Bold move: new leaders are stepping in to preside over Missouri Historic Sites, starting February 2026. But here’s the twist you’ll want to follow closely: the First Presidency has called Bryson Caldwell Cook and Janice Lei Hall Cook to lead the Missouri Historic Sites, replacing President James Johnson and Sister Debra Johnson.
Bryson Caldwell Cook and Janice Lei Hall Cook are parents to five children and serve the Jackson Creek Ward in the McCammon Idaho Stake. Their assignment places them at the Missouri Historic Sites, a role that expands their past leadership and missionary experiences.
Brother Cook brings a long record of service, including roles as a former senior missionary at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Historic Site, president of the Zimbabwe Harare Mission, stake president, stake mission president, high councilor, stake Young Men president, bishop, bishopric counselor, and missionary service in the Massachusetts Boston Mission. He was born in San Bernardino, California, to Joseph Wolcott and Enid Caldwell Cook.
Sister Cook has also demonstrated extensive leadership and missionary involvement. Her background includes serving as a senior missionary at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Historic Site and as a companion to the Zimbabwe Harare Mission president. She has led as a stake camp director, assisted stake camp director, ward Young Women president, and served in the Relief Society presidency and ward Primary presidency. Additionally, she has taught Relief Society courses, seminary classes, and has led Cub Scouts. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to Dave Deon and Sharon Driggs Hall.
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