Winnipeg Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony Announced

Didn't find out about this until just barely when I was checking the Church websites, but on Wednesday, the Church announced that the groundbreaking for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple would take place on Saturday December 3 at noon Winnipeg time (which is 11 am MST). I was excited and elated to hear of this news. Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy has been asked to preside at the event, and Elder Larry Y. Wilson, Executive Director of the Church's Temple Department, will also be in attendance.

With this announcement, obviously edits to my list of upcoming temple-related events and my temple construction progress report were in order. The updates are posted below. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 11/17/16)

Current Temple Status: 154 operating; 2 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 1 groundbreaking scheduled; 1 scheduled for rededication; 2 undergoing renovation; 11 announced; (NOTE: Up to 2 additional temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled).

Dedication scheduled:

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Preparing for dedication; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

156. Paris France Temple: Interior work underway; open house and dedication dates announced; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday May 21, 2017.

Under Construction:

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Adding landscaping structures; installing fence posts and lamp posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing sprinkler systems and planting bushes; installing window frames and art glass; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Steeple framework installed; walls poured for guard house; paving main entrance; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Building the exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

163. Durban South Africa Temple: Foundation columns poured; fencing the property; storm water system in place; landscaping entrance mounds; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting structural framing; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Temple site cleared; preparing to pour meetinghouse footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Plans approved September 12, 2016; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday December 3, 2016.

Scheduled for rededication:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

Undergoing Renovation:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.

169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Upcoming Temple Events (Text in parentheses indicates what the status of temples will be following the event listed):

2016

1.      Sunday November 20—Hartford Connecticut Temple Dedication (156 operating; 10 under construction; 1 groundbreaking scheduled; 3 undergoing renovation; 10 announced. (As many as 2 temples may soon have a groundbreaking announced)

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles, as Elder Bednar presided at the last temple dedication.

2.      Saturday December 3—Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Groundbreaking (156 operating; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 10 announced (As many as 2 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Elder Ulisses Soares, who oversees the work of the Church in the Church’s area in which this temple will be built, has been asked to preside at this groundbreaking.

2017

1.      Sunday May 21—Paris France Temple Dedication (157 operating; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 10 announced (As many as 2 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles.

2.      Sunday June 4—Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication (156 operating; 10 under construction; 2 undergoing renovation; 10 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. If President Eyring, a former Ricks College president, is able to be there, he might be assigned to do so. Since Elder Bednar, a former BYU-Idaho president, has been previously assigned to preside at a temple dedication, he might be asked to return for this rededication. Another potential candidate, according to Brother Rick Satterfield, who manages the LDS Church Temples website, is Elder Neil L. Andersen, who is from that area.

NOTE: More temple dedications, rededications, and groundbreakings are anticipated to be announced and may take place early next year. We will have to see what happens there and add such events when the time is ripe.

Further Progress Made on the Concepcion Chile Temple

Late last night and again this afternoon, in checking the LDS Church Temples website, I was elated to discover that further progress has been made on the Concepcion Chile Temple beyond what I had reported yesterday.

Yesterday, I noted that the steeple framework was being installed. That installation has finished. Additionally, walls have been poured for the guardhouse and they are working on paving the main entrance.

As I noted yesterday, it is wonderful to see such stunning progress happening in temple construction. This will always be special to me not only because of my six-year service as a temple worker, but also because it was at the same temple I worked where I met and later married the woman of my dreams. I had always been fascinated by temple progress before then, but now I glory in each wonderful construction milestone.

I will never forget the statement made by George Q. Cannon (though I had always heard it attributed to Brigham Young) to the effect that every temple built and dedicated lessens the power of Satan on the earth. I

n an era of the dispensation of the fulness of times when we will shortly have 156 temples dedicated, think how much the power of Satan has been lessened since we started building temples. It is staggering to think of.

And I am of the opinion that it is more than likely that we will see 200 temples by the 200th anniversary of the restoration and reestablishment of the Lord's Church here on the earth (which will happen on April 6, 2030). Just think how much that will lessen the power of Satan. And to think of faithful saints worldwide frequently sacrificing everything just for one visit to these sacred places of worship is awesome to think about.

