Now, in the brief time I have tonight to do so, I would like to share some important developments in terms of temple news. First, it appears that, even though the Church indicated that the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple would close for renovation tomorrow (October 15) that it has officially done so already. The extent of those renovation plans have not been noted, other than what I have already reported about the exterior changing. That temple is also anticipated to be rededicated in early-to-mid 2019, which is the same time-frame that we have been given for when the Memphis Tennessee Temple will be rededicated. That said, even though these temples have closed 16 days apart, it is my opinion that we will have their rededications around one month apart. We will have to see what happens there.
In the meantime, there have been a few other exciting developments regarding the construction of temples worldwide. You can find them all in m the latest version of my report of that progress, which I include below. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts, as such feedback is always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 10/14/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions 1of this report,
Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an
interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho
Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under
consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While
some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a
subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the
number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to
believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do
so, we could see a minimum of 200 temples dedicated by or before the
bicentennial (200th ) anniversary of the restoration of the
Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030). With the Church only
having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25
in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples
being dedicated in each one of the 12.48 years between now and then. Since the
Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at
minimum, it appears to be very doable. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes
open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.
CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The
Church has 182 temples in various
phases. There are 157 operating
temples, with 2 that have had
construction conclude (reservations are currently being accepted for the open
houses of both temples, and both open houses will be underway by the end of
this month). There are additionally 9
others are in various phases of construction and 1 more which had a groundbreaking before the end of last year
and for which construction is anticipated to begin within the first or second
quarter of next year, and 1 other
has a groundbreaking scheduled near the end of this month. In terms of temples
undergoing renovations, 1 has a
rededication scheduled during the middle of next year; 1 other is anticipated to have its rededication in the middle or
latter part of next year; 3 others have closed
recently, and 1 other will also have
closed by the end of this month. There are also 5 other temples scheduled to close sometime next year, and closure
dates have been announced for all but 1 of
those. Additionally, there is 1 temple
that has closed for restoration as a result of damage incurred by a natural
disaster. The remaining 12 are
announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).
Construction completed,
preparing for open house:
158. Meridian Idaho
Temple: Accepting open house reservations (tours set to run for the three weeks
between Saturday October 21 and Saturday November 11, except for the relevant
Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
NOTE: With construction having been completed on this temple, the open
house starts in exactly one week (7 days). Because
Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, I wouldn’t be surprised if
he has some role in the dedication, either as the one who presides, or by
accompanying the apostle senior to him who will be asked to preside. It will be interesting to see what happens
there.
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Accepting open house reservations (tours set to run for the 22-day
period spanning Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, except for the relevant
Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: If, as I am conjecturing, placing the furnishings is the only thing
left to do for this temple, then construction will likely be completely wrapped
up within the next week or less, and the preparations for the open house (which is now less than 2 weeks (13 days) away) can
begin in earnest.
Under Construction; completion anticipated during
2018:
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Installing art glass, irrigation lines, decorative fence
posts; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Given the changed completion
time-frame for this temple, I have changed my estimate for the dedication
window to Sunday August 12 or 19. Time will tell how likely that is, and I can
then alter this estimate further as needed.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Angel Moroni on site awaiting installation; cladding progressing on
east side of temple; installing exterior lighting; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Since this temple has been on
track in terms of its construction, even with the altered completion
time-frame, I have still felt confident that this temple’s dedication could
take place on Sunday September 9 or 16. As the next 7-10 months come and go,
that can be altered as needed.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Cladding steeple; laying roof
shingles; setting forms for baptismal font; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: In rethinking this temple’s
probable dedication date, I have felt we could see that happen on Sunday
November 11 or 18. As the next year comes and goes, we will know how likely
that is to happen, and any further adjustments that may be needed can be made.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime
during late 2018.
NOTE: In view of having to adjust
the dedication dates for the other temples that will be completed during 2018,
I have adjusted my estimate for this temple’s dedication to Sunday December 9
or 16. As the next year or so passes, we will know how likely that is, and any
updates can be made that are needed.
