From the LDS Church Growth Blog: Elder Bednar visits three African nations, becoming the first apostle to do so

Hello. According to this post from Matthew Martinich, Elder Bednar recently returned from a visit to three African nations, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal, becoming the first apostle to do so. It has also been reported that, while there, he dedicated Senegal for the preaching of the gospel. This is a wonderful sign of Church growth in Africa, and I have no doubt that the Lord has His hands on the expansion of His work there. In coming weeks, months and years, we will know more about what this means for the future of the Church in these nations. Just wanted to pass that along.

Wishing a Happy Birthday to President Henry B. Eyring

Tomorrow, President Henry B. Eyring will observe his 84th birthday. I wanted to take this opportunity to pay a brief tribute to his lifetime of extensive Church Service. His general Church service began when Elder Neal A. Maxwell, then Commissioner of Church Education, invited him to become the president of Ricks College, which is now known as BYU-Idaho. President Eyring would later go on to serve twice as Commissioner of Church Education himself between 1980 and 1986, and again between 1992 and 2004.

In the interim, he was called in 1985 to serve as First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric under future fellow apostle Robert D. Hales, and was sustained a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1992. Three years later, in April 1995, he became the first apostle called by President Gordon B. Hinckley, who called him 12.5 years later to serve as the new Second Counselor in the First Presidency following the death of President James E. Faust. When President Hinckley himself passed away just under four months later, President Eyring resumed his place in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for a week prior to being called as first counselor to President Thomas S. Monson on February 3, 2008.

In light of the recent Church announcement that President Monson will no longer be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the Church, President Eyring and Second Counselor President Dieter F. Uchtdorf will, in consultation with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will see to the day-to-day operations of the Church, including making any decisions that that do not need President Monson's input and consent. This will be a great opportunity for all 14 apostles to grow. In the meantime, while President Eyring is naturally showing some minor signs of his 84 years of life, he still seems to be healthy and operating at the fullest of his ability.

So, in preparation for his special day tomorrow, I would like to thank President Eyring for his many years of devoted service in the Church. He is known as one of the most tenderhearted of our current apostles, and has demonstrated time and time again his devotion to the Church and his concern for its members and what they are going through on a day-to-day basis. Speaking personally, I was initially surprised to hear President Hinckley announce that President Eyring would be joining the First Presidency those many years ago, but I have long since realized just how inspired that decision was. President Eyring, though he is the 7th in apostolic seniority at present, has been very devoted and committed to carrying on the work of the Lord under the direction of President Monson, and I have every confidence that he, President Uchtdorf, and the other apostles will continue to advance the marvelous vision President Monson has for the progression of the Church.

Best wishes to President Eyring as he observes his birthday tomorrow.  Comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks to you all for taking time to read this.

Church News features an article on New Relief Society General President Jean B. Bingham

The Church News ran this article about newly appointed General Relief Society President Jean B. Bingham. It was great to learn more about her. Enjoy! As always, comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

Temple News and Events Update

Hello. This will be the first in a series of rapid-fire posts I will do today. While no significant developments have happened with temple construction, I have learned a couple of neat things. First, the Tucson Arizona temple will officially open for tours this Saturday, though VIP and media tours are being conducted between now and then. The Church News ran this article about the open house, which will run for three weeks, excluding Sundays.

In addition, the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple will be rededicated on Sunday. While there has been no word yet about who might preside at that event, and who else might be in attendance, I have done further research on that. I found out that Elder Gary E. Stevenson was married in that temple years ago, so it is very likely he will be in attendance.

And while I originally theorized that President Eyring and Elder Andersen might be in attendance in view of their ties to Idaho, they represented top Church leadership at the Paris France Temple dedication just over a week ago. The Church seems to like rotating attendance at such events among all the apostles, which makes me think that President Eyring and Elder Andersen will not be participating in this event.

I still believe that President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for the Tucson Arizona Temple, will return for that temple's dedication in August. So it is my new theory that a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve will preside at this rededication, which has happened many times with other rededications. The only question is which senior apostle will do that. I had thought in passing that Elder Bednar, another apostle who has ties to Idaho, could do it, but it is more likely that he will be involved somehow with the Meridian Idaho dedication, as he was the one to break ground for that temple.

And in view of the fact that Elder Hales is still not in good health, and because I also found out that Elder Ballard has been somewhat involved of late with the Utah South Area, and in view of the fact that he and Elder Holland, who has extensive ties to southern Utah, might possibly be involved in the dedication of the Cedar City temple later this month, by process of elimination, I feel we could see either President Nelson or Elder Oaks preside at this rededication.

Those are just my thoughts on some temple news and events. As always, let me know yours. Thanks.

Massive Temple Construction Update

Hello, all! I had posted twice within the last 12 hours with temple construction progress updates, but as more developments happened, I decided to combine those two with the latest developments, and I am reporting everything in this one post. There is so much to share that has apparently come to light in such a short time. Enjoy, and please let me know your thoughts.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 5/30/17)

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 156 temples in operation;  1 is accepting reservations for its open house; 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 operating temple is preparing for its rededication; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 4 other temples have a renovation closure date set, while 2 others have been announced for next year; the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any temple-related news and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Construction completed; media tours underway; open house begins Saturday:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: VIP/Media tours underway; reservations being accepted for open house (which starts on Saturday and will run for exactly three weeks, Sundays excluded); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting test begin; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; installing art glass windows; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Attaching insulating block and laying brick over south and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; 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: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Elevator shafts and a majority of upper temple walls poured; upper 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: Tower base walls poured; scaffolding removed; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Preparing to pour footings for foundation; surrounding property being cleared and graded; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: I have previously observed that this temple and the one in Winnipeg could be said to be interchangeable. With all that was known and unknown, I had been convinced until tonight that Winnipeg would be completed first. But with the massive progress reported on this temple just within the last 24 hours or so, I now believe that this temple will be completed first. More to come once more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Temple foundation work continues; running utility lines; pouring final exterior walls for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Tower crane erected; excavating for the foundation; 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 within the next month or so; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted above in relation to the Rio temple, unless earnest construction begins on this temple within the next couple of weeks or so, I think it is safer to assume and to assert now that Rio will be finished first. More to come once more is known.

