. “You sustained great leaders in two mighty stakes of Zion.”
Members attending the conference expressed feelings of excitement and enthusiasm for the changes.
“I’m thrilled to see how much growth has come to our area and I really see the Lord’s hand in bringing so many people to the gospel and to this area. I look forward to serving with the new leaders and learning from them,” said Bonnie Nielsen, Liberty Stake Relief Society President.
“It’s amazing to see the growth in this part of the Lord’s vineyard,” said Brother Matt Austin who serves as a High Councilor. “He definitely is behind the work and I’m excited to serve with the new stake presidency and for all of the growth that we’ll continue to have in this area.”
The Liberty Missouri Stake was created in 1979 from the Independence Missouri Stake.
Gleea and Ray Untch moved to the area in 1980, shortly after the creation of the Liberty Missouri Stake. Since that time they have seen six and now seven new stakes created.
“It has been truly amazing, humbling and glorious all that has happened in this area since we moved here,” said Gleea Untch. “A while back when one of our sons told me about the new buildings for wards and stakes I felt warm and excited inside. I knew through the Holy Ghost it was a true revelation. This was an opportune for all members to be seen and watched over more closely.”
“I know some of my family members may be in a stake other than we are, but it also means the gospel of Jesus Christ is being accepted and growing in strength. Glory to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ; happiness and honor to the early Missouri saints who suffered here in Missouri. Because of their sacrifices and testimonies this area is flourishing,” she said.
Other stakes created from parts of Liberty Stake include: Lenexa Kansas Stake, 1994; Platte City Missouri Stake, 1997; and Far West Missouri Stake in 2015. Just this year, the Grand River Missouri Stake was created from the Far West Missouri Stake and the Overland Park Kansas Stake was created from the Olathe Kansas Stake.
Additional new stakes are expected to be created in the region in upcoming months.
