Minor Temple Construction Progress Updates

Hello, everyone! I wanted to focus on a couple of things with this blog post. First, given that the only notes on the Meridian Idaho Temple talk about practices for the cultural celebration beginning a week from tomorrow, and how open house reservations will be available 12 days after that, I have felt it safe to surmise that construction has concluded there. If I am wrong in that regard, I will be happy to post a correction later. In the meantime, I also revisited the section on announced temples. I have not rearranged the order in which those temples are listed, but what I have done is to provide, as I did in yesterday's update for those temples that are or soon will be under construction, a more precise estimate for when each will progress. In doing so for the announced temples, I have listed the estimated time of each month and year I feel we will most likely see  groundbreakings for each of those 12 remaining temples. All of that is, of course, subject to verification that my thinking on such things is in line with the Lord's on this.

And in that regard, I consistently hope and pray that the Lord will see fit to have all future temple-related events happen sooner than anyone, myself included, believes will be the case. As always, the report follows. Any comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/5/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) anniversary of the restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030. With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.58 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it seems very feasible. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The Church has 182 temples in any phase. There are 157 operating temples, with 1 that has had construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various phases of construction and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to begin ASAP (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction completed, preparing for open house:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case, I will pass that along.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. If I receive information that changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: This temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction progress report I posted a while ago, this temple had been anticipated to be the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected. Even so, I found out recently that, while it has made great strides, it is more likely that this temple may be the first one dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities. Not much later than I was anticipating, but I did want to note that.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Adding flashing and plastic sheeting to roof decking; baptismal font concrete to be repoured; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I fervently hope that this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate, information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this temple will be closer to a year from now than earlier than that. I am setting a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s potential dedication timeframe.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late October-early November 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: As promised in previous version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As part of my efforts to reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: As noted on other temples, I have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed, and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact, my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that thinking.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: Until construction begins in earnest on this temple, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact completion time-frame, so I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in my estimates. That said, we do know that construction is anticipated to take around 20 months once it begins. With that in mind, the time-frame above is very reasonable, as long as the full-scale construction begins within the next 11 months or so. I for one hope it will not take that long for that to happen, and I will be sure to pass along any updates to this temple’s status or estimated time-frame.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple is anticipated to be comparable to the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple. As also previously noted, I have given a preliminary estimate for this temple’s construction of 2 years, 7 months. If that time-frame holds true, and if this temple’s full-scale construction gets underway on Monday October 30 (as many, myself included, are hoping will happen), then construction could conclude around the time the General Authorities take their annual July recess. With that in mind, a dedication around early-to-mid August that year seems feasible. I have heard from some that there is reason to believe that this temple could be completed before the end of 2019. I am doing my best to analyze all of this and will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thinking.

Scheduled for rededication:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. I have felt it might happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known, that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: The change of this temple’s closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15 months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that line of thinking will be noted in the future.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, with official dates now known for all but one of them:

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The date of this temple’s anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This temple’s closure date was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass that along.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With the date of this temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Given that this temple’s completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation will take around 20 months. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates and changes as I become aware of them.

7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. I will pass along any updates as I become aware of them.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do so.

Announced:

171. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: If the information I have received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. While there has been no evidence to corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than later, and I am projecting that such an event could happen in either late April or early May of 2018. I will pass along any changes to this line of thinking as I make it.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: While a specific site has not yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017 at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many (myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year or in short order after next year begins. I don’t feel confident enough at this point to change the listed order of this temple, but it does give me hope that something will happen sooner rather than later. Some have conjectured that could happen either before the end of 2017 or in the early months of 2018, and perhaps before such an event occurs for the second Lima Peru temple. I haven’t seen a compelling enough argument for that, but wanted to note it, for what it’s worth. It is my personal conjecture that this groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid June 2018. As always, I will pass along any changes to this line of thought as I make it.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: I have previously referenced the statement made by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who has served as president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area since August 2016. He was quoted as saying that this temple would have both a site announcement and groundbreaking in fairly short order in 2017. With 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change, and I will pass that along as I am able to.

174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, when I went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018, one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable, especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, though this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first. However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that event to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes and goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of thinking.

176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.

177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: While some have (quite accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of early-to-mid May 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates to this line of reasoning and estimate.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: I have before referenced the media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.