           

Preparing for rededication:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Preparing for rededication, which is 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.

NOTE: I originally believed and was predicting that the rededication of this temple would be one of the first temple-related events of next year. But as I was recently reminded, it is more difficult to predict a time-frame for such events than it is to predict a probable time-frame for newer temples. I am keeping my eye out for developments on this front, and will be sure to pass along any updates.

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

NOTE: As noted above, a probable time-frame for a temple’s rededication is harder to anticipate than I originally believed. While I personally hope to see this rededication sometime during next summer, time will tell whether or not that is reasonable to anticipate. I will update this information as I find out more.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

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

NOTE: As noted a few days ago, though the First Presidency originally set November as the closure month for this temple, it was later officially confirmed that the closure would happen before the end of September. I additionally found out within the last couple of days that this temple is at the top of the list of planned renovations because it comes first alphabetically. So, in spite of the fact that I had recently changed my estimate for this temple’s completion, it made sense to restore my original thinking, and I am even more convinced now that this temple will likely not be rededicated until after the rededication of the Oakland California temple, as the work on temples within the US (whether new or being renovated) is almost always completed ahead of that of their international counterparts. If necessary, I will revise this estimate once more is known.

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: While I had, after rethinking things, adjusted my completion estimate for this temple, I restored my original estimate because, as we know, renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. So I have no doubt that this temple will be the first one to be rededicated in 2019.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: This temple is only in this position Though Tokyo is ahead of Paraguay or the US timewise, because this temple is alphabetically the last one that will close on the date noted above. As we also know that this renovation will only be completed sometime in 2020, and as this temple is outside the US, I am more convinced than ever that this temple’s rededication will not take place until sometime after that of the Washington DC Temple, which is set to close about nine months.

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

NOTE: While this temple is the last of the four that will close for renovation by the end of this year, it is nonetheless a temple within the US, which makes it more than likely that its subsequent rededication will follow that of the Memphis Tennessee temple, and will precede those of the Oakland California and Asuncion Paraguay temples.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, but no official date made known yet:

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 rededicated before the Paraguayan one.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during 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: As mentioned above, I learned earlier this month that we might have as many as 4 temples that could potentially have a groundbreaking later this year. The chances are equally likely that no other groundbreakings will happen until sometime in 2018. As with every other temple-related development, I am doing my best to reevaluate things as more information comes to light, and I will be sure to pass along any updates. In the meantime, this is mostly just my own thoughts and impressions based on what I have learned and observed.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: Though we have Elder Hamilton’s statement to the effect that a site announcement and groundbreaking for Zimbabwe’s first temple would take place during this year, all we know right now is that further developments are pending. Things have been known to happen quickly for other temples, so I have felt confident that a site announcement could happen within the next couple of months, and that a groundbreaking could follow on or around August 26. That said, nothing is official until the Brethren make it so, so adjustments will be made as more is revealed.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: Since a site confirmation happened for this temple last March, a groundbreaking could happen anytime soon. I could even see the Church scheduling that before anything official happens for Zimbabwe’s first temple. That said, most sources I have found seem to agree that the Zimbabwe groundbreaking will happen first. Whether or not it does, I could see the Church breaking ground for Haiti’s first temple on or around September 16. Until the Brethren make it official, that is merely a hope on my part. Adjustments will be made as more information is available.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could happen sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: This temple is the oldest of those that have not progressed beyond an announcement. A variety of factors stalled any developments from happening before now. With those factors having being cleared up, I have heard that a groundbreaking could happen this year or next year. Speaking optimistically, I could see the Church setting October 14 as the date for that groundbreaking. Those are just my own thoughts, however, and adjustments will be made once more is known.

173. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: As I have stated in previous versions of this report, the contractor working on the Arequipa Peru temple will oversee this temple’s construction as well. He indicated recently that it would take a year to make the necessary plans for this project. What is still unclear is whether that was one year from the temple’s announcement (which has come and gone), or one year from his statement. If it is the former, we could see a groundbreaking on or around December 2. That, of course, is just a hope on my part. Once more is known, an adjustment will be made.

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

NOTE: Knowing that this site has been confirmed by local priesthood leaders (it is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake), we also know that a site confirmation is the hardest part of getting a temple built. Unless the site changes, it is becoming increasingly more likely that a groundbreaking will be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking happens during that time, it will mark the first time in almost 20 years that the Church has had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil. I am keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will adjust this estimate as needed.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: Unless problems arise, the site identified by the Church’s Philippines Facebook page (on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City) will more than likely be the official site. As finding a site is the most complex part of getting a temple built, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking takes place during this time, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. It is also anticipated that the Church will announce an official name for this temple in the very near future, as the name for the second Lima Peru Temple was announced within a month after the temple announcement. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will provide updated information when more is known.

