Church News Update, including an article about New General Authority Elder Joni L. Koch

Hello, all! I am posting today with yet another Church News update. There is much to share, so let's get right to it. Comments, as always, are most welcome and always appreciated.

First, a major Church news item of some significance, at least in my mind. Sister Gerry Avant, who has served so well for so many years as the editor of the weekly-published Church  News, which is more often than not updated several times per day, is retiring after her long career in journalism. Filling the assignment of editor will be Sarah Jane Weaver, another longtime Church News writer who will be the second woman to serve in this capacity. In tribute to Sister Avant's distinguished career in journalism, the Church News ran two articles about her service. This one talks about the length, breadth, and depth of Sister Avant's career and serves as the Church News's send-off to this well-respected woman. This one contains tributes from many people who know her and wanted to express their thoughts  about her distinguished career.

Before moving on, I would like to recount some personal interactions I have had with Sister Avant. On at least a few occasions that I can remember, I had been reading a Church News article when something caught my eye: whether that was incorrect information, or anything else, about which  I had a question. After double-checking the sources I had which confirmed that my thinking was correct, I reached out to Sister Avant about the issue. I remember distinctly at least two times when that happened that I did so. She kindly responded by thanking me for letting her know about the issue, and said that she would ensure that a clarification or correction was printed, which it subsequently was.

One other time, I had similar concerns about material in the Church Almanac, and she again kindly responded by giving me the contact information of the Church News staff member I could correspond with on the matter. And I am pleased to share that she has instilled that same kindness in her staff members. Whenever I have seen and pointed out such  an error, I have been thanked for doing so, and assured that the information would be remedied in a subsequent edition of that Almanac, which it was. Sister Avant is truly a gracious lady with the utmost journalistic integrity, and she will be greatly missed by all of us who  regularly read the Church News. Best of luck in your retirement, Sister Avant, and may the Lord bless you for your  wonderful work!

The Church News also pretty much confirmed my expressed opinion that President Uchtdorf will be the one to dedicate the Paris France Temple next month by running an article about  his lifelong connection to other European Temples and his special affinity for the temples in Rome and Paris. That article can be found here.

This article describes some additional resources the Church has lately made available to those actively serving in the military. It is wonderful to hear of that outreach.

In the meantime, the Church is making it easier for local leaders to stay in contact with them. Except for leaders who do not have access to e-mail, the Church will be communicating with  all other leaders via that method. This article describes how that will be done.

And, as part of the continuing series of articles written by general auxiliary leaders to help strengthen their local counterparts worldwide, Brother Brian K. Ashton  represented the Sunday School General presidency in describing how teacher councils can be most effective in strengthening and supporting teachers. You can find that article here.

Finally, this article provides an introduction to new General Authority Seventy Joni L. Koch. I  love these articles that tell us more about our new leaders.

Hope you enjoyed this update. Thanks for your readership and for any comments you might like to share.

Still Another Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! It has been an exciting day for temple construction, This blog post will serve to provide  an updated version of my report of that progress. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 4/26/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 155 temples in operation; 1 other has construction completed and open house tours underway; 3 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 of those 155 operating temples is scheduled for rededication following the completion of its renovation and currently has open house tours underway; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending. 

ADDITIONAL NOTE: With two groundbreakings having already taken place this year, we could see several others by this time next year. For all of the announced temples that have not yet had a groundbreaking, I offer my best-guess estimate for when that might happen. As for this year, we may or may not see any other groundbreakings, or, if we do, there will only be one or two. The next two or three years promise to be full in terms of temple-related events.

Construction completed; open house underway:

156. Paris France Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 13 (excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2017.

Dedication scheduled:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Monument sign inscription gilded; interior finish work underway; accepting reservations for public open house beginning Monday May 15, 2017 (open house will last three weeks (between the Saturdays of June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installation adjustments being made to art glass; interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Planting trees and flowers on grounds; installation of exterior floodlighting underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: The fact that the installation of exterior floodlighting is underway can be confirmed by the information on the news page of the LDS Church Temples website, though it is not listed on the construction status page.

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Setting steel roof trusses; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls sheathed with rigid foam insulation; stone cladding underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Upper floor slab poured for temple; ground floor slab poured for missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Concrete forms in place for lower tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring footings for temple foundation; structural framing continues for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Leveling and staking the site; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime within the next two months. That construction is anticipated to last 20 months (1.67 years). As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe (mid-2019), either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 20 (Sundays excluded); rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

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

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to mid-2018.

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. With that and the fact that this temple is set to reopen in 2019, this seems to be a safe initial estimate.

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

NOTE: As noted above, US temple renovations are completed sooner than they are elsewhere. But it is also true that temples that simultaneously close for renovation are rarely completed within the same time frame. Therefore, this seems to be a better estimate.

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

NOTE: Renovations for temples outside the United States always take longer. With that in mind, it seems reasonable to surmise that we will not see a rededication for this temple until after the Washington DC Temple is rededicated.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As this temple was the most recent among this scheduled renovation group to be dedicated, and as it is another that is projected to have a rededication during 2019, the time-frame above seems most likely for that to happen. It would not surprise me at all to see the Oakland California temple rededicated before this one. Time will tell.

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

NOTE: The renovation for this temple, the oldest of those scheduled for a renovation, is anticipated to be completed in 2019 sometime. The timeframe indicated above therefore seems reasonable, as is also the assumption that this temple will be rededication before the Paraguayan one.