179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.

NOTE: If at any point Church leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things, including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take place around early-to-mid June 2019. In the less than 2 years between now and then, that will likely change, and I will pass along any adjustments I do wind up making.

180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Regarding the growth of the Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to wait that long for that to happen. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, the Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between  the announcement of that nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait. With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of thought as things develop.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years. While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from 2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those announcements can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will be announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.

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 highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello again, everyone. Earlier today, many sources reported that the practices for the youth cultural celebration would begin on September 13, just over a week from now. The one thing that remains unclear is whether or not that means that construction is concluding. As with everything else, I am trying to evaluate that development as speedily as I can, and I will post any updates as I find out more. Additionally, I have reevaluated other temple-related developments and added some notes on quite a few temples, and I wanted to pass along those updates as well. They follow below. Please enjoy them, and let me know your thoughts. Until my next post, I wish you all the best, and pray that the Lord will bless you all.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/4/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) anniversary of the restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030. With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.59 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it seems very feasible. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The Church has 182 temples in any phase. There are 157 operating temples, with 2 more that have construction wrapping up prior to their already scheduled dedications later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various construction phases and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

NOTE: With the update noted above, I am not sure whether or not construction has concluded. I will be doing everything in my power to ascertain that information and pass it along as I am able to.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. If I receive information that changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: This temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction progress report I posted a while ago, this temple had been anticipated to be the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected. Even so, I found out recently that, while it has made great strides, it is more likely that this temple may be the first one dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities. Not much later than I was anticipating, but I did want to note that.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Adding flashing and plastic sheeting to roof decking; baptismal font concrete to be repoured; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I fervently hope that this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate, information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this temple will be closer to a year from now than earlier than that. I am setting a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s potential dedication timeframe.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late October-early November 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: As promised in previous version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As part of my efforts to reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: As noted on other temples, I have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed, and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact, my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that thinking.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: Until construction begins in earnest on this temple, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact completion time-frame, so I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in my estimates. That said, we do know that construction is anticipated to take around 20 months once it begins. With that in mind, the time-frame above is very reasonable, as long as the full-scale construction begins within the next 11 months or so. I for one hope it will not take that long for that to happen, and I will be sure to pass along any updates to this temple’s status or estimated time-frame.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple is anticipated to be comparable to the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple. As also previously noted, I have given a preliminary estimate for this temple’s construction of 2 years, 7 months. If that time-frame holds true, and if this temple’s full-scale construction gets underway on Monday October 30 (as many, myself included, are hoping will happen), then construction could conclude around the time the General Authorities take their annual July recess. With that in mind, a dedication around early-to-mid August that year seems feasible. I have heard from some that there is reason to believe that this temple could be completed before the end of 2019. I am doing my best to analyze all of this and will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thinking.

Scheduled for rededication:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. I have felt it might happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known, that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: The change of this temple’s closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15 months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that line of thinking will be noted in the future.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, with official dates now known for all but one of them:

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The date of this temple’s anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This temple’s closure date was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass that along.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With the date of this temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Given that this temple’s completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation will take around 20 months. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates and changes as I become aware of them.

7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. I will pass along any updates as I become aware of them.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do so.

Announced:

171. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: If the information I have received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. While there has been no evidence to corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than later.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: While numerous delays prevented this temple from making any progress since its announcement almost seven years ago, those delays are at an end. Since it seems likely that the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple will be the next one to have a groundbreaking (either before the end of this year or during the first part of next year), it seems logical to assume that this temple could follow shortly thereafter. More to come once more is known.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, shortly after this temple was announced in April 2016, Elder Hamilton made a statement that indicated a site announcement and groundbreaking would follow for this temple in short order once 2017 began. Nearly eight months of 2017 have come and gone with nothing new happening for this temple. For that reason, it seems safe to assume that it will be the third temple of this announced group to have a groundbreaking. While some have said it could happen by the end of this year, it seems more likely that it will not take place until the middle of next year at earliest. If my thinking in that regard changes, I will pass that along.