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

NOTE: A probable site has been identified but not yet confirmed. The LDS Church Temples site noted on May 12, 2017 a statement by Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, that this temple is anticipated to be a larger edifice in the mold of the temple that will be dedicated later this year in Meridian. Once more is known officially regarding the site, it will be easier to make an adjustment as to how soon the groundbreaking might take place and how long construction might subsequently take. If it is true that this temple will be similar to Meridian, we might not see a groundbreaking any sooner than mid-to-late 2018. That said, I also recognize fully that temples in the US have typically always commenced construction faster than their counterparts outside the US, so it would not surprise me if this groundbreaking happened sooner than that. As always, I am keeping an eye on developments, and I will adjust this estimate as I am able to do so once more is known.

177. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While it is true that temples in the United States (and particularly those in Utah County) get started much more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that an official site confirmation is still pending. We do know, as previously noted, that the Church owns several plots of land in this city, so if one of them is chosen as the site, the groundbreaking could happen shortly thereafter. Until more is known, it seems wise to adjust my previous estimate for a groundbreaking to sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

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

NOTE: As previously noted in other versions of this construction progress report, member speculation is that an existing building might be renovated and repurposed as Thailand’s first temple and also house Church offices and a meetinghouse as well. If that speculation is confirmed anytime soon, we might see a groundbreaking shortly after. In the meantime, it might be best to revise my previous estimate and say that a groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2018. More to come once more is known.

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 two or three 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: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

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. A site is being held in reserve for that temple, and that location will be announced when membership and temple activity warrant that announcement); 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. 

Revised Estimated Time-frame for completion of temples scheduled for renovation

Hello. In the most recent version of my temple construction progress report, I included a revision of the time-frame within which each scheduled renovation would be completed. After further study and facts have come to light, I have once again revised these estimates. Those will appear on the next version of that progress report I post here. In the meantime, I thought I would post those changes by themselves in this post. Here they are, in the order in  which I feel they will be completed and rededicated:
Early 2019 (might be pushed back a bit depending on how things go): Memphis Tennessee Temple Rededication
Mid-2019: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Rededication
Mid-to-late 2019 (perhaps in the early months of the fall season): Oakland California Temple Rededication
Mid-to-late 2019 (possibly in the latter months of the year): Asuncion Paraguay Temple Rededication
Mid-2020 (perhaps as summer comes to North America): Washington DC Temple Rededication
Mid-to-late 2020 (possibly late in the fall): Tokyo Japan Rededication

A few notes on these projections: Temples in the US, whether new or being renovated, generally have been completed sooner than their international counterparts. Even so, with the fact that the first two US temples scheduled for renovation will have that process start two weeks apart, it is safe to assume and to assert that they will not be finished within the same time-frame. This is why I have projected early 2019 for the rededication in Memphis, and mid-2019 for the rededication in Oklahoma City.

Next, even though the Oakland California temple is only set to close next February, we do know that the renovation is scheduled to be done sometime in 2019, and so an estimate of 1.25 years for the renovation seems to be sound. Also, in spite of the fact that the Asuncion temple is reportedly going to be the first one of the four to close, renovations for temples outside the US do take longer,  so it seems to be safe to assume that that temple won't be rededicated until near the end of the year.

The Washington DC Temple will only close for its renovation in 10 months. Even so, we also know that it will be rededicated sometime in 2020. And since it is a temple within the US, it is not hard to believe that its rededication will occur some months prior to that in Tokyo. Regarding Tokyo, we know that it is anticipated to be rededicated at some point during 2020. Given that it is an older temple that was built outside the US, the fall estimate seems logical.

Thanks so much for taking time to read this and, if you feel so inclined, for giving me your feedback. I appreciate you all!

Additional Blog Problems Fixed

Hello, all! I heard again from many that could not comment here still. So I once again took steps to address the problem. I got Disqus actually disabled this time. Unfortunately, that means that all comments made during the time that I was using Disqus were taken from my blog. But I am elated and delighted to report that from now on, anyone with a Google account can comment as much as they want. I know I have said that before, and I apologize for that misinformation, but this time, it is 100% true. The comments can again commence in earnest. I look forward to those conversations resuming. Thanks again to you all.

Big Temple Construction Developments

Hello, all! Hope you are well. There have been some major and very significant developments regarding temple construction, some of them game-changing. In addition to minimal progress on temples currently under construction, the Church finally released the closure dates for the Tokyo Japan and Asuncion Paraguay Temples. Those temples will join the Memphis Tennessee Temple in closing on September 29. This means, at least for the Asuncion Paraguay Temple, it is closing more than a month earlier than originally planned. I am not sure what that might mean in terms of future completion dates for these temples. But I will be keeping an eye out for developments and make  adjustments to my previously posted timeline as needed going forward. I have also done more studying on the situation in Winnipeg, and I herein offer my best guess for when we might see construction start there. As always, more information will be coming once more is known. For now, here's the latest report. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 5/27/17)

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 156 temples in operation;  1 is accepting reservations for its open house; 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 operating temple is preparing for its rededication; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months or less); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending)

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments in that regard and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Construction completed; accepting reservations for public open house:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Preparing for open house; reservations will be accepted until June 24 (open house will run from Saturday June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting test begin; 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: Steel roof trusses nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; 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: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Majority of upper temple walls poured; preparing to pour upper floor of missionary housing; constructing walls for ancillary buildings; 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: Erecting temple 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: Temple foundation work continues; structural framing for upper level of meetinghouse nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Tower crane erected; excavating for the foundation; 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. As I have previously noted, this temple is being built to serve just the one stake that now exists in Winnipeg, so it will be a smaller edifice. What I have read about the weather forecast for Winnipeg has me thinking we could see that construction begin in earnest sometime during mid-or-late June (either during June 8-10, when there will be a warm spell, or about a week later, when warm conditions will return to Winnipeg for the rest of the summer. Once that earnest construction does begin, it will take roughly 20 months to complete. So construction is likely to finish sometime during mid-2019, and this temple, weather and construction progress permitting, could be finished prior to the Rio temple.