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

NOTE: This temple, the last one currently scheduled for renovation, is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. Because we know that US temple renovations are completed more quickly, it is relatively safe to assume that the rededication of this temple will happen sometime prior to that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: With two groundbreakings having taken place so far this year, it is hoped that we might see other announced temples reach that milestone as well before the end of this year. However, wanting to be as conservative as I am able to be in this estimate, I have only listed one for now. If anything crosses my radar, I will be happy to make another change.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: While the site announcement is pending, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who serves as the president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area, has said that the site will be announced later this year and that a groundbreaking would be anticipated sometime shortly thereafter. It is therefore not impossible to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking sometime between mid-and-late 2017. That said, it has also been customary for site confirmations to precede a groundbreaking by roughly a year, so I could see this groundbreaking happening sometime next year. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will adjust my predictions as necessary.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

NOTE: On Sunday March 12, while presiding at a stake conference for the area in which the first Haitian temple will be built, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially confirmed that, just as members in the area had speculated, the plot of land behind an existing meetinghouse on the Route de Freres (French for “The Route of Brothers”) had been purchased as the official site for this temple. Since site confirmations generally precede groundbreakings by roughly a year, it is more than likely that a groundbreaking could be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

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

NOTE: Given the fact that the delays preventing this temple from progressing seem to be over, there have been reports that a groundbreaking could happen for this temple as soon as later this year. However, the nature of such reports are vague and uncertain enough that it could be pushed back to next year. Speaking optimistically, I would revise my estimate to say that, if progress continues unhindered, a groundbreaking could happen on this temple by early-to-mid 2018.

173. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: As official site confirmations are not now done at the general Church level as much as they used to be previously, it is most likely that the site confirmed by priesthood leaders, which is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake, will be the official site for the temple. This increases the likelihood that a groundbreaking for the temple could be held sooner rather than later, perhaps by mid-2018. If that happens, then it would be the first time in almost 20 years that the Church had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil.

174. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: The Church’s Philippines Facebook page has stated that this temple will be built on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Because this statement essentially constitutes a site confirmation, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by mid-2018, if not before. I will be keeping my eye out for developments as they happen and will revise my estimate as I am able to. If this groundbreaking happens as estimated, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. As indicated in previous versions of this report, a name for the second Lima Peru temple was announced within three weeks after the temple announcement, and it was confirmed today that an official name for this temple is anticipated soon.

175. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: While many sites are reportedly under consideration for this temple, the most likely one is a 10-acre plot of land next to the Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake Center, which was annexed into Pocatello City on April 6, 2017. Another site was reported by an Idaho news network yesterday, though the first seems more likely.  If either site is confirmed anytime soon, we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-2018. Because US temples usually get started and finished so much sooner than temples elsewhere, it would not surprise me in any way if Idaho’s newest temple had a groundbreaking before the Greater Manila Philippines Temple above. The only reason for listing this temple here currently is because it has not yet had a site confirmed. But in my timeline for future temple-related events, I do list a groundbreaking for this temple before that of the temple above.

176. Saratoga Springs Utah: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While an official site has yet to be confirmed for this temple, we do know that the Church owns several acres of land in the community. And we also know that temples in Utah, particularly in Utah County, typically commence construction well before temples elsewhere. This temple is only in this position on this report because a site confirmation has not yet happened. But on my timeline for future temple-related events, I do have this temple’s future groundbreaking happening before that for the second Manila Philippines Temple. Either way, if a site is confirmed soon, we could see this groundbreaking happen during mid-to-late 2018.

177. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: Because local speculation is that an existing building that houses Church offices might be renovated and repurposed into a multi-purpose edifice that would house not only Church offices, but a meetinghouse and the temple as well (in similar fashion to what has been done for the Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China temples, it could very well be that we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime in mid-to-late 2018, if the site is confirmed through any means anytime soon. I will be keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will revise my estimate if needed once more is known.

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

NOTE: The official name of this second temple for Peru’s capital city (released less than three weeks after it was announced) seems to indicate that it will be built in the Los Olivos district. That being the case, it is not hard to believe that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during early 2019.

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

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

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

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

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

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have at least two temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various and sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. It will be announced at the right time); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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.

500th Blog Post: News Article about the Tucson Arizona Temple Open House

Hello. I only realized this just barely, but this is my 500th blog post. And for a blog that has become mostly about temple-related news and developments, although some focus is on other Church-related topics and personal news as well, I could not think of a better topic for this milestone than the planned opening of another Church temple. A local Arizona newspaper carried a story about the open house scheduled in June for the temple in Tucson. Here is that article. I was very excited to read it, and I hope each of you will enjoy it as well.

As I have before mentioned, the Tucson temple is significant for the fact that its open house will conclude two months before the scheduled dedication. As previously noted, the likely reason for this is the annual July recess of the general authorities and particularly of the apostles. While, as have been observed before, plenty of Church-related events have happened during the traditional recess, I can definitely see the appeal of having that distance between the open house and dedication. And it would be awesome if, as I before mentioned, President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for this temple, is asked to come back to Arizona to dedicate it.

We live in a very exciting time in terms of temple-related developments. And I feel incredibly best to be able to post about the latest news. I am also grateful to have so many  of you that have expressed interest in and support for these reports I do. Comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

Yet Another Article about the potential site for Pocatello Idaho Temple

In keeping with the tradition of its impartial reporting on temple developments, the LDS Church Temples site published another article about the Pocatello Idaho Temple which delves further into the subject of where the Church might put that temple. As I have before tried to observe many times, while a potential site has been identified and annexed into Pocatello City, several sites are under consideration, and a final decision is pending. You will find the article in question here.