Under construction, completion
anticipated during 2019:
164. Durban South Africa
Temple: Hanging drywall and running utility lines at temple; brick laying,
plastering, woodworking, and running utility lines at missionary housing; completion
anticipated sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: I recently reevaluated the time-frame
for this temple’s dedication, and that reevaluation process has led me to
conclude that this temple could be dedicated in late January-early February
2019. I will keep an eye out for any updates and will pass those along ASAP.
165. Fortaleza
Brazil Temple: Stone cladding underway; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: When I reevaluated the
probable time-frame for this temple’s dedication, I also considered the fact
that temples undergoing renovation will be rededicated during this same time.
In view of those considerations, I have felt to move this temple’s dedication
estimate to early-to-mid June 2019. As the next 15-20 months pass, we will know
more about how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will be sure to pass
along any updates as I make them.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Foundation in place; font work underway; preparing to pour
exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the temples that may be
rededicated during this same period, I have felt to alter this temple’s
dedication estimate to early-to-mid September 2019. As the next 18 months come
and go, more will be known, and any adjustments can be made to this estimate.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Pouring main floor walls; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: Barring any unexpected
developments, it seems obvious that this temple will likely be the last one
dedicated in 2019. With that in mind, I have pushed the estimate for that
dedication to early-to-mid November 2019. As the next 18-22 months pass, more
will be known, and any adjustments can be made that may be necessary.
Under construction; dedication
set for sometime in 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru
Temple: Attaching vapor barrier; preparing to pour steeple base; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Some have said that this
temple could be dedicated before the end of 2019. While that would not be
unheard of in any way, it is far more likely that this temple will be dedicated
at some point in 2020, and I have felt that could happen in mid-March 2020. As
with everything else, I will be sure to pass on any updates to this as I find a
need to make them.
Construction pending:
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans being slightly
modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the first or second
quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid
2020.
NOTE: With the redesign of this
temple, it will be interesting to see whether or not the 20-month estimate once
given for the construction completion still holds true. Until I know otherwise,
I will assume the 20-month estimate still goes. Based on that, it appears that
this temple could easily be dedicated within the first quarter of 2020. I will
keep passing along any updates I receive that would lead to changes in this
line of thought and reasoning.
Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony,
which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: I have before offered my
thoughts about the completion of this temple: particularly that it will depend
on the design and what happens in the course of the construction. Thought some
have observed that this temple might be dedicated in the final months of 2019,
it seems more likely at present that this temple may only be finished around
the time that fall of 2020 sets in. In that regard, I have adjusted my estimate
for this dedication to mid-August 2020. I will be sure to pass along any
updates to this line of thinking as I make them.
2
Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May
20, 2018.
Undergoing Renovation
(rededication anticipated within the next year or so):
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple:
Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As promised, I reevaluated my
estimate for this temple’s rededication. Having done so, I am of the opinion
that we could see that happen after the first two new temples are dedicated in
2018, and before the final two new ones are dedicated. That puts my revised
estimate for that event on either Sunday October 21 or 28. I will be sure to
pass along any changes I make to that estimate within the next 9-12 months.
Undergoing Renovation
(rededication anticipated sometime during 2019):
80. Memphis Tennessee
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As noted in an earlier post
on my blog, this temple is going to have major changes to its interior and
exterior appearances. With that in mind, I have felt that this temple could be
rededicated sometime in mid-March 2019. As this process continues to unfold, I
will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As
previously noted, I learned earlier this month that part of this temple’s
renovation process would be changing the exterior look of this temple. With
that in mind, I think it is safe to assume that this temple’s rededication will
take place sometime in mid-to-late April 2019. I will keep an eye on all of
this and will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make
them.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated sometime during 2020):
18. Tokyo Japan Temple:
Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime
during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: As has been noted previously regarding
this temple, it is undergoing renovation primarily to upgrade and update
electrical and mechanical systems. Since it is also a comparatively smaller one
from the Kimball-era of small temples, it is easy to assume and to assert that
a dedication could happen in Mid-May 2020. As with everything else, I will be
sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make them.