Preparing for rededication:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Preparing for rededication, which is 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.

NOTE: I originally believed and was predicting that the rededication of this temple would be one of the first temple-related events of next year. But as I was recently reminded, it is more difficult to predict a time-frame for such events than it is to predict a probable time-frame for newer temples. I am keeping my eye out for developments on this front, and will be sure to pass along any updates.

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

NOTE: As noted above, a probable time-frame for a temple’s rededication is harder to anticipate than I originally believed. While I personally hope to see this rededication sometime during next summer, time will tell whether or not that is reasonable to anticipate. I will update this information as I find out more.

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

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

NOTE: On Saturday May 27, the LDS Church Temples site switched the order of temples scheduled for renovation in light of the official dates being made known. It is interesting to note that this temple, originally said to be closing in November, will close before October starts. But this exact date has made me rethink my estimated timetable for the completion of these renovations. More to come once more is known.

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. Even so, there is still much that is unknown about how soon any renovation might be completed. For that reason, it seems wise to adjust the previous estimate. More to come once more is known.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: On Saturday May 27, the above-named site made the exact closure date for this temple known. This is a clear indicator that the renovation may be done sooner than anyone expects. What is not so clear is whether or not this temple will be finished prior to the time the one in Washington DC is finished. I still think the temple named for the US capital will be first, but more will come once more is known.

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

NOTE: As noted above regarding the Memphis Tennessee Temple, US temple renovations are generally completed sooner than those done outside the US. We also know that temple renovations started at around the same time are usually staggered in terms of their completion. More to come once more is known.

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 rededicated before the Paraguayan one.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during 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: As mentioned above, last weekend, I learned that we might have as many as 4 temples that could potentially have a groundbreaking later this year. The chances are equally likely that no other groundbreakings will happen during the remainder of this year. As with every other temple-related development, I am doing my best to reevaluate things as more information comes to light, and I will be sure to pass along any updates. In the meantime, this is mostly just my own thoughts and impressions based on what I have learned and observed.

Announced:

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

NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Kevin S. Hamilton that a site announcement and subsequent groundbreaking would happen later this year, it is highly probable that we might see a groundbreaking any time during mid-to-late 2017. I could see that site announcement taking place before the annual July recess of the General Authorities, which would put the groundbreaking sometime around late August, during the time when weather warms up in Zimbabwe. While most site announcements precede groundbreakings by at least a few months, Elder Hamilton’s statement has led me to venture Saturday August 26 as the specific date, with the understanding that this date is more likely than not to be adjusted once more is known.

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

NOTE: This temple, as noted previously, had a site confirmed by Elder Andersen in March of this year. It is therefore entirely likely that a subsequent groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2017, with that announcement likely being made in conjunction with the groundbreaking for the Harare temple. And it seems safe to venture a specific date of Saturday September 16. Once more is known, I will adjust this estimate.

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

NOTE: With the delays that halted progress on this temple having finally come to an end, speculation is rampant to the effect that a groundbreaking could take place for this temple later this year, especially if a site is identified soon. It seems entirely possible. If the new information is correct, that is just a matter of time. It could very well be that such a groundbreaking could take place in mid-October, unless it is pushed back to sometime next year. With what is known at the moment, it seems possible to venture Saturday October 14 as that potential groundbreaking date, particularly because the October General Conference will be held the second-to-last and last Saturdays of September and on October 1. Adjustments will, of course, be altered as more information comes to light.

173. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It was reported early this week that the same contractor who is overseeing the construction of the Arequipa Peru Temple would oversee the construction of this temple as well. He indicated a year would be needed to make plans for the site before any further progress was made. If that year is up by now, it is not unreasonable to believe that a site announcement could precede a groundbreaking in very short order. So it seems entirely possible that a site announcement could happen during mid-to-late 2017, and I am confident enough to venture a groundbreaking date of December 2, which would be right in the middle of the Peruvian summer months. This estimate will be adjusted once more is known. In the meantime, today confirmation came that this second temple for the Peruvian capital city will, as its name implies, be built within the Los Olivos district, in the northern section of that city.

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

NOTE: Knowing that this site has been confirmed by local priesthood leaders (it is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake), we also know that a site confirmation is the hardest part of getting a temple built. Unless the site changes, it is becoming increasingly more likely that a groundbreaking will be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking happens during that time, it will mark the first time in almost 20 years that the Church has had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil. I am keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will adjust this estimate as needed.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: Unless problems arise, the site identified by the Church’s Philippines Facebook page (on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City) will more than likely be the official site. As finding a site is the most complex part of getting a temple built, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking takes place during this time, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. It is also anticipated that the Church will announce an official name for this temple in the very near future, as the name for the second Lima Peru Temple was announced within a month after the temple announcement. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will provide updated information when more is known.

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

NOTE: A probable site has been identified but not yet confirmed. The LDS Church Temples site noted on May 12, 2017 a statement by Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, that this temple is anticipated to be a larger edifice in the mold of the temple that will be dedicated later this year in Meridian. Once more is known officially regarding the site, it will be easier to make an adjustment as to how soon the groundbreaking might take place and how long construction might subsequently take. If it is true that this temple will be similar to Meridian, we might not see a groundbreaking any sooner than mid-to-late 2018. That said, I also recognize fully that temples in the US have typically always commenced construction faster than their counterparts outside the US, so it would not surprise me if this groundbreaking happened sooner than that. As always, I am keeping an eye on developments, and I will adjust this estimate as I am able to do so once more is known.

177. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While it is true that temples in the United States (and particularly those in Utah County) get started much more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that an official site confirmation is still pending. We do know, as previously noted, that the Church owns several plots of land in this city, so if one of them is chosen as the site, the groundbreaking could happen shortly thereafter. Until more is known, it seems wise to adjust my previous estimate for a groundbreaking to sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

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

NOTE: As previously noted in other versions of this construction progress report, member speculation is that an existing building might be renovated and repurposed as Thailand’s first temple and also house Church offices and a meetinghouse as well. If that speculation is confirmed anytime soon, we might see a groundbreaking shortly after. In the meantime, it might be best to revise my previous estimate and say that a groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2018. More to come once more is known.

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 two or three 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: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

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. A site is being held in reserve for that temple, and that location will be announced when membership and temple activity warrant that announcement); 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.

Following Through on Posting the Latest Version of My Projected Timeline for Future Temple-related Events

I know it has been long overdue, but I am finally keeping my promise to post the latest version of my timeline for upcoming temple-related events. I wanted to ensure that it would be clear that these are merely my own thoughts and theories, based on the facts I have available to me at the moment and on the average time-frame by which temples in various parts of the world have been completed up to this point. All the unknowns make putting together something like this more difficult. I am doing my level best to keep an eye on developments as they unfold. And based on what I learn, subsequent edits and alterations will be made as more is known. I just want that clearly understood. For now, this is what I have been able to put together. Feedback is always welcome and appreciated. If I have overlooked something, or if any of you know anything about any of these temples of which I might not be aware. please let me know, and I will try to incorporate those insights into subsequent versions of this timeline. For now, here it is, such as it is. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

PRELIMANARY NOTE: In light of new information I received this month, I am convinced we could see as many as 4 groundbreakings later this year. Because of this, I will be offering my best estimate for when those might happen. I want it absolutely and clearly understood and appreciated that these are merely my own thoughts, which are not endorsed, supported, or confirmed by the Church. It would be wonderful if any or all of these predictions as set forth in this timeline proved to be correct. But obviously, the Lord knows better than I do when He needs things to happen. New information has also led to adjustments as necessary to this timeline. Once more is known, alterations will be made. As with everything else, I am trying to keep abreast of all the latest developments and will alter any of this information as more is known about temples in the future. If I have overlooked or bypassed any consideration or factor, please let me know. Here is what I have come up with for this version:

2017—Events already scheduled:
Now: The open house for the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple concluded last Saturday. That temple is now being prepared for its rededication, which is scheduled for June 4. Reservations are also, as noted below, being accepted for the Tucson Arizona Temple open house.
Saturday June 3-24 (excluding the Sundays of June 4, 11 & 18): Tucson Arizona Temple Open House
NOTE: Reservations are being accepted right now for that open house. This will be a unique circumstance, where the dedication for this temple will follow the conclusion of the open house by 7 weeks, in view of the annual July recess that the General Authorities have each year.
Saturday June 3: Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday June 4: Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication
NOTE: It is unclear who might dedicate this temple. It could be either Presidents Eyring or Uchtdorf, or a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the meantime, I learned that one of our newest apostles, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, was married in this temple, so it is not hard to believe that he will accompany whoever presides. President Eyring and Elders Bednar and Andersen also have ties to different areas of Idaho. If I had to venture a prediction, I think it would be safe to say that Elder Bednar might preside at this rededication, as he is a senior member of the Twelve and presided at the Star Valley Wyoming dedication last year, and that Elder Stevenson will accompany him. Elder Ulisses Soares, who, as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, supervises the Idaho Area, will likely be in attendance as well, along with at least one representative from the Temple Department. More to come once more is known.
Saturday August 12: Tucson Arizona Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday August 13: Tucson Arizona Temple Dedication (157^th operating temple)
NOTE: Since President Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, it is highly probable that he will return to dedicate the temple. I have looked but have not been able to find which of our apostles might have ties to Arizona in general, and the city of Tucson in particular. If any of you know any, let me know. We are sure to see at least one apostle attend, possibly two (if a senior member of the Twelve is asked to preside), and it is not impossible to believe that Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who represents the Presidency of the Seventy in overseeing the North America Southwest Area, will be in attendance as well, along with a representative from the Church’s Temple Department. More to come once more is known.
Monday August 21: President Monson’s 90^th birthday
NOTE: The Church announced on May 23 that President Monson would no longer attend meetings at Church headquarters nor take an active role in decisions. He will still make any major ones that require his approval and consent, but is delegating everything else to his counselors and the other 12 apostles. It is therefore unclear whether or not any major celebrations will be held to commemorate this milestone birthday for the prophet who has followed in his predecessor’s footsteps in taking us from 124 operating temples to 182 in various stages. More to come on this once more is known. For now, it seems appropriate to note this milestone 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.
Friday September 29: Memphis Tennessee Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: The Church’s official website for this temple noted in mid-May that this would be the official closure date. I am anticipating that a few others scheduled for closure will also soon have a more specific closure date announced and will update this timeline with that information when it becomes available. In the meantime, this closure date lends credibility to the timeline I have previously proposed for its rededication. That said, I was recently reminded that temple rededications can often be unpredictable to determine. I will keep an eye on things and adjust as necessary in the future.
Early October (possibly Friday October 6 or Saturday October 7): Tokyo Japan Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: On Wednesday May 17, the LDS Church Temples site put this temple ahead of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. This seems to be a clear indication that this temple’s closure will happen prior to the already announced closure of the temple below. I am trying to ascertain more on this and will post more once I know more.
Saturday October 14: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: This was confirmed by the Church as the official closure date for this renovation. I am keeping an eye out for all developments and will be providing updates as more is known. And since renovations can take longer to complete than new temples, there will also be an adjustment to my estimate for the completion of this renovation.
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11 (excluding the Sundays of October 22 and 29 and November 5): Meridian Idaho Temple Open House
Late October/Early November (possibly either Friday October 27, Saturday October 28, Friday November 3 or Saturday November 4): Asuncion Paraguay Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: The spacing of the closure of the three other temples whose renovations were announced with this one indicates that such closure dates are not always as cut-and-dried as I thought. Therefore, it seems wiser to adjust this estimate until more is known. I could potentially see this temple closing during the last few days of October, but the timing of it will be easier to figure out once more is known. In the meantime, until more is known, it will likewise be difficult to accurately predict when a subsequent rededication might happen. But I offer my best estimate for the moment later on in this document.
Saturday November 18: Meridian Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday November 19: Meridian Idaho Temple Dedication (158^th operating temple)
NOTE: Since Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, it is not hard to believe that he might return for the dedication. What is not so clear is whether or not he will preside at this rededication. To me, it would make more sense if a more senior apostle or member of the First Presidency presides, and Elder Bednar is the accompanying apostle. I could also see the First Presidency having other apostles in attendance instead of Elder Bednar. More to come once more is known.
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: It seems to be a safe assumption that, with this being a Utah temple dedication, it will be widely attended by Church leadership. Whether or not a member of the First Presidency presides, I could see at least two apostles being in attendance, Elder M. Russell Ballard, who gave a magnificent address to the Utah South Area in 2015, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who grew up in St. George, which has been termed as somewhat of a “sister-city” to Cedar City. Other apostles might also be asked to be there, and obviously, the most senior apostle or First Presidency member there will preside. We will also likely see Elder Craig C. Christensen, who presides over the Utah South Area, in attendance, and also Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Senior President of the Seventy, who broke ground for this temple. Any number of other general authorities could be in attendance as well, including at least one representative from the Temple Department. More to come once more is known.