174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: When I was encouraged to take another look at the order in which announced temples could have a subsequent groundbreaking, I felt impressed to find out, on average, how long it has taken for temples in Utah County to get from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on that average, it seems likely that, if a site is announced for it soon, this temple could have a groundbreaking at the time indicated above, and perhaps well ahead of the other temples listed below. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass it along.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Even though this temple has already had a site identified, and that site has been inspected by Church engineers, over the course of the last several months, I have done considerable study on when announced temples have gone on to have a groundbreaking. And that study, combined with valuable feedback from experts on this subject, has led me to believe that this temple’s groundbreaking is more likely to happen towards the middle or end of 2018 than the beginning of it, especially because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking first. I will continue to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.

176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: The note on the temple above applies to this temple as well. Though it has had a site confirmed already, because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking prior to this one, it has felt wise to push this estimate back. In the meantime, we could also hear any day an announcement about the name for this second temple for the capital city of the Philippines. As more information is released, I will pass that along.

177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: Two potential locations have been noted as potential locations for this temple site. Until a site confirmation happens, a groundbreaking time-frame may be hard to pin down. However, Idaho is well within the “Mormon corridor (of which Arizona and Utah are also a part), and temples in that area generally get built relatively easily and quickly. That said, as previously noted, I have felt it wise to push the estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking back to this point because the temples above seem more likely to have a groundbreaking prior to this one. That said, there could be an equal chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking in either late 2018 or early 2019. I will pass along updates as I learn of them.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: I was pleased to hear of the media event held for this temple two months ago. During that event, Elder Joseph W. Sitati, the first GA Seventy from Kenya, mentioned that it usually takes a year or two after temple announcements for a groundbreaking to happen. Given that statement and the fact that the temples listed above this one will likely have a groundbreaking first, it seemed wise to adjust my estimate. If my thinking on this changes, I will pass that along.

179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted previously, some Thai members and other members familiar with that country have speculated that an existing Church office building (owned since 2008) will be reconstructed into an edifice that not only houses Church offices, but the temple and a meetinghouse as well, similar in concept to the temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If that is confirmed within the next year or so, I could see a groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will pass along any updates on this as I receive them.

180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Growth trends in the Ivory Coast have led some to speculate that a second (and even a third) Ivory Coast temple could be among the 80 referenced above. Regarding this temple, until more is known about it, this estimate seems wise.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Even though Ecuador’s first temple had a 14-year wait between its site announcement and groundbreaking, the growth of the Church in South America has been a clear indicator that the Church won’t have to wait that long for this groundbreaking. Because of the others listed above that are expected to have a groundbreaking first, it seems likely that the time-frame above will be likely for this temple’s groundbreaking. As always, I will adjust this as more becomes known.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: While it seems almost certain that the Brasilia Brazil Temple will have a groundbreaking sooner than this one (as we still do not know where in Belem this temple will be built), what is not known is whether this temple will indeed be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. As progress is made on temples in the next year or so, hopefully that will be cleared up. And, as always, I will continue to pass along updates and changes to this line of thinking.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements within the last three years have come during the April General Conference. They may happen at any time the First Presidency feels inspired to make them, but that has been the pattern since 2015. Also, as noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 80 temple sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). I have been told by many that an official announcement will happen once unit growth and activity in temples within such areas warrants those announcements. If there have been any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.

                                                                                                           

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 highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.

Update: General Church Leaders Minister to Church Members in Houston as cleanup efforts continue

Hello, everyone! Just wanted to report some fantastic Church news. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Texas hard, Church leaders sent President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency; Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse, and General Authority Seventy Elder J. Devn Cornish (who, if his biography on the Church's website is correct, serves as assistant executive director of the Church History Department) to survey the damage, and offer assistance, consolation, and an apostolic blessing to those Saints affected by the storm and those in Texas to assist with cleanup. You can read more about this here.

In the meantime, I wanted you all to know that I am hard at work on updating my potential timeline for future temple-related events, and I hope to post that update later this week, including (hopefully) a look at when each announced temple may have a groundbreaking, and when all temples in any phase (including those set for renovation) may be completed and dedicated. For now, all comments are welcome and appreciated.

Until my next post, I wish you all the best. Thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless each of you in the week ahead.

Minor Update Reported on the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple

Hello, everyone! I am doing a late-night report to pass along an minor status update reported a few hours ago on the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple. While I noted three hours ago that the status of this temple was that the roof decking had been attached, the baptismal font concrete was going to be repoured and that the search was underway for landscaping palm trees, it was noted tonight that the roof decking was having flashing and plastic sheeting to the roof decking, and that the notice about the palm trees had been removed.