Temples Scheduled for Renovation
(will close by the end of this month):
112. Asuncion Paraguay
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: Even though the Church’s
updated temple website doesn’t show this temple closing as was originally
announced, it is sure to happen as scheduled. What is still not know is how
extensive the plans for it might be. Being as conservative but yet as hopeful
as I can be, I wanted to note that I have felt this temple could be completed
in early-to-mid May 2019.
Temples Scheduled for Renovation
(scheduled to close during 2018):
8. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: If the member contacts I
found in North Carolina are correct, the renovation of that state’s only temple
will not involve or include an expansion of any kind. With that in mind, a 17-month
estimate seems appropriate for this temple, which allows for anything
unexpected. And based on that estimate, it would make sense if this temple had
a rededication scheduled for sometime during early-to-mid August 2019. I will
pass along any updates to that estimate that may be needed within the next year
as this process will be well underway by that time.
94. Baton Rouge
Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February
1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Unless an expansion is
planned for this temple (which, as noted previously, seems doubtful), then it
is more than likely that the renovation will only take around 17 months or so.
With that in mind, it is not hard to believe that we could see the rededication
of this temple at some point during mid-September 2019. As with everything
else, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of reasoning.
13. Oakland California
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, the
stated purpose for this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical
and mechanical systems. Therefore, an expansion is likely not part of those
plans. Bearing in mind that this temple is anticipated to be rededicated prior
to the end of 2019, I have felt that a 17-month estimate for this process would
be appropriate. In running the resulting calculation, that would put this
temple’s rededication happening sometime during mid-December 2019. Obviously,
as this renovation gets underway in five months and makes progress, we will
know more about how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any
adjustments that may be needed.
16. Washington D. C.
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: With what is currently known
about this temple’s renovation (having confirmed the exact date, and also
knowing that it is mainly to upgrade and update the mechanical and electrical
system), in taking the larger size of this temple into account (which will
extend the process), a 32-month estimate seems appropriate. That would put this
temple’s rededication sometime during mid-November 2020. As the next year
unfolds, more will be known, and any adjustments will be provided.
Temples which have had a
renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:
7. Mesa Arizona Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been
announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: As of October 8, 2017, no
date has been made known for the beginning of this renovation. But because it
has been renovated once before, and because the purpose of this renovation is
to bring electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date, this temple will likely
be rededicated prior to the rededication of the Washington DC temple, which is
comparatively bigger and is closing for its first renovation two months before
this closure. I am sticking with my initial estimate of 26 months for this
process, which would put its rededication at some point in early-to-mid
September 2020. Within the next year, this process will be well underway, and
more will be known about any adjustments that may need to be made. Until then,
it seems to be a sound adjustment to what I have previously stated.
Temple undergoing restoration (in view of damage incurred by a natural
disaster):
97. Houston Texas Temple: Closed for restoration (following damage
incurred by flooding); may take some time to fix everything, but it is not
anticipated to be a lengthy process; rededication will not be needed, but a
reopening is anticipated ASAP.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until
the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a
groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below
reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now
known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for
news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these
events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am
keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I
receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something
more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it
will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And speaking
personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of this as I
will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the privilege has
always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this regard.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking sometime during 2018:
171. Lima Peru Los
Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official
site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid
2018.
NOTE: If the information I have
received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of
preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior
to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. If that proves to be the case, then
a groundbreaking could easily take place in mid-March, which would allow that
to happen prior to winter’s arrival in April. I am estimating more specifically
that the exact date may be Saturday March 10 or 17. As with everything else, I
will pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I make
them.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: With a potential site having
been identified for this temple, if that is confirmed at any point prior to the
end of this year, the groundbreaking for this temple will likely happen sooner
rather than later, especially now that the delays that once prevented this
temple’s construction progress are over. It is my revised estimate that this
temple’s groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late May, and, more
specifically, on or around May 19 or 26. I have checked into weather conditions
during that time, and it would work well then. As with everything else I post,
I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make them.
173. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: Despite the statement made by
Africa Southeast Area President Kevin S. Hamilton (who said that this temple
would likely have a site announcement and groundbreaking in relatively short
order once 2017 began), the year is almost finished, and we are no closer to a
change in this temple’s status than we were at the beginning of this year.
Wanting to be as optimistic as possible but also to allow for anything
unexpected, I am setting a revised estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking to
take place in mid-June, and, more specifically, on either June 9 or 16. I will
be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate that might be needed.
174. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: As part of my ongoing efforts
to research the potential order in which announced temples may have a
groundbreaking, I took a look at this temple particularly. While it is true
that we only have member speculation that an existing building will be
reconstructed and repurposed (in the style of the Manhattan New York and Hong
Kong China Temples), until we can be sure that this will not be the case, I
have to go with what is known. The
Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China Temples both had a groundbreaking in a
comparatively shorter amount of time than most other temples. So if the
existing building will be repurposed, it seems safe to surmise that a
groundbreaking could take place during early-to-mid August. I have set a more
specific estimate for Saturday August 4 or 11. As with everything else, I will
pass along any updates to this line of thought.
175. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: I know that this temple has
not yet had a site confirmed, but as I felt a need to reevaluate the likely
order in which announced temples might have a groundbreaking, I have run the
numbers to recalculate my estimate. I hope with all my heart that we will have
a site confirmed for this temple within the next 9 months or so. If we do, I
could see the Church setting the groundbreaking for this temple to take place
sometime during mid-September, which would be either Saturday September 8 or 15.
If nothing happens for this temple by the early months of next year, I will
reevaluate things at that point.
176. Saratoga Springs
Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, while a
site announcement is pending on this temple, if one is confirmed within the
next 6-8 months, and if this temple conforms to the average time within which
other Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, then I
could see this temple having a groundbreaking sometime during late October or
early November, or, more precisely, on either Saturday October 27 or November 3.
I will be keeping an eye out for any developments and will be sure to pass
those along.
177. Alabang Manila Temple: Planning phase;
site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As with other temples in this section, I did more research on
issues that would affect progress on this temple, primarily climate &
temperature. Climate-wise, Manila has the same weather pretty much year-round.
Therefore, it is my new estimate that the groundbreaking for this temple could
take place in mid-December (which would be on Saturday December 9 or 16). If
the groundbreakings for both of the Philippines temples are held during 2018,
this would be the first time in Church history that two temples would
simultaneously be under construction on that island nation. As always, I will
be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I
become aware of them.
Announced temples that may have a groundbreaking sometime during 2019:
178. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As part of my massive ongoing
efforts to revise my thoughts on the potential timeframe for future
temple-related events, I took another look at this temple. What I found that
led me to move other temples around today also led me to give this temple
another look. And in that regard, I found out that, in terms of climate, the
period from January to March is the best time to visit Brasilia. Bearing in
mind that it would take a miracle to have this groundbreaking take place in six
months, I have felt it wiser to adjust this temple’s groundbreaking estimate to
early 2019, and have felt that a more specific time-frame may be mid-February.
As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I make them.
179. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As I have felt a need to
revisit the order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking, for a revised
determination on this temple, I took a look at temples in the region of Western
South America (where this temple will rise). In that area (with the exception
of the first Ecuadoran temple, which took over 14 years), the average time in
which temples in that area went from site announcement to groundbreaking has
been 2 years, 6 months. That said, this temple has not yet had a site confirmed.
So I am setting a revised estimate for 3 years. I will therefore place my
estimate for this groundbreaking as sometime during late April or early May
2019. As with everything else, I will be sure to post any changes to this
theory.
180. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As I have done with other
temples, I calculated the average time within which Idaho’s other temples have
gone from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on that estimate, I have
adjusted my thinking that this temple will have a groundbreaking at some point
in mid-June 2019. That said, I recognize that temples within the “Mormon
corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho have typically been able to get started
faster than temples elsewhere within the US or any other nations. I will keep
my eyes open for anything that convinces me to change this again, and will
continue to pass that information along.
181. Nairobi Kenya
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held
June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: As mentioned earlier, I took
a look at the average time within which temples in Africa have gone from
announcement to groundbreaking. And as a result of that double-check, I have
revised my estimate for this groundbreaking as well. I can now see it happening
in early-to-mid August. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates
as I am made aware of them.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: Since there has been no
change on this temple’s status since its announcement 1.5 years ago, unless
something changes, we may find that this temple is the last one of the current
bunch to have a groundbreaking. I sincerely hope that is not the case, but want
to play it safe. For that reason, I am estimating this temple will have a
groundbreaking sometime during either late October or early November. I will
keep my eye on things and let you all know if my thinking on this changes.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y.
Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls
Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are
under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years. As
previously noted, all of the last 12 temples that have been announced from
January 2015 to now have seen that happen during April General Conference. So
that may continue. But it is also true that such announcements can come any
time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his behalf feel
impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out to 5 new
announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be entering
an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will be
announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report
will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for
that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote
temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a
scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as
dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and
text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in
which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote
temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval,
and groundbreaking.
Red text
highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions 1of this report,
Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an
interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho
Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under
consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While
some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a
subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the
number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to
believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do
so, we could see a minimum of 200 temples dedicated by or before the
bicentennial (200th ) anniversary of the restoration of the
Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030). With the Church only
having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25
in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples
being dedicated in each one of the 12.48 years between now and then. Since the
Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at
minimum, it appears to be very doable. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes
open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.
CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: The
Church has 182 temples in various
phases. There are 157 operating
temples, with 2 that have had
construction conclude (reservations are currently being accepted for the open
houses of both temples, and both open houses will be underway by the end of
this month). There are additionally 9
others are in various phases of construction and 1 more which had a groundbreaking before the end of last year
and for which construction is anticipated to begin within the first or second
quarter of next year, and 1 other
has a groundbreaking scheduled near the end of this month. In terms of temples
undergoing renovations, 1 has a
rededication scheduled during the middle of next year; 1 other is anticipated to have its rededication in the middle or
latter part of next year; 3 others have closed
recently, and 1 other will also have
closed by the end of this month. There are also 5 other temples scheduled to close sometime next year, and closure
dates have been announced for all but 1 of
those. Additionally, there is 1 temple
that has closed for restoration as a result of damage incurred by a natural
disaster. The remaining 12 are
announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).
Construction completed,
preparing for open house:
158. Meridian Idaho
Temple: Accepting open house reservations (tours set to run for the three weeks
between Saturday October 21 and Saturday November 11, except for the relevant
Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
NOTE: With construction having been completed on this temple, the open
house starts in exactly one week (7 days). Because
Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, I wouldn’t be surprised if
he has some role in the dedication, either as the one who presides, or by
accompanying the apostle senior to him who will be asked to preside. It will be interesting to see what happens
there.
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Accepting open house reservations (tours set to run for the 22-day
period spanning Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, except for the relevant
Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: If, as I am conjecturing, placing the furnishings is the only thing
left to do for this temple, then construction will likely be completely wrapped
up within the next week or less, and the preparations for the open house (which is now less than 2 weeks (13 days) away) can
begin in earnest.