As I have previously mentioned, in my six years serving at one of these temples, in two shifts per week, I calculated I was helping roughly 100 patrons per week in the labor of redeeming the dead. Multiply that by millions of workers working millions of shifts and helping millions of patrons, and the number of the redeemed dead becomes staggering.

I look forward to the day when the Savior will return on the earth. Can you imagine sitting in an April General Conference of the Church presided over by Jesus Christ and hearing a statistical report detailing a Church billions of members strong? It will be wonderful.

Let us work towards such a goal with all our hearts. Let us move forward unceasingly in the labor of redeeming the dead with the knowledge that the work we do is recorded in heaven and will one day be known to all the world. That this may be our goal and our glorious end result is my humble prayer in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Updated Temple Construction Progress Report

Though it has only been four days since I last posted a temple construction progress report, so much has gone on that I need to post the newest version of that report again. Some notable milestones have been reached, and we are blessed to be firsthand witnesses of that progress. I love posting these updates, and in so doing, I sincerely hope I am not boring anyone. My main desire in making this a focus of my blog posts is to let my readers know about the remarkable progress of a work that, in view of my six-year service as a temple worker, is so near and dear to my heart. As always, let me know your thoughts. I can't guarantee I will no longer post about this if it is tiresome to you, but I always appreciate your honest feedback. That said, here is my latest report:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 11/15/16)

Current Temple Status: 154 operating; 2 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 1 scheduled for rededication; 2 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (With up to 3 that may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled).

Dedication scheduled:

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Preparing for dedication; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

156. Paris France Temple: Interior work underway; open house and dedication dates announced; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday May 21, 2017.

Under Construction:

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Adding landscaping structures; installing fence posts and lamp posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing sprinkler systems and planting bushes; installing window frames and art glass; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Steeple framework going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Building the exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

163. Durban South Africa Temple: Foundation columns poured; fencing the property; storm water system in place; landscaping entrance mounds; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime between 2018 and 2019.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting structural framing; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Temple site cleared; preparing to pour meetinghouse footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Scheduled for rededication:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

Undergoing Renovation:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:

167.  Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in early 2017.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.

169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Important Posts by Matthew Martinich

Matthew Martinich, webmaster of many blogs, has one blog about Church growth that has become a favorite of mine. He recently did a couple of interesting posts: this one about how there may be as many as 100 new stakes by the end of 2016, and this one about the stakes outside North America that are most likely to split in the near future (some perhaps by the end of this year). Both are very interesting posts well worth reading. Rather than commenting here on these posts, I invite you to share any comments you have on the LDS Church Growth Blog itself. Thanks so much for your readership.

Apostolic Age Averages/Statistics about Prophets and Apostolic Quorum Presidents

I wanted to post again about apostolic age averages. I also wanted to post about something I've not mentioned before: the prophetic age and tenure ranks as they apply to President Thomas S. Monson and the latest statistics about the tenure of our current President of the Quorum of the Twelve. These are documented tables I update each week, generally on Sunday or a day or two before.

As far as apostolic age averages go, I wanted to note that tomorrow (Sunday), Elder Dale G. Renlund, the least senior apostle who is alos the second youngest, will celebrate his 64th birthday. As for the averages I spoke of, the average age of the First Presidency will be 82.9 years, with only President Uchtdorf being younger than that average. Meanwhile, the average age of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Sunday will be 74.45, with half of those twelve being younger than the average. As of Sunday, the average age for the 15 apostles will be 76.14, with 8 of the 15 (slightly more than 50%) being younger than the average. We have two, or possibly 3 apostles ailing in health (Presidents Monson and Eyring and Elder Hales), with the oldest apostle (President Nelson) still being vibrant and very much involved in Church business, by all reports.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Brethren as time passes. Some will pass away, and others, younger or not, will be called. As I have mentioned before in previous posts, with the health of 2 First Presidency members being uncertain, it may be decided to call an additional counselor to assist in the workload. If that happens, as I have said, I believe that Elder Bednar is the man who will be called, thus lowering the average age of the First Presidency, which in turn would result in a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which could then be filled by another man, possibly younger, and possibly even non-American. With what we have seen happen with the "changing of the guard", nothing would surprise me at this point.