I also wanted to make something clear, if I have not done so sufficiently already: Even if I have felt confident about when future temple events take place, at the end of the day, my thoughts are simply my own based on research I have done, and are not in any way meant to be taken as an official statement of the Church's intentions. Even if I had the right to speak for the Church, I would not feel comfortable doing so unless and until I could find cold hard research that verified my expressed opinion.

What that means in this particular case is that I can speculate, conjecture, or predict that the first site identified for this temple will be the most likely one, and the a groundbreaking will happen by the middle part of next year, but unless and until the Church verifies any of that, such expressions are merely my own thoughts and feelings and should not in any way be taken as official. While I pride myself on knowing or being able to learn as much as I can about the process by which temple sites are selected, ground is broken, construction takes place, and a subsequent dedication is held, I hope no one gets the idea that my thoughts are endorsed by the Church, or should be taken as above reproach, correction, or clarification. That never has been and probably never will be the case.

All I can do is thoroughly research these things, ask for feedback on my thoughts, make corrections for the future, and clarify things as needed. I am not and never will be infallible. I enjoy learning about such things and sharing them with you all. I am gratified when my thoughts have been verified as being in line with the Lord's will, but I am no less so whenever He proves that I have been mistake, incorrect, or in error. I hope that everyone who reads my posts understands that.

I also hope that you all know how much I value your input and feedback. I hope that my blog can continue to serve as a place where there can be a civil, polite, and kind exchanging of ideas, and that no one feels belittled, intimidated, bullied, overlooked, or disregarded by me or by anyone else for having their own thoughts and opinions. I have just recently written my thoughts about the importance of civility, and that applies even more so when speaking of ongoing Church- and temple-related development. It is largely because the previous comments on this blog have changed the course of dialogue and lines of thought that I have been able to have any degree of success which I have achieved as a blogger, and I am honored that my thoughts are so well respected and received,, and I hope that all of you feel the same way. Thanks for your time.

Major Revision of Temple Construction Progress Report

Hello. After looking at ongoing temple-related developments, I decided to change quite a bit of the way I  report information on the  document I use to track these developments. The edits I have made allows it to flow much more smoothly, I think. I am  excited to share the results with you all today. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 4/24/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 155 temples in operation; 1 other has construction completed and open house tours underway; 3 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 of those 155 operating temples is scheduled for rededication following the completion of its renovation and currently has open house tours underway; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending. 

ADDITIONAL NOTE: With two groundbreakings having already taken place this year, we could see several others by this time next year. For all of the announced temples that have not yet had a groundbreaking, I offer my best-guess estimate for when that might happen. As for this year, we may or may not see any other groundbreakings, or, if we do, there will only be one or two. The next two or three years promise to be full in terms of temple-related events.

Construction completed; open house underway:

156. Paris France Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 13 (excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2017.

Dedication scheduled:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Monument sign inscription gilded; interior finish work underway; accepting reservations for public open house beginning Monday May 15, 2017 (open house will last three weeks (between the Saturdays of June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Monument sign installed; architectural finishes being installed; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Planting trees and flowers on grounds; installation of exterior floodlighting underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Setting steel roof trusses; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls sheathed with rigid foam insulation; stone cladding underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Upper floor slab poured for temple; ground floor slab poured for missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Concrete forms in place for lower tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring footings for temple foundation; structural framing continues for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Construction trailers on site; construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime within the next two months. That construction is anticipated to last 20 months (1.67 years). As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway; reservations will be accepted for the duration of the open house, which will end on Saturday May 20 (excluding the Sundays of April 23 & 30 and May 7 & 14); rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

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

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to mid-2018.

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: With this renovation not yet started, there is much that is not known about how long it will take. We do know a couple of things: particularly that this renovation is anticipated to be completed sometime in 2019, and that renovations of temples in the United States generally are completed sooner than renovations elsewhere. This seems like a very safe estimate for the moment.

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

NOTE: The note above applies to this temple as well. But the reason my estimate for completion is different here is that temples that commence renovation at around the same time are rarely, if ever, completed at around the same time. Until more is known, it seems safer to stagger my completion estimates for these two.

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

NOTE: Because this temple is outside the United States and its renovation is anticipated to be completed in two years instead of one, this temple is more likely to be rededicated about 2.5 years after its renovation commences, particularly since this temple, being the oldest one among the group of scheduled renovations that will begin this year, may need more work. Once I find out more, particularly as the renovation formally begins, I will be readjusting this estimate. But it would not surprise me in the least if this temple’s renovation is not completed until of the Washington D. C. Temple, which is anticipated to happen at around this same time as well.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This renovation, for a temple outside the United States, and the one among this group that was dedicated most recently, is anticipated to be completed within two years or so.  Because it is newer, there might be less to update, which makes me think we could see a rededication at around this time.

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

NOTE: This temple’s renovation is anticipated to take only a year or so, and the Church already noted that a rededication is anticipated sometime during 2019. Until more is known, 1.5 years seems to be a safe estimate for this renovation’s completion.

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

NOTE: While this is the last temple with a renovation scheduled, we do know from the Church’s news release announcing this renovation that it will take around two years. That said, it seems entirely possible that the rededication of this temple will precede that of the Tokyo Japan Temple. More to come once more is known.