Under Construction; completion anticipated during
2018:
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Installing art glass, irrigation lines, decorative fence
posts; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Given the changed completion
time-frame for this temple, I have changed my estimate for the dedication
window to Sunday August 12 or 19. Time will tell how likely that is, and I can
then alter this estimate further as needed.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Angel Moroni on site awaiting installation; cladding progressing on
east side of temple; installing exterior lighting; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Since this temple has been on
track in terms of its construction, even with the altered completion
time-frame, I have still felt confident that this temple’s dedication could
take place on Sunday September 9 or 16. As the next 7-10 months come and go,
that can be altered as needed.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Cladding steeple; laying roof
shingles; setting forms for baptismal font; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: In rethinking this temple’s
probable dedication date, I have felt we could see that happen on Sunday
November 11 or 18. As the next year comes and goes, we will know how likely
that is to happen, and any further adjustments that may be needed can be made.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Interior work underway; completion anticipated sometime
during late 2018.
NOTE: In view of having to adjust
the dedication dates for the other temples that will be completed during 2018,
I have adjusted my estimate for this temple’s dedication to Sunday December 9
or 16. As the next year or so passes, we will know how likely that is, and any
updates can be made that are needed.
Under construction, completion
anticipated during 2019:
164. Durban South Africa
Temple: Hanging drywall and running utility lines at temple; brick laying,
plastering, woodworking, and running utility lines at missionary housing; completion
anticipated sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: I recently reevaluated the time-frame
for this temple’s dedication, and that reevaluation process has led me to
conclude that this temple could be dedicated in late January-early February
2019. I will keep an eye out for any updates and will pass those along ASAP.
165. Fortaleza
Brazil Temple: Stone cladding underway; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: When I reevaluated the
probable time-frame for this temple’s dedication, I also considered the fact
that temples undergoing renovation will be rededicated during this same time.
In view of those considerations, I have felt to move this temple’s dedication
estimate to early-to-mid June 2019. As the next 15-20 months pass, we will know
more about how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will be sure to pass
along any updates as I make them.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Foundation in place; font work underway; preparing to pour
exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the temples that may be
rededicated during this same period, I have felt to alter this temple’s
dedication estimate to early-to-mid September 2019. As the next 18 months come
and go, more will be known, and any adjustments can be made to this estimate.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Pouring main floor walls; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: Barring any unexpected
developments, it seems obvious that this temple will likely be the last one
dedicated in 2019. With that in mind, I have pushed the estimate for that
dedication to early-to-mid November 2019. As the next 18-22 months pass, more
will be known, and any adjustments can be made that may be necessary.
Under construction; dedication
set for sometime in 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru
Temple: Attaching vapor barrier; preparing to pour steeple base; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Some have said that this
temple could be dedicated before the end of 2019. While that would not be
unheard of in any way, it is far more likely that this temple will be dedicated
at some point in 2020, and I have felt that could happen in mid-March 2020. As
with everything else, I will be sure to pass on any updates to this as I find a
need to make them.
Construction pending:
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans being slightly
modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the first or second
quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid
2020.
NOTE: With the redesign of this
temple, it will be interesting to see whether or not the 20-month estimate once
given for the construction completion still holds true. Until I know otherwise,
I will assume the 20-month estimate still goes. Based on that, it appears that
this temple could easily be dedicated within the first quarter of 2020. I will
keep passing along any updates I receive that would lead to changes in this
line of thought and reasoning.
Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony,
which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: I have before offered my
thoughts about the completion of this temple: particularly that it will depend
on the design and what happens in the course of the construction. Thought some
have observed that this temple might be dedicated in the final months of 2019,
it seems more likely at present that this temple may only be finished around
the time that fall of 2020 sets in. In that regard, I have adjusted my estimate
for this dedication to mid-August 2020. I will be sure to pass along any
updates to this line of thinking as I make them.
2
Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May
20, 2018.
Undergoing Renovation
(rededication anticipated within the next year or so):
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple:
Closed for renovation; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As promised, I reevaluated my
estimate for this temple’s rededication. Having done so, I am of the opinion
that we could see that happen after the first two new temples are dedicated in
2018, and before the final two new ones are dedicated. That puts my revised
estimate for that event on either Sunday October 21 or 28. I will be sure to
pass along any changes I make to that estimate within the next 9-12 months.