Events that could potentially be scheduled later this year, unless these events are pushed back to 2018 for any reason:
Late August (perhaps Saturday August 26): Groundbreaking for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
NOTE: As mentioned in previous versions of this timeline, a site announcement is anticipated any day now for the first Zimbabwean temple. If that site announcement happens at any time during the next couple of months, the odds are very good that we could see a groundbreaking follow at around this time. It would not surprise me at all in any way if the site announcement and the groundbreaking for this temple were to be delayed beyond this point. As always, once more is known, this potential time-frame will more than likely change. I am keeping an eye out for any and all developments and will adjust this estimate again as needed. And unless a member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is asked to do so, this groundbreaking could be conducted by any member of the Africa Southeast Area presidency (which by then will be comprised of Elders Kevin S. Hamilton (who is the most likely possibility, as he was the one who first indicated that the site announcement and groundbreaking would likely take place later this year), S. Mark Palmer, or Joni L. Koch). More to come once more is known.
Mid-September (perhaps Saturday September 16): Groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
NOTE: There is a possibility that this groundbreaking could take place sometime later this year, though there is an equally likely chance that event could be pushed back until sometime next year. A site has already been confirmed, making it more likely than not, but time will tell. Again, I will be keeping an eye out for any new information and update this timeline if and when such information becomes available. For now, this seems like a safe revised estimate. As for who might preside at this groundbreaking, I could see any of the 15 apostles or a member of the Caribbean Area Presidency (which will then be comprised of Elders Walter F. Gonzalez, Claudio D. Zivic, and Jose L. Alonso). More to come once more is known.
Mid-October (perhaps Saturday October 14): Groundbreaking for the Urdaneta Philippines Temple
NOTE: With the end of delays that had hindered progress on this temple in the almost 7 years since its announcement, all that is needed for this temple is to have a site confirmed and a groundbreaking set. If all that happens anytime soon, we could see a groundbreaking at around this time. And unless an apostle is asked to preside at this groundbreaking, it will likely be done by a member of the Philippines Area Presidency, which will then be comprised of Elders Shayne M. Bowen, Allen D. Haynie, and Evan A. Schmutz. There is also an equal likelihood that we will not see this groundbreaking until sometime next year. I am doing my level best to keep informed on developments in this regard and will adjust this information once I know more.
Early December (perhaps Saturday December 2): Groundbreaking for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple
NOTE: As indicated on the LDS Church temples site, the contractor working on the Arequipa Peru temple has been hired to work on the second temple for the Peruvian capital. That contractor indicated it would take around a year to prepare the site. If that meant a year from its announcement, then the groundbreaking could happen anytime soon. If he meant a year from when he made the statement, then this groundbreaking could be pushed back to sometime next year. For now, I will stick with this estimate, which is only my own thoughts and feelings. Whenever this groundbreaking does take place, unless an apostle presides at that event, it will take place under the direction of the South America Northwest Area Presidency, which will then be comprised of Elders Carlos A. Godoy, Enrique R. Falabella, and Hugo Montoya. Once more is known, I will provide an update.