NOTE: Some have said we might see one or even two more groundbreakings by the end of this year. Until more is known, these are my revised estimates for when each announced temple might have a groundbreaking.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: While the site announcement is pending, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who serves as the president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area, has said that the site will be announced later this year and that a groundbreaking would be anticipated sometime shortly thereafter. It is therefore not impossible to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking sometime between mid-and-late 2017. That said, it has also been customary for site confirmations to precede a groundbreaking by roughly a year, so I could see this groundbreaking happening sometime next year. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will adjust my predictions as necessary.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

NOTE: On Sunday March 12, while presiding at a stake conference for the area in which the first Haitian temple will be built, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially confirmed that, just as members in the area had speculated, the plot of land behind an existing meetinghouse on the Route de Freres (French for “The Route of Brothers”) had been purchased as the official site for this temple. Since site confirmations generally precede groundbreakings by roughly a year, it is more than likely that a groundbreaking could be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Awaiting government approval and official site announcement.

NOTE: Given the fact that the delays preventing this temple from progressing seem to be over, there have been reports that a groundbreaking could happen for this temple as soon as later this year. However, the nature of such reports are vague and uncertain enough that it could be pushed back to next year. Speaking optimistically, I would revise my estimate to say that, if progress continues unhindered, a groundbreaking could happen on this temple by early-to-mid 2018.

173. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: As official site confirmations are not now done at the general Church level as much as they used to be previously, it is most likely that the site confirmed by priesthood leaders, which is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake, will be the official site for the temple. This increases the likelihood that a groundbreaking for the temple could be held sooner rather than later, perhaps by mid-2018. If that happens, then it would be the first time in almost 20 years that the Church had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil.

174. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: The Church’s Philippines Facebook page has stated that this temple will be built on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Because this statement essentially constitutes a site confirmation, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by mid-2018, if not before. I will be keeping my eye out for developments as they happen and will revise my estimate as I am able to. If this groundbreaking happens as estimated, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. As indicated in previous versions of this report, a name for the second Lima Peru temple was announced within three weeks after the temple announcement, and it was confirmed today that an official name for this temple is anticipated soon.

175. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: While many sites are reportedly under consideration for this temple, the most likely one is a 10-acre plot of land next to the Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake Center, which was annexed into Pocatello City on April 6, 2017. Another site was reported by an Idaho news network yesterday, though the first seems more likely.  If either site is confirmed anytime soon, we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-2018. Because US temples usually get started and finished so much sooner than temples elsewhere, it would not surprise me in any way if Idaho’s newest temple had a groundbreaking before the Greater Manila Philippines Temple above. The only reason for listing this temple here currently is because it has not yet had a site confirmed. But in my timeline for future temple-related events, I do list a groundbreaking for this temple before that of the temple above.

176. Saratoga Springs Utah: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While an official site has yet to be confirmed for this temple, we do know that the Church owns several acres of land in the community. And we also know that temples in Utah, particularly in Utah County, typically commence construction well before temples elsewhere. This temple is only in this position on this report because a site confirmation has not yet happened. But on my timeline for future temple-related events, I do have this temple’s future groundbreaking happening before that for the second Manila Philippines Temple. Either way, if a site is confirmed soon, we could see this groundbreaking happen during mid-to-late 2018.

177. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: Because local speculation is that an existing building that houses Church offices might be renovated and repurposed into a multi-purpose edifice that would house not only Church offices, but a meetinghouse and the temple as well (in similar fashion to what has been done for the Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China temples, it could very well be that we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime in mid-to-late 2018, if the site is confirmed through any means anytime soon. I will be keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will revise my estimate if needed once more is known.

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

NOTE: The official name of this second temple for Peru’s capital city (released less than three weeks after it was announced) seems to indicate that it will be built in the Los Olivos district. That being the case, it is not hard to believe that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during early 2019.

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

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

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

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

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

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have at least two temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various and sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. It will be announced at the right time); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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. 

Yet Another Update to My Projected Timeline for Future Temple-Related Events

While more research will surely be done that will alter my projected timeline for future temple-related events, for now, I have reworked that timeline. Any feedback is welcome. Some things I would like to note first:

For estimates of temples that have not yet had a groundbreaking, or even a site announcement, I have looked at the time frames within which other temples in that same geographical areas have had things happen, run some averages, and used those to determine some updates to this timeline.

Also, based on the observations of many people that temples in Idaho and in Utah County usually see things happen sooner than they would in other places, I have moved up my estimates for the groundbreakings and subsequent dedications of these temples.

And finally, though the last timeline I published on this blog stretched the last of these future events into 2023, based on new information, this version concludes in the fall of 2022, by which time, if I am correct, we will have all 182 temples in operation, if not more. As these are only my best predictions, and, recognizing that I am far from infallible, I welcome suggestions and corrections. Here is that new timeline:

PRELIMANARY NOTE: In view of updated information which has been provided to me by multiple sources, I have once again revised this timeline. Hopefully these updates are for the better. Please let me know if any of you spot anything else that needs to be changed, corrected, or edited. I look forward to the feedback.