Undergoing Renovation
(rededication anticipated sometime during 2019):
80. Memphis Tennessee
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As noted in an earlier post
on my blog, this temple is going to have major changes to its interior and
exterior appearances. With that in mind, I have felt that this temple could be
rededicated sometime in mid-March 2019. As this process continues to unfold, I
will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As
previously noted, I learned earlier this month that part of this temple’s
renovation process would be changing the exterior look of this temple. With
that in mind, I think it is safe to assume that this temple’s rededication will
take place sometime in mid-to-late April 2019. I will keep an eye on all of
this and will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make
them.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated sometime during 2020):
18. Tokyo Japan Temple:
Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime
during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: As has been noted previously regarding
this temple, it is undergoing renovation primarily to upgrade and update
electrical and mechanical systems. Since it is also a comparatively smaller one
from the Kimball-era of small temples, it is easy to assume and to assert that
a dedication could happen in Mid-May 2020. As with everything else, I will be
sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make them.
Temples Scheduled for Renovation
(will close by the end of this month):
112. Asuncion Paraguay
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: Even though the Church’s
updated temple website doesn’t show this temple closing as was originally
announced, it is sure to happen as scheduled. What is still not know is how
extensive the plans for it might be. Being as conservative but yet as hopeful
as I can be, I wanted to note that I have felt this temple could be completed
in early-to-mid May 2019.
Temples Scheduled for Renovation
(scheduled to close during 2018):
8. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: If the member contacts I
found in North Carolina are correct, the renovation of that state’s only temple
will not involve or include an expansion of any kind. With that in mind, a 17-month
estimate seems appropriate for this temple, which allows for anything
unexpected. And based on that estimate, it would make sense if this temple had
a rededication scheduled for sometime during early-to-mid August 2019. I will
pass along any updates to that estimate that may be needed within the next year
as this process will be well underway by that time.
94. Baton Rouge
Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February
1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Unless an expansion is
planned for this temple (which, as noted previously, seems doubtful), then it
is more than likely that the renovation will only take around 17 months or so.
With that in mind, it is not hard to believe that we could see the rededication
of this temple at some point during mid-September 2019. As with everything
else, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of reasoning.
13. Oakland California
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, the
stated purpose for this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical
and mechanical systems. Therefore, an expansion is likely not part of those
plans. Bearing in mind that this temple is anticipated to be rededicated prior
to the end of 2019, I have felt that a 17-month estimate for this process would
be appropriate. In running the resulting calculation, that would put this
temple’s rededication happening sometime during mid-December 2019. Obviously,
as this renovation gets underway in five months and makes progress, we will
know more about how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any
adjustments that may be needed.
16. Washington D. C.
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: With what is currently known
about this temple’s renovation (having confirmed the exact date, and also
knowing that it is mainly to upgrade and update the mechanical and electrical
system), in taking the larger size of this temple into account (which will
extend the process), a 32-month estimate seems appropriate. That would put this
temple’s rededication sometime during mid-November 2020. As the next year
unfolds, more will be known, and any adjustments will be provided.
Temples which have had a
renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:
7. Mesa Arizona Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been
announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: As of October 8, 2017, no
date has been made known for the beginning of this renovation. But because it
has been renovated once before, and because the purpose of this renovation is
to bring electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date, this temple will likely
be rededicated prior to the rededication of the Washington DC temple, which is
comparatively bigger and is closing for its first renovation two months before
this closure. I am sticking with my initial estimate of 26 months for this
process, which would put its rededication at some point in early-to-mid
September 2020. Within the next year, this process will be well underway, and
more will be known about any adjustments that may need to be made. Until then,
it seems to be a sound adjustment to what I have previously stated.