In the meantime, I wanted to post some information about where President Monson stands among the other 15 Church presidents in terms of age and tenure length, and where President Nelson stands among the other Presidents of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in tenure length, and also his nonagenarian rank among the 17 nonagenarian apostles in Church history.

First to President Monson's statistics as Church President. As of Sunday, he will have served as Church President for 8 years, 9 months, and 10 days. On that day, he will be 89 years, 2 months, and 23 days. He is the 16th prophet in terms of tenure chronology and birth chronology. He is the 9th longest serving Church President, and won't break the record for 8th longest serving prophet until June 30, 2017; in so doing he will replace Wilford Woodruff, having served for 9 years, 4 months, and 27 days. In terms of age rank, he is the 7th oldest man to serve as prophet, and will only become the 6th oldest on Friday March 30, 2018; by so doing he will replace Spencer W. Kimball, being 90 years, 7 months, and 9 days at that date. Barring a miracle, it is very unlikely he will live to become the oldest living prophet, (as he would have to live until March 26, 2025 in order to do so). We can also rule out the possibility of him living to become the longest tenured prophet in Church history because to do so, he would have to live until Friday October 6, 2037. He would be 110 years old by this time.

As for President Nelson's statistics, he is the 27th President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and as of Sunday, he will have served as such for 1 year, 4 months, and 10 days, making him the 23td longest-serving Quorum President in Church history. He will quickly jump to the 22nd spot on Monday December 27 of this year; in so doing he will replace Spencer W. Kimball. Two days later, he will have the distinction of being the 21st longest serving Quorum President, taking the spot now held by Brigham Young Jr., having by that date served for 1 year, 5 months, and 26 days. Interestingly enough, Brigham Young Jr. holds the distinction of serving twice as Quorum President. His second tenure (the shortest one) will be the one President Nelson will pass on that day.

As for age, among our 17 nonagenarian apostles, currently President Nelson is the 10th oldest, being 92 years, 2 months, and 4 days old. He will assume the 9th oldest spot on Wednesday July 5 of next year, taking the spot currently held by L. Tom Perry. If he lives until Monday August 8, 2022, he will pass David B. Haight to become the oldest living apostle in Church history. I could definitely see that happening, though it is anyone's guess how long he will live. It may be that he could very well live to become the first centenarian apostle, which will happen on Monday September 9, 2024. That would be incredible to see, a first for Church history. I also see him becoming the next prophet, as President Monson, though a little less than three years younger than him, is reportedly not in good health and is feeling the affects of his age.

As I have before noted, if they live that long, two more apostles (President Monson and Elder Ballard) would bring the list of nonagenarians up to 19. I also have tables showing when and how long it will be until each apostle under 90 to join the nonagenarian list.

If any of you want more information, or if there are any requests to see how I track all this information, just let me know in the comments.

Thanks for taking time to read this post.

Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication Scheduled/Updated Temple Construction Status Report and List of Upcoming temple-related events

The First Presidency today announced the open house and rededication dates for the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, the 8th operating temple of the Church. Originally dedicated in 1945 by President George Albert Smith in one of his first official actions as the 8th President of the Church, the temple has been undergoing extensive renovation since March of last year. Click here for more details about what went on during the renovation. The public open house will be held for a period of five weeks between Saturday April 22-Saturday May 20 except for the Sundays of April 23 and 30 and May 7 and 14. A cultural celebration will be held on Saturday June 3. The temple will be dedicated in three sessions on Sunday June 4. Church services will be cancelled that day for all units within the temple district to allow appropriate focus on the rededication.

With this announcement, the question arises: Who might be asked to preside at this rededication? Of the 15 apostles that could do it, the two most likely candidates are President Henry B. Eyring (who formerly served as a president of Ricks College) or, if President Eyring can't be there due to his or his wife's health issues, Elder David A. Bednar, who served as president of Ricks College during the time it transitioned to BYU-Idaho, and who has already had one experience dedicating a temple (the Star Valley Wyoming Temple).