2017—Events already scheduled:
Now: Open houses underway for Paris France and Idaho Falls Idaho Temples; reservations will continue to be available until their completion on Saturday May 13 (for Paris) and Saturday May 20 (for Idaho Falls); with the exception of the relevant Sundays.
Monday May 15: Reservations will begin to be accepted for the Tucson Arizona Temple Open House
Saturday May 20: Paris France Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday May 21: Paris France Temple dedication (the Church’s 156^th operating temple)
NOTE: I am anticipating that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, our European apostle, will preside at this event. If he does not, it will likely be a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Whoever does preside will likely be accompanied by Elder Neil L. Andersen, who served his mission in France, Bishop Gerald Causse, our French-born Presiding Bishop, the Europe Area Presidency (currently Elders Patrick Kearon, Paul V. Johnson, and Gary B. Sabin), and at least one General Authority Seventy representing the Temple Department.
May or June: Construction expected to begin in earnest for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, following the conclusion of an awful Canadian winter.
Saturday June 3-24 (excluding the Sundays of June 4, 11 & 18): Tucson Arizona Temple Open House
Saturday June 3: Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday June 4: Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication
NOTE: President Henry B. Eyring, who has ties to Idaho and served as president of Ricks College might be asked to come back and preside at this rededication. If he is unable to do so, then Elder David A. Bednar, a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve who served as president of Ricks College during the time it transitioned to BYU-Idaho will likely preside, just as he did for the Star Valley Wyoming Temple. It is not impossible to believe that Elder Andersen will be at this dedication as well, since he grew up within the district of this temple. Some have said he could be asked to preside, but we have never had such a junior apostle do so. Aside from apostles, it is not unreasonable to believe that Elder Ulisses Soares, who represents the Presidency of the Seventy as President of the Church’s Idaho Area, will also be in attendance.
Saturday August 12: Tucson Arizona Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday August 13: Tucson Arizona Temple Dedication (157^th operating temple)
NOTE: Since President Dieter F. Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, it is not unreasonable to assume that he will return to dedicate it. After searching as extensively as I possibly could, I was not able to ascertain which of our current apostles might have strong enough ties to Arizona to accompany President Uchtdorf or whoever else presides to this dedication. Since senior members of the Twelve have been assigned to preside at recent dedications (Elder Oaks at the Provo City Center Temple, one session at which President Nelson presided; President Nelson at the Sapporo Japan Temple; and Elder Bednar at the Star Valley Wyoming Temple, as his wife grew up in the area), it could be possible that this dedication could be done by any of the six senior members of the Twelve, particularly if any of them do have ties to Arizona. If any of you know of any that do, please let me know. In the meantime, it is also not impossible to believe that Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who currently presides over the North America Southwest Area, under which this temple falls, will likely be in attendance as well.
Monday August 21: President Monson’s 90^th birthday
NOTE: Though this milestone birthday is not, strictly speaking, a temple-related event, President Monson has carried on the legacy started by President Hinckley of bringing temples to the people. For the prophet who has taken us from 124 operating temples to 182 in various stages, this milestone should rightly be featured on this timeline.
Saturday September 23 and 30 and Sunday October 1: 187^th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: Even though every temple announced between 2015 and now has had an announcement during the April General Conference, future temple announcements are always possible at any time during the year, especially during General Conference.
October (most likely Monday October 3): Memphis Tennessee, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, and Tokyo Japan Temples will close for extensive renovations
NOTE: For announced renovations, it has been customary for them to begin on the first Monday of the month within which they are scheduled. So this is the most likely date on which these renovations will start. This is especially true when considering that the first couple of days in the month are going to be when General Conference is held. These renovations, announced on April 10, will serve as a way to upgrade and update seismic and systemic elements of the temple that are now outdated. More coming later on in this document about when each of these temples might be rededicated
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11 (excluding the Sundays of October 22 and 29 and November 5): Meridian Idaho Temple Open House
November (most likely Wednesday November 1): Asuncion Paraguay Temple will close for an extensive renovation
NOTE: For announced renovations, it has been customary for them to begin on the first Monday of the month within which they are scheduled. So this is the most likely date on which this renovation will start. This renovation, announced on April 10, will serve as a way to upgrade and update seismic and systemic elements of the temple that are now outdated. More coming later on in this document about this temple might be rededicated.
Saturday November 18: Meridian Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday November 19: Meridian Idaho Temple Dedication (158^th operating temple)
NOTE: It would not surprise me, as I have before noted, if President Eyring, Elder Bednar, and Elder Andersen, who all have ties to Idaho, were at this dedication. It could be that a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside, but that remains to be seen. It is more than likely that Elder Soares, who, as noted above, presides over the Idaho Area, will be in attendance, unless there is a change in assignment for members of that Presidency, which is always possible.
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18: Cedar City Utah Temple Open House
Saturday December 9: Cedar City Utah Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday December 10: Cedar City Utah Temple Dedication (159^th operating temple)
NOTE: With this event being the dedication of a Utah temple, it is not unreasonable to assume that several general authorities will be in attendance. I have felt that the temple will be dedicated by either President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, or Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a native of St. George, a close sister of Cedar City. Several other apostles could also be in attendance. And of the seven members of the Presidency of the Seventy, the most likely attendees at this dedication are Elder L. Whitney Clayton, the current Senior President who, as the then-president of the Church’s Utah South Area, broke ground for this temple, and Elder Craig C. Christensen, who now presides over that area.

Likely to be scheduled later this year, unless it is pushed back to 2018 for any reason:
Sometime in November 2017 (possibly Saturday November 11 or 18): Groundbreaking for Harare Zimbabwe Temple
NOTE: According to a statement released by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who presides over the Africa Southeast Area, the site announcement for the first Zimbabwean temple is anticipated at any point this year. That statement also indicated that the groundbreaking would happen shortly after the site announcement, but site announcements have generally preceded subsequent groundbreakings by a year or so. There have been exceptions to that, which is possible for this temple, but it is unclear at the moment whether or not that will be the case. I am constantly keeping an eye out for developments and will adjust this estimate once more is known.

