MADISON – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints formed a new congregation, the East Limestone Ward, in November 2019.

“Congregations are formed by geographic boundaries based on population of church members,” spokesperson Carol Walker said. “The boundaries for the new congregation run north of U.S. 72, the east line at I-65 and the west line at County Line Road, making a straight line to the north boundary of the Tennessee state line.”

Leadership members of the church are unpaid and change from time to time. Currently, Leif Sandstrom is Bishop. His counselors are Brent Dix and Justin Walbom.

Sandstrom, 49, has lived in Madison for 20 years. He and his wife Minna Johanna Sandstrom have been married for 28 years.

Leif and Minna have six children, ranging from 14 to 25 years old. Their oldest two children are college students in Utah. Their 20-year-old son is on a two-year church mission in California. Their 19-year-old son is serving a two-year mission in Alaska.

Leif Sandstrom works as an electrical engineer, specializing in optical communications. He has served as a Bishop, counselor in a bishopric, seminary teacher and has worked for years with church youth.

At 19, Sandstrom served a two-year mission in Sweden. “His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 11:28-30 because it’s an invitation to walk with our Savior, letting Him lead us, teach us and lighten our loads,” Walker said.

Brent Dix, 57, has been married to Dixie Dean for 32 years. He has lived in Madison five years. Brent and Dixie have three daughters and one grandson. Their oldest daughter lives in Utah. The youngest lives in Tuscaloosa.

Brent Dix works as Vice President of Engineering at Synapse Wireless. He served a two-year mission in Nashville.

Justin Walbom, the bishopric’s youngest member, is 43 years old. He has lived in Madison for five years.

Justin and his wife Elizabeth Walbom have been married for 22 years. They have three children, who are 15 to 20 years old. Their oldest son is serving a mission in Guatemala.

Justin Walbom is a chiropractor and has worked in the church’s youth and music programs. His two-year mission served deaf communities in California, Oregon and New York City.

East Limestone Ward meets at 1716 Market St. in Athens at noon on Sundays.