Stokes Sounds Off: September 2016

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Friday, September 30, 2016

Yet Another Temple Construction Progress Report

I am posting again with some exciting developments on the temple news front. Much has changed since my last posted update. Here is my updated report:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/30/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Public open house tours underway through Saturday October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime during the first half of 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; installing fence posts; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring parapet and tower walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; pouring interior footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during early 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.



Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin in either late 2016 or early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Transcripts available for the General Women's Session

As per the usual timetable, the Church today has published transcripts of the talks given during the General Women's Session on Saturday. Click here to read those talks. Enjoy!

Yet another temple construction progress report

Here is yet another temple construction progress report. As always, the changes from the last posted report are highlighted in red. Please let me know what you think.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/27/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Public open house tours underway through Saturday October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime during the first half of 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring parapet and tower walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; pouring interior footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during early 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin in either late 2016 or early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Further temple developments

There have been further developments on the temple news front. Here is an updated report of what has changed.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/24/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Public open house tours underway through Saturday October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime in early 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; pouring interior footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during early 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.



Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated in either late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin in either late 2016 or early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

How my predictions for the General Women's Session panned out

The General Women's Session of conference was held tonight. The addresses were wonderful, and I learned so much. You may ask, how did my predictions for that session turn out? Well, I correctly predicted that President Uchtdorf, Bonnie L. Oscarson, and Carole M. Stephens would speak in the order they did. Instead of Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Second Counselor, Jean B. Bingham, First Counselor spoke from the Primary Presidency. I also corrected predicted that Linda K. Burton would conduct the session. With five slots to be filled, and with my system of calculating my progress, I am giving myself 3 points each for the 4 things I corretly predicted. I will call my prediction about Sister Cordon worth one point, as she did participate in the session by giving the benediction, and at least I correctly predicted she would take part in the session. I just didn't know it would be this way.

So, how'd I do? 13/15=87% accurancy, which is better than my usual average. But there will be more numbers to add to that once general conference weekend concludes. I still anticipate that I will be around my 60-80% accuracy rate.

Hope I didn't bore anyone with this post. I just wanted to share these results. Thanks for your readership and friendship!

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Further Temple Progress

Just in the last couple of days or so, a lot has happened on the temple news front. Here's my updated progress report, as of yesterday. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/23/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Open house tours underway through Saturday October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring concrete parking lot; interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; pouring interior footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.



Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated for early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Major temple construction progress

Rick Satterfield has made major changes in the way temples are listed for completion. He has moved Durban and Kinshasa up to be completed in 2018. He has moved Barranquilla and Fortaleza down to be completed in 2019. To give you an idea of what has changed with the construction status of temples, I am posting my progress report which is current as of today. Please also note that the open house for the Star Valley Wyoming temple starts tomorrow. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/22/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring concrete parking lot; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; pouring interior footings; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated for early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Changes in wording and order for temple progress

Hello, all! Though there has been no notable progress in temple construction since I posted my list yesterday, I have made several stylistic edits.

The first involved change the word estimated to the word anticipated in terms of completion or groundbreaking dates.

The second and by far the biggest change was moving up the completion date for the Barranquilla Colombia temple to between late 2018 and early 2019. I also put it ahead of the Kinshasa temple. Though that change is not and may not ever be on Brother Satterfield's website, I felt it was warranted. In my mind, the fact that foundation walls are going up in Barranquilla puts it ahead of Kinshasa, which is just having its foundation poured. He and you guys may disagree with me on this. Just let me know what you think.

Because of the changes, both slight and major, I have felt it appropriate to repost my list of temple progress. Enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/21/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating;  scheduled for dedication;
11  under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion anticipated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring concrete parking lot; completion anticipated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion anticipated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion anticipated sometime in late 2018.
162. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.
163. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.
164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
165. Durban South Africa Temple: Excavation for foundation underway; preparing the parking area; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion anticipated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication anticipated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime in 2018.

Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction anticipated to begin sometime during late 2016.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin late 2016 or early 2017.
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated for early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update

Changes in Editorship and Adivsership of the Church Magazines

There have been changes in the editors and advisers of the Church Magazines. This is according to the PDF version of the October Ensign. The changes are primarily the result of James B. Martino, assistant editor, and Craig A. Cardon, an adviser, receiving assignments in international area presidencies. The changes are as follows:

September 2016:
Editor: Joseph W. Sitati
Assistant Editors: James B. Martino, Carol F. McConkie
Advisers: Brian K. Ashton, Randall K. Bennett, Jean B. Bingham, Craig A. Cardon, Christoffel Golden, Douglas D. Holmes, Larry R. Lawrence, Carole M. Stephens

October 2016:
Editor: Joseph W. Sitati
Assistant Editors: Randall K. Bennett, Carol F. McConkie
Advisers: Brian K. Ashton, Jean B. Bingham, Legrand R. Curtis Jr., Christoffel Golden, Douglas D. Holmes, Erich W. Kopischke, Larry R. Lawrence, Carole M. Stephens

Released as Assistant Editor: James B. Martino:
Called as Assistant Editor: Randall K. Bennett
Released as Advisers: Randall K. Bennett, Craig A. Cardon
Called as Advisers: LeGrand R. Curtis, Jr., Erich W. Kopischke


Sunday, September 18, 2016

Important temple strides

Hello, all! Hope you are well. I wanted to post today with news that the Philadelpha Pennsylvania Temple was dedicated today, one day after the most recent anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. As I expected, President Eyring presided at that event. He was accompanied by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Presidency of the Seventy, who has supervisory responsibilities for the North America Northeast Area and Elders Larry Y. Wilson of the Seventy (who serves as the temple department executive director) and Anthony D. Perkins (who may be an assistant executive director for the temple department).

Additionally, trees and bushes are being placed on the grounds of the Meridian Idaho temple.

Here is an updated list of Church temple progress:

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/18/16)
Current Temple Status: 152 operating; 
3 scheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).

Dedication scheduled:
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion estimated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; planting trees and bushes; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring concrete parking lot; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in late 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; completion estimated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.
163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
165. Durban South Africa Temple: Sinking piles for foundation and terracing soil; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in 2018.
Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction may begin later this year.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin late this year or early next year.
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated for early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

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

Friday, September 16, 2016

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Will Be Dedicated This Sunday/Temple Strides/Updated Temple Progress Report

The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple will be dedicated this Sunday. It will be the 152nd operating temple in the Church. This leaves us with the question of who will preside at this dedication. The most likely candidate in my mind is President Henry B. Eyring, who broke ground for the temple. The only way he won't be there is if his wife's health makes it impossible. As to who might accompany him apostle-wise, that's anyone's guess.

In the meantime, there have been some major strides in temple construction progress. Among the highlights are the fact that we now have two temples preparing for dedication, and two more having their open house. Also, the Cedar City temple received its Angel Moroni yesterday. There was a great turnout for that event, even though it had not been formally scheduled. Additionally, work has finally begun on the Lisbon Portugal temple, with the report coming in that site clearing is underway.

With these important strides, I have felt it appropriate to repost my temple construction progress list. Since it has been a week since I have done so, the report contains a lot of red text, indicating changes from the previous report. One change I wanted to note is that I have put the temples under construction higher on the list than those being renovated, as no rededications have been announced. Please enjoy the list and let me know what you think.

Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 9/16/16)
Current Temple Status: 151 operatingscheduled for dedication; 11 under construction; 3 undergoing renovation; 11 announced (As many as 3 groundbreaking announcements may be made soon).
152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday September 18, 2016.
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Preparing for dedication, scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, scheduled September 23-October 8; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house scheduled September 30-October 22; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.

Under Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Stained glass installation underway; entrance landscaping progressing; completion estimated sometime in early-to-mid 2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Concrete slab in place for monument sign; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Angel Moroni placed on September 15, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Retaining walls in place; pouring concrete parking lot; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Pouring walls for base of tower; preparing to attach exterior panels; completion estimated sometime in late 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured and backfilled; completion estimated sometime between late 2018 and early 2019.
163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Foundation walls going up; Elder Renlund visits temple site in August; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
164.  Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Forms and rebar set in anticipation of pouring foundation walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
165. Durban South Africa Temple: Sinking piles for foundation and terracing soil; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Site clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.

Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish work underway; resurfacing and restriping parking lot; rededication estimated sometime during the first quarter of 2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in 2018.
Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: No groundbreaking date set, however, construction is pending, and, according to the contractor for the project, that construction may begin later this year.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: No groundbreaking set. However, construction anticipated to begin late this year or early next year.
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Approval and permitting phase; temple fireside held September 11, 2016; groundbreaking anticipated for early 2017.
170. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

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

Friday, September 9, 2016

General Conference Predictions--Final Version

I am posting a list of all of my predictions for General Conference next month. Please note that I have trimmed down my list of temples that may be announced soon to the final 15 or 16. Let me know what you think/ Thanks for your readership and interest.

October 2016 General Conference Predictions
Speaking Order (Text in brackets indicated what actually happened.)
Session
Conducting
Speaker
General Women’s
Linda K. Burton
Bonnie H. Cordon


Carole M. Stephens


Bonnie L. Oscarson


President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Saturday Morning
President Henry B. Eyring
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf


Elder Robert D. Hales


Elder Craig C. Christensen


Joy D. Jones


Elder Yoon Hwan Choi


Elder Juan A. Uceda


President Russell M. Nelson
Saturday Afternoon
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Henry B. Eyring (Sustaining of Church Officers)


Elder Gary E. Stevenson


Elder Dale G. Renlund


Elder W. Mark Bassett


Elder Mark A. Bragg


Elder Weatherford T. Clayton


Elder Quentin L. Cook


Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Saturday Priesthood
President Henry B. Eyring
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland


Bishop Gerald Causse


President Dieter F. Uchtdorf


President Henry B. Eyring


President Thomas S. Monson
Sunday Morning
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Thomas S. Monson


Elder David A. Bednar


Elder Lynn G. Robbins


Linda S. Reeves


Elder Dallin H. Oaks


President Henry B. Eyring
Sunday Afternoon
President Henry B. Eyring
Elder Ronald A. Rasband


Elder M. Russell Ballard


Brian K. Ashton


Elder Valeri V. Cordon


Elder Joaquin E. Costa


Elder Massimo De Feo


Elder Neil L. Andersen

 Changes in General Church Leadership
General Authority Seventies: Elders Daniel L. Johnson and Francisco J. Vinas released from the First Quorum of the Seventy and Elder Kent F. Richards released from the Second Quorum of the Seventy and granted emeritus status.
NOTE: Since the First and Second Quorum members are referred to as General Authority Seventies, any releases and emeritus statuses will be mentioned in a group.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Only Elder Richards is 70 currently, but the Church has been known to release and grant emeritus status to brethren that turn 70 within a given year. In this case, that means that those born in 1946 who will be 70 by the end of the year are most likely to be granted emeritus status. There may be more releases, as last October, one general authority seventy was granted emeritus status for a reason not specified, and that particular GA Seventy was under 70 and had been in the Second Quorum for six years. The following additional brethren who have served in the Second Quorum for seven years may therefore also be granted emeritus status: Bradley D. Foster and Gregory A. Schwitzer. If I had to fine-tune this prediction, I would say that only Elders Johnson, Richards and Vinas will be granted emeritus status.
RESULT:
Area Seventies: Releases and sustainings.
NOTE: It has generally been a rule that most changes in Area Seventies happen during April General Conference, when President Dieter F. Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining of Church officers. It also has generally been a rule that only a few changes in Area Seventies happen during October General Conference, when President Henry B. Eyring leads out in the sustaining.
RESULT:

Temple Predictions:
3+ temples announced in any of the following cities and states:
Managua Nicaragua, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Bentonville Arkansas; Freetown Sierra Leone; Kampala Uganda; Nairobi Kenya; Lehi/Layton Utah; Budapest Hungary; Pocatello Idaho; La Paz Bolivia; El Paso Texas; Puebla Mexico; Edinburgh Scotland; Brasilia/Belo Horizonte Brazil; Neuquen Argentina.
RESU;LT: The following (# of temples announced goes here) were announced, much to my great delight: