Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:Local Congregation Gains New Leadership

The La Crescenta Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has new leadership.

Calvin Bayles, long-time resident of La Crescenta, is the congregation’s new bishop or head pastor. Bayles works full-time as a trial attorney. Although it is challenging to balance work and family with leading such a large congregation, Bishop Bayles has chosen two excellent counselors to assist him: Brian Ostler and Kendall Hales, also long-time residents of La Crescenta.

Hodges is executive secretary to Bishop Bayles, and Jeppsen functions as ward clerk.

Congregations within the LDS church are organized geographically and are known as wards. Leaders for each ward are chosen from those living within its boundaries, and the La Crescenta Ward extends from Ocean View Boulevard to Ramsdell Avenue.

The title of bishop reflects the term used in the New Testament for a leader of a congregation.

Most adults and many of the youth in each LDS congregation hold a volunteer service position to keep their ward running smoothly, with no one receiving monetary compensation.