2018—Exact event timeline unknown, but I offer my best estimate
Late January or early February (Friday January 26, Saturday January 27, Friday February 2 or Saturday February 3): Renovation begins on the Oakland California Temple
NOTE: The Church announced this renovation earlier this year. With the way other renovations have been announced and already scheduled, we have the possibility that this renovation could begin during either the latter part of January or during the first part of February. More to come once more is known.
Early February (perhaps Saturday February 3): Groundbreaking for the Brasilia Brazil Temple
NOTE: This temple, though announced in April 2017, had a site identified very quickly by local priesthood leaders. That is all that is needed for the Church to schedule a groundbreaking at around this time. At this point, it might be too early to tell, but it is my best guess for the moment. I will never rule out the possibility that a groundbreaking could happen sooner or later than this, but I will be keeping my eye out for developments and will make adjustments when needed.
Mid-February (perhaps Sunday February 11): Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (160^th operating temple)
NOTE: In previous versions of this timeline, I felt confident enough to assert that the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple would be the first temple-related event of 2018. Having recently been reminded that the time-frame for the completion of a temple renovation and its subsequent rededication are often more tricky to pin down than the potential dedication time-frame for new temples, it is more likely that the dedication of the temple in Italy’s capital city will be the first such event in 2018. With 2018 still more than half a year away, it is anyone’s guess how soon we might see any temple events. It is more than likely, however, that whenever this dedication is set for, the announcement of that event will take place before the end of 2017. I am doing my level best to keep an eye out for all developments as they relate to this timeline, and I will be sure to adjust this estimate as necessary in the future. In the meantime, I could see this dedication being presided over by either President Eyring, President Uchtdorf, or a senior member of the Twelve. More to come on that when more is known.
Late February-early March: Renovation begins on the Washington DC Temple
NOTE: This renovation, anticipated to begin sometime in March, could potentially begin as early as the end of February. It will be harder than I anticipated to estimate a probable rededication time-frame. With that said, it seems safe to assume that this temple, being within the US, will be rededicated before a rededication happens for the Tokyo Japan Temple. More to come on that when more is known.
Mid-March (possibly Sunday March 11 or 18): Rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple

NOTE: This temple has been closed for renovation since February 15, 2016. Originally anticipated to be rededicated during the middle to later part of 2017, the renovation process ran into some delays. As noted above, I had anticipated and asserted in previous versions of this estimated timeline that one of the first temple-related events for 2018 would be this rededication. Having been reminded in the interim that time-frames for rededications are harder to pin down than dedications of new temples, this seems like a safe adjustment. As with everything else, I am doing my very best to keep an eye out for anything that would solidify this timetable, and will be happy to make adjustments as needed going forward. One thing seems certain, and that is that this event, whether it happens at this time or any other time this year, will be widely attended by Church leadership, including several of the 15 current apostles, the most senior of whom will preside at this rededication. In view of all the unknowns about how soon this renovation might be finished, I will keep an eye on this and make adjustments once more is known.

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 May (possibly Sunday May 6 or 13): Dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (161^st operating temple)

NOTE: While it might be too early to tell if this temple could be completed at this time, we do know that it is set to be completed during mid-2018, and it could be that this dedication could take place at around this time. Depending on what other temple-related events happen between now and then, a case could be made for any one of the 15 apostles to preside at this event, whenever it happens. I will keep an eye out for information in this regard and update my thinking as needed. For now, this seems a plausible time-frame. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-May (perhaps Saturday May 12 or 19): Groundbreaking for the Greater Manila Philippines Temple

NOTE: The second temple for the Filipino capital city was announced in 2017. With a site having been confirmed, the likelihood increases that a groundbreaking could happen at around this time. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late June (possibly Sunday June 17 or 24): Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple

NOTE: While much is yet to be determined about how soon the renovation of this temple might be completed, this seems to be a safe revised estimate from what I have previously stated. If not during this time, then the temple could be rededicated at any point after the annual July recess of the General Authorities Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late August (possibly Saturday August 18 or 25): Groundbreaking for the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple

NOTE: Until more is known about this temple (as the only fact we have about it is that the Church owns several acres of land in this community), it will not be easy to predict if this is a feasible timeframe for this groundbreaking. Once more is known in terms of the design and any potential sites, we will be able to perhaps make a better prediction. For the moment, knowing that Utah County temples usually go up pretty quickly once they are started, this seems to be a pretty safe estimate. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.
Late October-early November (possibly Saturday October 27 or November 3): 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 Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late November (possibly Sunday November 11 or 18): Dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple (163^rd operating temple)

NOTE: This temple is anticipated to be completed around the same time as the Durban South Africa Temple. They are interchangeable at the moment. But since the Durban temple is now below this one, it seems safe to assume that this dedication could happen at around this time. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early-to-mid December (possibly Sunday December 2 or 9): Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (164^th operating temple)

NOTE: Unless this temple overtakes the Concepcion Chile Temple and is rededicated first, it is very possible that this dedication could take place at around this time. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

2019 (NOTE: As these events would be two years away, the likelihood of any of them happening at around the times projected here remains to be seen. Based on what happens in the next year or so, subsequent versions of this timeline will make adjustments as necessary.)

Early-to-mid February (Saturday February 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Abidjan Ivory Coast 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early-to-mid March (possibly Sunday March 3 or 10): 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. I am keeping an eye out for developments as they happen. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.

Late May (possibly Sunday May 19 or 26): 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.

Early-to-mid June (possibly Sunday June 2 or 9): 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Late May (possibly Saturday May 18 or 25): 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.

Late June (possibly Sunday June 23 or 30): 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.

Early-to-mid August (possibly Sunday August 4 or 11): 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late August (possibly Saturday August 24 or 31): Groundbreaking for the Belem Brazil Temple

NOTE: While this temple has yet to have a site announced, Brazil as a nation has had a lot of temples announced of late. This is a clear indicator that the acceptance of the gospel and the use of temples is high in that nation. Once more is known, this estimate will be revised. For now, it seems to be a safe revision.

Late August or early September (possibly Sunday August 25 or Sunday September 1): Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (168^th operating temple)

NOTE: At the moment, it seems that this Brazilian temple will be dedicated prior to the Winnipeg temple, which has not even had full-scale construction commence. However, if construction on that temple gets underway within the next month, that smaller temple will likely be finished before this one. So this seems like a good revised estimate. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late September (possibly Sunday September 15 or 22): 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.

Early-to-mid November (possibly Sunday November 3 or 10): Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple

NOTE: With the renovation for this temple starting in late September of this year, and with the knowledge that a rededication will take place in 2019, this seems to be a better revised estimate. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early December (possibly Sunday December 1 or 8): Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal Temple (169^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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-to-late December (possibly Saturday December 7 or 14): Groundbreaking for Nairobi Kenya Temple

NOTE: Africa has seen the announcement of one new temple per year for the last three years. With so much unknown about how soon any temple-related event might take place, it is anyone’s guess whether or not this groundbreaking will happen at around this time. It does seem safe to assert that this temple will be the last of the current group to have a groundbreaking, which means that every subsequent event in this timeline will be a dedication or a rededication. Adjustments will be made when 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.)

Late February or early March (either Sunday February 23 or March 1): 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 sometime between late 2019 and early 2020. This seems like a safe adjusted prediction. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early May (either Sunday May 3 or 10): 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 at around the time proposed earlier on in this timeline. 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.

Mid-June (perhaps Sunday June 14 or 21): Rededication of the Washington DC Temple      

NOTE: This renovation, for the temple named for the US capital, is anticipated to be finished well before the renovation for the Tokyo Japan Temple. So this seems to be a safer, more accurate estimate.

Early-to-mid August (perhaps Sunday August 2 or 9): Dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (171^st operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only happen at around this time if ground is broken for it around the time-frame indicated earlier in this timeline. If ground is broken at around that time, having a subsequent dedication at this point would be in perfect conformity with the general time-frame in which Filipino temples have usually been completed. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-September (perhaps Sunday September 13 or 20): 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. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.

Early December (possibly Sunday December 6 or 13): 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 have usually been completed. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

2021 (NOTE: Again, this gets more speculative as it is four years out, and events during this time will only take place as suggested here if the prior events unfold anywhere close to what I have suggested up to this point.)

Early-to-mid February (possibly Sunday February 7 or 14): Dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple (173^rd operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. It should also be noted that the Pocatello temple is anticipated to be a larger temple, in the mold of the one in Meridian. Therefore, for this temple, it would follow a similar timeframe for construction as the Meridian temple, rather than the typical average time for other Idahoan temples. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

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.

Mid-to-late May (possibly Sunday May 16 or 23): Dedication of the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple (174^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in generally conformity with the average time within which other Peruvian temples have been constructed. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early-to-mid June (possibly Sunday June 6 or 13): Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple (175^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. The timeframe for this temple may also be different than proposed here depending on the size and design of this temple. I have made this estimate a little shorter than the time-frame by which the only other Caribbean temple was completed because that seemed to be safe. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Early-to-mid August (possibly Sunday August 1 or 8): Dedication of the Brasilia Brazil Temple (176^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in generally conformity with the average time-frame within which other Brazilian temples have been constructed. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Mid-September (possibly Sunday September 12 or 19): Dedication of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple (177^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in generally conformity with the average time-frame within which other Utah County temples have been constructed. Adjustments will be made when more is known.

Saturday September 25 and Saturday and Sunday October 2 & 3: 191^st 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 (either Sunday November 7 or 14): Dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple (178^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in general conformity with the average time-frame within which other temples within that same area (it is closer to Filipino temples) have been constructed. If, as members have speculated, an existing building is rebuilt and/or renovated into a multipurpose building, that could push this dedication up by as much as a year. I am keeping an eye on developments, and, as with everything else, adjustments will be made once more is known.

2022 (NOTE: Again, this gets more speculative as it is five years out, and events during this time will only take place as suggested here if the prior events unfold anywhere close to what I have suggested up to this point.)

Mid-January (possibly Sunday January 10 or 17): Dedication of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple (179^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in general conformity with the average time-frame within which other African temples have been constructed. I am keeping an eye on developments, and, as with everything else, adjustments will be made once more is known.

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.

Mid-May (possibly Sunday May 9 or 16): Dedication of the Quito Ecuador Temple (180^th operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in general conformity with the average time-frame within which other South American temples have been completed. I am keeping an eye on developments, and, as with everything else, adjustments will be made once more is known.

Early August (possibly August 1 or 8): Dedication of the Belem Brazil Temple (181^st operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in general conformity with the average time-frame within which other Brazilian temples have been completed. I am keeping an eye on developments, and, as with everything else, adjustments will be made once more is known.

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.

Early-to-mid November (possibly Sunday November 7 or 14): Dedication of the Nairobi Kenya Temple (182^nd operating temple)

September: Dedication of the Nairobi Kenya Temple (182^nd operating temple)

NOTE: This dedication will only take place at this time if the groundbreaking takes place as indicated above. But if it does, this will be in general conformity with the average time-frame within which other African temples have been completed. I am keeping an eye on developments, and, as with everything else, adjustments will be made once more is known.

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. One thing I want to make absolutely clear: these are merely my own thoughts and feelings, nothing more, nothing less. It will not come as any surprise to me if none of these events unfold as I am anticipating they will. You can be 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.