I would just like to make an observation before posting updated lists of upcoming temple-related events and an updated temple-related progress report. Living in the last days, we are witness not only to the aging of the leading brethren of the Church but also the marvelous fulfillment of the promise that the Lord is sanctifying their spirits to the renewal of their bodies. The Lord controls how His Church passes from one group of apostles to another, and we are truly blessed to witness not only the mortal release of each of them at the right time but also the appointment of equally remarkable brethren to fill those vacancies. It will always interest me to see what happens with the "changing of the guard", as it were. I will post this weekend with the latest apostolic age averages.

That being said, here are the updated lists: first an updated temple progress report, and finally an updated list of temple-related events. As always, I welcome feedback and comments of any kind below. Thanks for your readership.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 11/11/16)

Current Temple Status: 154 operating; 2 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 1 scheduled for rededication; 2 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (With up to 3 that may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled).

Dedication scheduled:

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Preparing for dedication; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

156. Paris France Temple: Interior work underway; open house and dedication dates announced; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday May 21, 2017.

Under Construction:

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Adding landscaping structures; installing fence posts and lamp posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing sprinkler systems and planting bushes; installing window frames and art glass; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Steeple framework going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Main level floors poured; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

163. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour foundation; fencing west side of property; laying water lines; hydroseeding taking root; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting structural framing; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Removing asphalt from temple site; excavating for meeting house foundation; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Scheduled for rededication:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

Undergoing Renovation:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:

167.  Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.

169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

2016

1.      Sunday November 20—Hartford Connecticut Temple Dedication (155 operating; 1 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles, as Elder Bednar presided at the last temple dedication.

2017

1.      Sunday May 21—Paris France Temple Dedication (156 operating; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles.

2.      Sunday June 4—Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication (156 operating; 10 under construction; 2 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. If President Eyring, a former Ricks College president, is able to be there, he might be assigned to do so. Since Elder Bednar, a former BYU-Idaho president, has been previously assigned to preside at a temple dedication, he might be asked to return for this rededication.

Updated Temple Construction Progress Report and list of upcoming temple-related events

As promised, here is my updated list of upcoming temple-related events and an updated temple construction progress report, which is needed in light of the announcement of the dedication of the Paris France temple (please see my post below this for details on that dedication). Please let me know what you think.

List of upcoming temple-related events

2016

1.      Sunday November 20—Hartford Connecticut Temple Dedication (155 operating; 1 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles, as Elder Bednar presided at the last temple dedication.

2017

1.      Sunday May 21—Paris France Temple Dedication (156 operating; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (Up to 3 temples may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled.))

NOTE: Since the health of the Brethren remains unclear, it is anyone’s guess who might be asked to preside at this dedication. Previous precedent indicates it may be any member of the First Presidency (with President Uchtdorf being the most likely candidate, as he is apparently the most functioning member of that body) or any of the apostles.

NOTE: More temple dedications, rededications, and groundbreakings are anticipated to be announced and may take place early next year. We will have to see what happens there and add such events when the time is ripe.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 11/7/16)

Current Temple Status: 154 operating; 2 scheduled for dedication; 10 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (With up to 3 that may soon have a groundbreaking scheduled).

Dedication scheduled:

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Preparing for dedication; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

156. Paris France Temple: Interior work underway; open house and dedication dates announced; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday May 21, 2017.

Under Construction:

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Adding landscaping structures; installing fence posts and lamp posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing sprinkler systems and planting bushes; installing window frames and art glass; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Steeple framework going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Main level floors poured; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

163. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour foundation; laying aggregate for parking; street entrance cut; hydroseeding sloped land; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting structural framing; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing phase; construction fence erected; concrete bleachers removed; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during the first half of 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:

167.  Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.

169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Open House and Dedication Dates Announced for the Paris France Temple

The First Presidency today announced the open house and dedication dates for the Paris France Temple. The open house will run for four weeks from Saturday April 22-Saturday May 13, with the obvious exceptions of the 3 Sundays of April 23 and 30 and May 7. The cultural celebration will be held exactly one week after the last day of the open house, with the dedication following the next day on Sunday May 21 in three sessions. Church block meetings for France and French-speaking units in the Europe Area will be cancelled in honor of the dedication.