2018—Exact event timeline unknown, but I offer my best estimate
Early February (most likely Thursday February 1): Renovation begins on the Oakland California Temple
NOTE: This renovation, announced on February 23, 2017, will probably commence on the first Monday of the month, as that has been the custom for previous renovations. The renovation will serve as a way to upgrade and update seismic and systemic elements of the temple that are now outdated. The renovation is only anticipated to last about a year. More coming later on in this document about when this temple might be rededicated.
Early February (possibly Sunday February 10): Rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple
NOTE: This temple, which has been undergoing renovation since February 15, 2016, was originally anticipated to be rededicated sometime during the end of 2017. However, as the work progressed, that completion time frame was adjusted for the early or middle part of 2018. Until more is known about how much longer that renovation is anticipated to last, and bearing in mind that Utah temples, newly built or undergoing renovation, have generally been completed well in advance of temples elsewhere in the world, this seems like a very good prediction. If needed, an adjustment will be made in the future as more information comes. It would not surprise me in any way if the announcement of the time frame for this temple’s open house and rededication is made later on this year, and the events scheduled for around this time.
Late February (possibly Saturday February 17 or 24): Groundbreaking for Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
NOTE: As a site confirmation happened in March 2017 for this temple, and as a groundbreaking usually happens within a year or so of such confirmations, it is highly probable that this groundbreaking could take place at this time, especially as it would fall within the high season for beautiful weather and tourism in the Caribbean.
Late February or early March (possibly either Sunday February 25 or March 4): Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (160^th operating temple)
NOTE: This temple has been under construction since its groundbreaking in 2010, and has been subjected to numerous delays in construction. While some, including myself, have thought it unlikely that Italy’s first temple will be the first one dedicated during 2018, by all reports, construction appears to be well on track to be completed as 2017 draws to a close, raising the likelihood that this dedication will indeed happen during this time.
Early March (likely Thursday March 1): Renovation begins on the Washington DC Temple
NOTE: This renovation, announced on February 23, 2017, will serve as a way to upgrade and update seismic and systemic elements of the temple that are now outdated. The renovation for this temple is anticipated to last two years minimum. More coming later on in this document about when this temple might be rededicated.
Saturday March 24 and 31 and Sunday April 1: 188^th Annual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
Early-to-mid April (possibly Saturday April 7 or 14): Groundbreaking for the Urdaneta Philippines Temple
NOTE: The Urdaneta Philippines Temple had, until recently, been subjected to many delays. With those delays having cleared, all that is left is a site announcement. Some members have speculated a groundbreaking could happen for the Urdaneta temple before the end of 2017, but until more is known, this time frame seems like a safer estimate, especially considering the fact that the Philippines has a warm climate year-round. Also, given that General Conference would have taken place on the last Saturdays of March, this could be even more probable.
Early May (Saturday May 5 or 12): Groundbreaking for the Brasilia Brazil Temple
NOTE: The confirmation by priesthood leaders of the site location for this temple is likely all that will be needed. With that in mind, it is very possible that a groundbreaking could happen at around this time, as this would be during the autumn season for Brazil, and would reportedly be the best time for such an even to happen.
Early-to-mid May (possibly Sunday May 6 or 13): Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple
NOTE: This temple has been undergoing renovation since September 7, 2015. It was originally anticipated to reopen in July of this year, but has gradually been pushed back to be completed sometime during early-to-mid 2018. Recognizing that renovations don’t generally take as long as building new temples does, and that this temple, which is outside the United States, will take longer to finish renovations, this seems like a pretty safe prediction until more is known.
Late May or early June (possibly Sunday May 27 or June 3): Dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (161^st operating temple)
NOTE: Winter begins in the southern hemisphere round about the same time as we experience summer in the northern hemisphere. With that in mind, it would make sense that the Church would want to have the dedication of the first temple in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before winter hits Africa sometime in June.
Early June (possibly Saturday June 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple
NOTE: While no site confirmation has happened for this temple as of yet, the probable site has been identified and was recently annexed into Pocatello City. Another site is reportedly under consideration as well, but the first site indicated seems to be the most likely possibility. It is therefore very probable that a groundbreaking could happen for this temple at around this time, especially when considering that temples in the United States, particularly those in the “Mormon corridor” get started much faster generally than temples elsewhere. Until a site confirmation has happened, I don’t feel comfortable with moving this temple from where it is on the temple construction progress report. But I do think this is a better estimate until more is known.
Early August (possibly Saturday August 4 or 11): Groundbreaking for the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple
NOTE: All that is known about this temple at present is that the Church owns several acres of land in its home city. However, since we also know that temples in Utah usually get started much more quickly than temples elsewhere, it seems wise to revise my previous estimate. In the meantime, as with the Pocatello Idaho Temple, I do not feel comfortable at this point with moving this temple up on my construction progress report. But I am keeping a faithful eye out for all future developments, and will adjust this projection if needed when more details come to light.
Early August (possibly Sunday August 5 or 12): Dedication of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple (162^nd operating temple)
NOTE: This temple, anticipated to be completed during mid-2018, may have a similar situation as what will have happened previously for the Tucson Arizona Temple, with the open house held in June, and the temple dedicated in August, after the annual July recess for the General Authorities.
Mid-to-late September (possibly Saturday September 15 or 22) Groundbreaking for the Greater Manila Philippines Temple
NOTE: As the site for this temple has already been confirmed through the Church’s Philippines Facebook page, it is not hard to believe that a groundbreaking could happen for this temple at around this time. As August is reportedly the most rainy month in the Philippines capital city (though Manila has a warm climate year-round), it would make sense if the Church held off on this groundbreaking until roughly around this time, to allow those conditions to clear. It is possible that the groundbreaking could happen sooner. I will be keeping an eye on developments as they happen and make any adjustments as necessary going forward. It should also be noted that an official name for this temple is anticipated to be announced soon.
Saturday September 29 and Saturday & Sunday October 6 & 7: 188^th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
Early-to-mid November (possibly Saturday November 3 or 10): Groundbreaking for Bangkok Thailand Temple
NOTE: While not yet confirmed, Thai members have speculated that an existing Church office building could be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice housing not only Church offices, but also a meetinghouse and temple as well, in the mold of existing temples in Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China. If that is confirmed at any point in the near future, that makes more likely the possibility that we could see a groundbreaking for this first Thailand temple at around this time. This is especially true given the fact that November marks the start of Thailand’s three coolest months of the year. As noted above, I am making every effort to keep an eye out for any developments and will adjust my estimates accordingly as needed.
Mid-November (possibly Sunday November 11 or 18): Dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple (163^rd operating temple)
NOTE: While this dedication has not yet been confirmed, there are good reasons to believe that it might happen during this time. I will keep an eye out for future developments and adjust this estimate if needed once more is known.
Early December (possibly Sunday December 3 or 10): Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (164^th operating temple)
NOTE: This temple, which has been under construction since April of 2016, is anticipated to be completed during the latter part of 2018. It is therefore highly possible that this event could serve as the last temple event of 2018. I will be keeping an eye out for any such developments and update this estimate as I am able to.