I also wanted to report, for any following along, that in spite of searching periodically for the official date on which the Mesa Arizona Temple will close, that information is still not available, either because it has yet to be ascertained or because the beta testing on the site is preventing that from being added right now.

That does it for this late-night update. Any comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all until my next post, which will either be after a long night's sleep later today, or for sure on Sunday. Until then, I wish you all the best.

Date Adjustments Made for Renovation Closures/Adjustments made to Completion Estimates for Temples Under Construction

Hello, everyone! I wanted to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report for a couple of reasons: While only minor progress has been reported on the temples under construction, the Church has released a beta version of their updated temples site, and on that site, corrections have been made to previously announced closure dates for temples set to close for renovation later this year, and all temples scheduled for renovation next year except the Mesa Arizona Temple, and that may be made known later on this month. I have also had a change of thought on the completion estimates I offered for temples now under construction, based on some excellent feedback from some experts in matters related to temple construction. All of this new information will be listed on the update I hope to provide this weekend of my timeline for future temple-related events. In the meantime, I wanted to post the updates I made to my temple construction progress report for any who would like to comment on them. I feel pretty confident about these changes, but always appreciate feedback from any of you who feel inclined to provide it. The updates to that report follow. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless each of you in whatever you may do this weekend.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/1/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) anniversary of the restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030. With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.59 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it seems very feasible. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The Church has 182 temples in any phase. There are 157 operating temples, with 2 more that have construction wrapping up prior to their already scheduled dedications later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various construction phases and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. If I receive information that changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on tower and east and west walls; decorative fence installation underway; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: This temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction progress report I posted a while ago, this temple had been anticipated to be the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected. Even so, I found out recently that, while it has made great strides, it is more likely that this temple may be the first one dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities. Not much later than I was anticipating, but I did want to note that.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof decking attached; baptismal font concrete to be repoured; searching for landscaping palm trees; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I fervently hope that this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate, information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this temple will be closer to a year from now than earlier than that. I am setting a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late October-early November 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: As promised in previous version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As part of my efforts to reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early September of 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.

NOTE: As noted on other temples, I have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. Having received a common opinion that this temple may not be completed until more towards early 2020, and having taken that into account, I am still convinced that this temple may be the last temple completed in 2019, and that that dedication may happen in mid-December 2019. As always, once this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that thinking.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime between late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: As previously noted on earlier versions of this report, until full-scale construction begins on this temple, an exact completion time-frame may be hard to pin down. Even so, I ran the numbers, and with the 20 months (1.67 years) of construction that are anticipated for this temple, as long as construction gets underway by July or August of 2018, then the completion of this temple could indeed easily happen by early 2020. Until more is known, that is an adjustment from what I had previously thought and asserted.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Assuming no delays, the formal construction efforts for this temple will start on Monday October 30, 2018. If that happens, based on what we now know about this temple, I feel confident its completion may be marked around the end of May 2020. That said, I heard from some sources that this temple could be finished much closer to mid-to-late 2019. I am evaluating all of this and will be sure to provide any updates to this line of reasoning as I become aware of them. And it obviously goes without saying that if construction is delayed, that could push the estimate back to the time-frame indicated above, if not longer.

Scheduled for rededication:

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. Once more is known about how soon that might be, I will pass the information along.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: The Church has a new layout in beta phase for their temples section. One significant thing coming out of that development has been an alteration of the previously-set completion dates for temples scheduled for renovation. Additionally, as previously observed, this temple’s renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the edifice. With that in mind, an initial estimate of 18 months for this process seems en pointe. As the process gets underway, that will likely change. And I will pass along any updates in that regard as the work proceeds.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: As noted above, this temple’s renovation closure date was pushed back a few days later than originally announced. Given that this temple will be renovated to bring electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date, an expansion is not likely to be in the works. Therefore, it is my feeling that, because of its comparatively smaller size, it will be the first temple to be rededicated in 2020.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: The date for this temple’s closure was recently confirmed. I have also been reminded that this temple has more room for an expansion than the Memphis Tennessee Temple. That said, it seems unlikely that this will be the case. It therefore seems likely that a 15-month estimate is perfectly appropriate for this temple’s renovation. If I find information that changes this thinking, I will pass it along.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While this temple’s closure date has been confirmed, what is still unknown is whether or not the process will involve any expansion. Right now, it seems unlikely to be so, and, in that regard, a 15-month estimate seems appropriate for this temple’s potential completion. If I find something in the near future that changes that reasoning, I will pass it along.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, with official dates now known for all but one of them:

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The date of this temple’s anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This temple’s closure date was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass that along.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With the date of this temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Given that this temple’s completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation will take around 20 months. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates and changes as I become aware of them.