The Paris France temple is not only significant as being the first temple in France; it is also one of less than a handful of temples whose construction commenced without a formal groundbreaking. I will never forget how I felt when I first heard that a temple was coming to Paris. I have loved the French language all my life, and I was excited for the opportunity to take French for three years in High School. If I had been able to serve a proselyting mission, I would have loved to go to France or somwhere French-speaking. As it was, I got plenty of opportunities to use my French in my service at the temple. I even was blessed to work at the temple with a French teacher who helped me with my pronunciation of French words. When my missionary service ended, I wanted to go on and study more French in college, but due to health reasons, my college experience ended early. I have tried to faithfully follow the news of the Church in France. I had for years felt that a temple in France would happen one day, but, as with the Payson Utah temple, I wasn't convinced a French temple would happen during my lifetime.

I will never forget the story from a French newspaper leaking the news that the Church was looking at building a temple in France. There followed a very vigorous, sometimes even hostile debate on Wikipedia as to whether we should use the date President Monson acknowledged plans to build a temple in France (sometime in July of 2011) or the date of the actual announcement (which came during the October 2011 General Conference). I waited with great anxiety to see when a groundbreaking date would be set. I was blown away by the report that, because of local opposition to the temple, a formal groundbreaking would not be held.

And so, the work commenced. I have kept an eye on the progress of this temple, because it's important to me personally. Things moved along slowly but surely. Though other temples came and went around the Paris France construction, I still rejoiced at the news of each development related to the temple.

I was gratified to hear through a comment on my own blog by Rick Satterfield just recently that a dedication announcement was just a matter of time. And now we have the wonderful announcement today of the dedication date. Truly it is wonderful to see the progress that is being made on temple construction worldwide.

I wanted to focus just on this milestone announcement for this post. I will post again in a few minutes with my updated temple construction progress report and an updated list of upcoming temple-related events. Until then, all the best!

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! Just posting with some exciting developments on the temple news front. In addition to what has already been noted in the last few updates on the Cedar City Utah temple, that temple is also having window frames and art glass put in. Additionally, due to new information from Rick Satterfield, it appears that the Arequipa Peru temple has been downgraded to a groundbreaking pending status, rather than specifying a date. In the meantime, the Winnepeg temple remains the one and only temple with a groundbreaking date estimated.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 11/2/16)

Current Temple Status: 154 operating; 1 scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:

155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Preparing for dedication; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:

156. Paris France Temple: Interior work underway; open house committee assembled; completion anticipated sometime during the first half of 2017.

157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Adding landscaping structures; installing fence posts and lamp posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing sprinkler systems and planting bushes; installing window frames and art glass; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Steeple framework going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Main level floors poured; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

163. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour foundation; laying aggregate for parking; street entrance cut; hydroseeding sloped land; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.

164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting structural framing; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing phase; construction fence erected; concrete bleachers removed; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during the first half of 2017.

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected; groundbreaking pending.

169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by local government; groundbreaking pending.

170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:

Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.

Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.

Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Update on the average ages of the Brethren

Since it has been a couple of weeks since I posted on the average ages of the Brethren, I thought I'd do that with this post, which, if I am correct, would be a great topic for this, my first post in November 2016.

As of this Sunday, November 6, 2016, the average age of the First Presidency will 82.88, with only President Uchtdorf being younger than that average. The average age of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be 74.43, with exactly half each of those twelve being older and younger than the average. The average age of the 15 apostles will be 76.12, with 8 of the 15 apostles being younger than that average. I wanted to also report that the apostle closest to that apostolic average is Elder Quentin L. Cook, who will be 76.16 on Sunday. Just by way of other facts to make your head spin, we have 17 apostles of the 100 called that have lived to be over 90. If the apostles closest to that milestone live that long, the number of nonagenarian apostles will increase to 22 before the 200th anniversary of the Church. It is anyone's guess how many apostles reach that monumental milestone.

The averages mentioned in the paragraph above will be vastly affected by what happens to the face of Church leadership in the next several years. The average age of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and apostles as a group will be lowered if, as I said in the last post, Elder Bednar is added to the First Presidency and a new apostle is called.

Hope you enjoyed this trivia. Thanks for your readership and friendship.