2019 (NOTE: This gets more speculative as it is two years out, but again, I offer my best estimate based on the information I have)
Late January or early February: Groundbreaking for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple
NOTE: While the site for this temple has yet to be confirmed, the official name of it seems to indicate that it will be built within the district of the same name in the Peruvian capital city. If a site confirmation happens between now and then, I could definitely see a groundbreaking at this time. But that will largely depend on what happens between now and then. More to come once more is known.
Early-to-mid March: Dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (165^th operating temple)
NOTE: Recent developments relating to the construction progress of this temple have me convinced that this dedication could happen at around this time instead of my previous prediction that it would happen during mid-May. I am keeping an eye out for developments as they happen and will be adjusting my estimates further as the need arises.
Late March: Groundbreaking for the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
NOTE: With no official site announced for this temple as of yet, it seems reasonable to assume that a groundbreaking could happen for it at around this time, as it would take place during the final days of the summer season for Africa.
March 30 & April 6 & 7: 189^th Annual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
Early-to-mid May: Rededication of the Memphis Tennessee Temple
NOTE: The renovation of the Memphis Tennessee Temple is anticipated to take at least a couple of years. With so much unknown about when during 2019 it might be finished, this seems to be a pretty safe initial prediction, especially considering the fact that temple renovations in the US are generally completed more swiftly than temples do elsewhere in the world.
Mid-May: Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (166^th operating temple)
NOTE: Construction on this temple, which formally began earlier this month (April 2017), is anticipated to last around two years. So it would make sense if this dedication happened sometime during this timeframe.
Late May: Groundbreaking for the Quito Ecuador Temple
NOTE: We have had two temples whose time span between the announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking was 14+ years, and one of them was Ecuador’s first temple in Guayaquil. With that in mind, I don’t think such a delay will apply in any way to this temple in the capital city. If the groundbreaking happens here at this time, it would hold true for the latest patterns in that regard for South American temples.
Early-to-mid June: Rededication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple
NOTE: The Church will have started renovations on four temples during the final months of 2017, and since no temples simultaneously undergoing renovation are completed at around the same time, it is reasonable to believe that this rededication could happen at around this time. I will be keeping an eye out for developments and make readjustments as necessary.
Mid-to-late August: Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (167^th operating temple)

NOTE: Full-scale construction on this temple is anticipated to begin anytime now, once the effects of the really bad Canadian winter have cleared. With construction anticipated to take roughly 20 months to complete, it is not hard to believe that we could see an open house happen sometime during June, as with prior temples, and the dedication following at around this time.

Early-to-mid September: Rededication for the Oakland California Temple
NOTE: Renovation of the Oakland California Temple is anticipated to last roughly a year, so 1.5 years seems to be a very good initial estimate for that rededication. I will be further adjusting this estimate when I am able to find out more.
Mid-to-late September: Groundbreaking for the Belem Brazil Temple
NOTE: Brazil seems to be highly favored of the Lord due to the wide-spread reception of the gospel by its citizens. Temples in particular are important to the Saints there, and the many announcements of Brazilian temples in the last few years has been amazing to see. With some exceptions (the Fortaleza Brazil temple being one), it has generally be the case that Brazilian temples progress fairly swiftly from announcement to groundbreaking to construction to dedication. It is therefore not only possible but highly probable that this groundbreaking could take place at around this time, especially in light of the fact that it would be during the Brazilian spring.
September 28 & October 6 & 7: 189^th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
Late October or early November: Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple
NOTE: With the announcement made earlier this month of this planned renovation, it seems apparent that, depending on what is involved in the renovation process for this temple, a rededication could easily take place at around this time. I will be keeping an eye out for ongoing developments and will readjust this estimate as that is needed.
Early December: Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal Temple (168^th operating temple)
NOTE: This temple is anticipated to be completed in mid-to-late 2019. If construction picks up at all, it is possible that we could see the dedication happen as soon as September of this same year. More to come once more is known.