7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. I will pass along any updates as I become aware of them.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do so.

Announced:

171. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: If the information I have received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. While there has been no evidence to corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than later.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: While numerous delays prevented this temple from making any progress since its announcement almost seven years ago, those delays are at an end. Since it seems likely that the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple will be the next one to have a groundbreaking (either before the end of this year or during the first part of next year), it seems logical to assume that this temple could follow shortly thereafter. More to come once more is known.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, shortly after this temple was announced in April 2016, Elder Hamilton made a statement that indicated a site announcement and groundbreaking would follow for this temple in short order once 2017 began. Nearly eight months of 2017 have come and gone with nothing new happening for this temple. For that reason, it seems safe to assume that it will be the third temple of this announced group to have a groundbreaking. While some have said it could happen by the end of this year, it seems more likely that it will not take place until the middle of next year at earliest. If my thinking in that regard changes, I will pass that along.

174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: When I was encouraged to take another look at the order in which announced temples could have a subsequent groundbreaking, I felt impressed to find out, on average, how long it has taken for temples in Utah County to get from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on that average, it seems likely that, if a site is announced for it soon, this temple could have a groundbreaking at the time indicated above, and perhaps well ahead of the other temples listed below. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass it along.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Even though this temple has already had a site identified, and that site has been inspected by Church engineers, over the course of the last several months, I have done considerable study on when announced temples have gone on to have a groundbreaking. And that study, combined with valuable feedback from experts on this subject, has led me to believe that this temple’s groundbreaking is more likely to happen towards the middle or end of 2018 than the beginning of it, especially because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking first. I will continue to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.

176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: The note on the temple above applies to this temple as well. Though it has had a site confirmed already, because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking prior to this one, it has felt wise to push this estimate back. In the meantime, we could also hear any day an announcement about the name for this second temple for the capital city of the Philippines. As more information is released, I will pass that along.

177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: Two potential locations have been noted as potential locations for this temple site. Until a site confirmation happens, a groundbreaking time-frame may be hard to pin down. However, Idaho is well within the “Mormon corridor (of which Arizona and Utah are also a part), and temples in that area generally get built relatively easily and quickly. That said, as previously noted, I have felt it wise to push the estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking back to this point because the temples above seem more likely to have a groundbreaking prior to this one. That said, there could be an equal chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking in either late 2018 or early 2019. I will pass along updates as I learn of them.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: I was pleased to hear of the media event held for this temple two months ago. During that event, Elder Joseph W. Sitati, the first GA Seventy from Kenya, mentioned that it usually takes a year or two after temple announcements for a groundbreaking to happen. Given that statement and the fact that the temples listed above this one will likely have a groundbreaking first, it seemed wise to adjust my estimate. If my thinking on this changes, I will pass that along.

179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted previously, some Thai members and other members familiar with that country have speculated that an existing Church office building (owned since 2008) will be reconstructed into an edifice that not only houses Church offices, but the temple and a meetinghouse as well, similar in concept to the temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If that is confirmed within the next year or so, I could see a groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will pass along any updates on this as I receive them.

180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Growth trends in the Ivory Coast have led some to speculate that a second (and even a third) Ivory Coast temple could be among the 80 referenced above. Regarding this temple, until more is known about it, this estimate seems wise.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Even though Ecuador’s first temple had a 14-year wait between its site announcement and groundbreaking, the growth of the Church in South America has been a clear indicator that the Church won’t have to wait that long for this groundbreaking. Because of the others listed above that are expected to have a groundbreaking first, it seems likely that the time-frame above will be likely for this temple’s groundbreaking. As always, I will adjust this as more becomes known.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: While it seems almost certain that the Brasilia Brazil Temple will have a groundbreaking sooner than this one (as we still do not know where in Belem this temple will be built), what is not known is whether this temple will indeed be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. As progress is made on temples in the next year or so, hopefully that will be cleared up. And, as always, I will continue to pass along updates and changes to this line of thinking.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements within the last three years have come during the April General Conference. They may happen at any time the First Presidency feels inspired to make them, but that has been the pattern since 2015. Also, as noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 80 temple sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). I have been told by many that an official announcement will happen once unit growth and activity in temples within such areas warrants those announcements. If there have been any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.