2020 (NOTE: With this being 3 years from now, with the exception of General Conference dates, which are easily predicted, it is anyone’s guess how or if the events proposed here will take place as I am estimating they will. I will make adjustments when more is known.)
January: Groundbreaking for the Nairobi Kenya Temple
NOTE: Since this temple, announced in the April 2017 General Conference, is in Africa, it will probably take a while for construction to commence. It would be wonderful to see this groundbreaking sooner than January 2020, but until more is known, it seems to be a safe bet. Note that this would be the last temple among the currently announced ones to have a groundbreaking, so every subsequent event will be a dedication or rededication.
February: Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (169^th operating temple)
NOTE: The Arequipa Peru Temple began construction in earnest in April of 2017, and is anticipated to be completed in early-to-mid 2020. This seems like a safe adjusted prediction.
March: Rededication of the Washington DC Temple
NOTE: With only the Washington DC and Tokyo Japan Temples being left in the undergoing renovation category at this point, it seems safe to assume that the Washington DC Temple will be the first one to be rededicated, and that it will likely happen at around this time.
March 28 & April 4 & 5: 190^th Annual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
May: Dedication of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple (170^th operating temple)
NOTE: Based on additional research I have been able to do, this seems like a safer, more accurate estimate, but it is based on the belief that a groundbreaking will happen late in 2017 or early in 2018. If the groundbreaking takes place later than that, it would change the timeframe for completion. This current estimate is based on the general average timeframe within which African temples have previously been completed.
June: Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple
NOTE: The renovation of the temple in Tokyo is anticipated to be the last renovation to be completed among those currently scheduled. Since this renovation is anticipated to last until sometime in 2020, revising this estimate to this timeframe seems more appropriate.
August: Dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (171^st operating temple)
NOTE: This dedication will only happen at around this time if ground is broken at around the same time as suggested earlier. But if things do happen that way, it would be in exact conformity with the usual time-frame in which Filipino Temples are built.
September 26 & October 3 & 4: 190^th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
December: Dedication of the Greater Manila Philippines Temple (172^nd operating temple)
NOTE: If the groundbreaking for this temple happens at around the time previously indicated, then it is very reasonable to predict that a subsequent dedication could happen at this time, especially since it would conform perfectly to the timeframe within which Filipino Temples are completed.

2021 (NOTE: With this being 4 years from now, with the exception of General Conference dates, which are easily predicted, it is anyone’s guess how or if the events proposed here will take place as I am estimating they will. I will make adjustments when more is known.)
March: Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple (173^rd operating temple)
NOTE: The only other temple in the Caribbean followed a similar timeframe for completion, so if the groundbreaking for Haiti’s first temple takes place as indicated earlier in this timeline, it is very likely that a dedication would follow at around this time.
March 27, April 3 & 4: 191^st Annual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
May: Dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple (174^th operating temple)
NOTE: While much is yet to be confirmed regarding the probable site for this temple, what might be involved with the construction of it, and how long that might take, this temple is in the same region as the Filipino temples, so this completion estimate might conform to that same timeframe.
June: Dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple (175^th operating temple)
NOTE: The dedication timeframe of this temple will depend entirely on how long it takes to have a site confirmed and a subsequent groundbreaking take place. If events unfold as suggested in this timeline, this completion timeframe would be perfectly in line with what has happened for other temples in Idaho.
September: Dedication of the Brasilia Brazil Temple (176^th operating temple)
NOTE: If the groundbreaking for this temple happens as indicated previously, it is very possible that this temple could have a subsequent dedication at around this time, as it would conform to the usual timeframe within which Brazilian temples have previously been completed.
September 25 & October 2 & 3: 191^st Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeline under which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
November: Dedication of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple (177^th operating temple)
NOTE: African temples have generally been completed within a similar timeframe as proposed herein. If the groundbreaking for this temple takes place as indicated earlier in this timeline, it is more than likely that a dedication could happen at around this time.
December: Dedication of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple (178^th operating temple)
NOTE: While it is true that temples in Utah do have groundbreakings and subsequent dedications much more speedily than temples do elsewhere, temples in Utah County have conformed to a general timeframe of completion. Assuming the groundbreaking for this temple happens as indicated herein, it is not unreasonable to assume that this temple could be dedicated at around this time.

2022 (NOTE: With this being 5 years from now, with the exception of General Conference dates, which are easily predicted, it is anyone’s guess how or if the events proposed here will take place as I am estimating they will. I will make adjustments when more is known.)
March: Dedication of the Quito Ecuador Temple (179^th operating temple)
NOTE: Given the timeframe within which temples in South America (Brazil and Peru excluded) are completed, if the groundbreaking for this temple happens as indicated above, it is not unreasonable to assume that this temple could be dedicated at around this time.
March 26 & April 2 & 3: 192^nd Annual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.
June: Dedication of the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple (180^th operating temple)
NOTE: Peruvian temples are generally completed within a similar timeframe as I am predicting for this one. If a groundbreaking happens for this temple as previously indicated, it is more than likely that a subsequent dedication could follow at around this time.
September: Dedication of the Belem Brazil Temple (181^st operating temple)
NOTE: If the groundbreaking for this temple happens as indicated above, it is very possible that we could see this temple dedicated at around this time, as it would be in perfect conformity with the average timeframe within which Brazilian temples are generally completed.
September: Dedication of the Nairobi Kenya Temple (182^nd operating temple)
NOTE: If this temple has a groundbreaking as indicated above, and if its’ subsequent construction conforms to the usual timeframe within which African temples are completed, it is more than likely that we will see this dedication at this time.
September 24 & October 1 & 2: 192^nd Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: While this is yet-to-be confirmed, it does conform to the general timeframe within which previous general conferences have taken place. Temple announcements are always possible during General Conference.


FINAL NOTE: Any other temple-related event is too far distant to be predicted, as the dedication above will mark that of the last temple we currently have announced. While I have based the timeline above on my observations for the timeframes in which temple events have happened in various world regions, it is by no means a perfect or infallible system. With that in mind, I hope to see events happen much sooner than indicated here. And it is sure that I will make every effort to report any changes as more information comes to light. Thanks for reading this. Any comments are welcome and most appreciated.