                                                                                                           

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 highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.

September's First Presidency Message: A General Conference Invitation from our beloved prophet

Hello again, everyone! As I may have mentioned previously, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the September First Presidency Message was written by our beloved prophet, who, at the time it was published, had already turned 90. Now, I also want to note that this message was likely submitted for publication well in advance of the May 23 announcement that he would no longer take an active role in the day-to-day leadership of the Church. Even so, this gives me hope that we may see him speak at least once, or even twice, as has been usual and typical since the April 2013 General Conference, even if those addresses are only a couple of minutes each. However, as my wife reminded me recently, it is one thing to deliver a coherent written message and another to make a public appearance and address. So time will tell if President Monson will even make an appearance at General Conference in just over a month. In the meantime, you can read that message here. As with any other Church- or temple-related development, I am keeping my eyes open for any update and will pass that information along. For now, any comments are welcome and appreciate. Thank you for the privilege of your time. May the Lord bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

Major Church News: First Presidency Releases Letter about Louisiana Disaster

I am a day or two late in reporting this (trying to deal with some health issues and prepare to celebrate the 90th birthday of a dear family friend (who is, without doubt, more of a surrogate grandfather figure and longtime family friend whom my family affectionately calls "Uncle George"), but a development happened that brought it to the forefront of my list of Church news to report. Here is the blog post about that development.

In the wake of the Louisiana disaster, many Church members who have the ability to do so have spared no expense in purchasing necessary supplies and journeying to Louisiana to administer relief. While the Church has appreciated those efforts from those individuals, the problem with that scenario is that they are not coordinating their plans with the local Church and governmental leaders who have certain procedures in place for such disasters. This results in confusion on whether or not such efforts are sanctioned.

In an effort to clear that up, the First Presidency today released a letter that they instructed local leaders to read in their congregations this Sunday. The wording of the letter in question makes it clear that the Church places high importance on going through the proper channels and coordinating such efforts. The First Presidency clearly outlines what members can and should do in such situations.

As one who has been fiercely loyal to and supportive of the direction and counsel from our leaders, whatever form it takes, I would encourage any of my readers who claim to sustain these Brethren to follow their wise advice in this instance. As I mentioned in previous posts, excess money that is not used locally for fast offerings and other efforts is sent to Church headquarters and dispersed as the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes sees fit. That includes building a reserve to send out massive monetary and humanitarian aid to help areas stricken by natural disasters.

I gained a testimony of this process a long time ago, and that was only refined as I served for two years with the Humanitarian program of the Church. Not only did our center prepare hundreds and even thousands of hygiene, school, and medical kits to send to Church headquarters to contribute to such a reserve, but as an avid student of the work of Church finances, I have enjoyed hearing the report each April that the offerings of the Church have been used according to Church policy. I further observed this process firsthand as an assistant ward clerk over finances and membership records in ensuring that each donation was accurately recorded and accounted for. And in that process, I observed that there was at least one of the two (if not both) counselors in the bishopric helping out with that process. When the donations had been entered correctly for the week, I observed a few times how those contributions were taken to the local financial institution our stake used that would send them on to the Church.

And now, of course, we have seen that process evolve into electronic donations being processed directly from our accounts when it has been feasible to do so. That simplifies things a lot. Wire transfers are so much more safe and secure. And of course, as we know, the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes was established by revelation to include the members of the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Even when new members have come into that Council, that has not changed how effective the process works. And now, the Church has assembled an audit committee comprised of both Church members and non-Church members with expertise in accounting practices to certify that all is done according to policy and as prescribed by revelation.

So we have no need to fear that our offerings are being properly handled. In the meantime, it is wonderful to observe how it all comes together. And, in getting back to the First Presidency's letter, we now have the word of the Brethren on their guidance about what to do in the face of natural disasters such as this. Let us follow them.

That does it for this post. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. And may the Lord bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.