Temple undergoing restoration (in view of damage incurred by a natural
disaster):
97. Houston Texas Temple: Closed for restoration (following damage
incurred by flooding); may take some time to fix everything, but it is not
anticipated to be a lengthy process; rededication will not be needed, but a
reopening is anticipated ASAP.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until
the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a
groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below
reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now
known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for
news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these
events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am
keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I
receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something
more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it
will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And speaking
personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of this as I
will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the privilege has
always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this regard.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking sometime during 2018:
171. Lima Peru Los
Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official
site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid
2018.
NOTE: If the information I have
received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of
preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior
to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. If that proves to be the case, then
a groundbreaking could easily take place in mid-March, which would allow that
to happen prior to winter’s arrival in April. I am estimating more specifically
that the exact date may be Saturday March 10 or 17. As with everything else, I
will pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I make
them.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: With a potential site having
been identified for this temple, if that is confirmed at any point prior to the
end of this year, the groundbreaking for this temple will likely happen sooner
rather than later, especially now that the delays that once prevented this
temple’s construction progress are over. It is my revised estimate that this
temple’s groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late May, and, more
specifically, on or around May 19 or 26. I have checked into weather conditions
during that time, and it would work well then. As with everything else I post,
I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I make them.
173. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: Despite the statement made by
Africa Southeast Area President Kevin S. Hamilton (who said that this temple
would likely have a site announcement and groundbreaking in relatively short
order once 2017 began), the year is almost finished, and we are no closer to a
change in this temple’s status than we were at the beginning of this year.
Wanting to be as optimistic as possible but also to allow for anything
unexpected, I am setting a revised estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking to
take place in mid-June, and, more specifically, on either June 9 or 16. I will
be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate that might be needed.
174. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: As part of my ongoing efforts
to research the potential order in which announced temples may have a
groundbreaking, I took a look at this temple particularly. While it is true
that we only have member speculation that an existing building will be
reconstructed and repurposed (in the style of the Manhattan New York and Hong
Kong China Temples), until we can be sure that this will not be the case, I
have to go with what is known. The
Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China Temples both had a groundbreaking in a
comparatively shorter amount of time than most other temples. So if the
existing building will be repurposed, it seems safe to surmise that a
groundbreaking could take place during early-to-mid August. I have set a more
specific estimate for Saturday August 4 or 11. As with everything else, I will
pass along any updates to this line of thought.
175. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: I know that this temple has
not yet had a site confirmed, but as I felt a need to reevaluate the likely
order in which announced temples might have a groundbreaking, I have run the
numbers to recalculate my estimate. I hope with all my heart that we will have
a site confirmed for this temple within the next 9 months or so. If we do, I
could see the Church setting the groundbreaking for this temple to take place
sometime during mid-September, which would be either Saturday September 8 or 15.
If nothing happens for this temple by the early months of next year, I will
reevaluate things at that point.
176. Saratoga Springs
Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, while a
site announcement is pending on this temple, if one is confirmed within the
next 6-8 months, and if this temple conforms to the average time within which
other Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, then I
could see this temple having a groundbreaking sometime during late October or
early November, or, more precisely, on either Saturday October 27 or November 3.
I will be keeping an eye out for any developments and will be sure to pass
those along.
177. Alabang Manila Temple: Planning phase;
site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As with other temples in this section, I did more research on
issues that would affect progress on this temple, primarily climate &
temperature. Climate-wise, Manila has the same weather pretty much year-round.
Therefore, it is my new estimate that the groundbreaking for this temple could
take place in mid-December (which would be on Saturday December 9 or 16). If
the groundbreakings for both of the Philippines temples are held during 2018,
this would be the first time in Church history that two temples would
simultaneously be under construction on that island nation. As always, I will
be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning as I
become aware of them.
Announced temples that may have a groundbreaking sometime during 2019:
178. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As part of my massive ongoing
efforts to revise my thoughts on the potential timeframe for future
temple-related events, I took another look at this temple. What I found that
led me to move other temples around today also led me to give this temple
another look. And in that regard, I found out that, in terms of climate, the
period from January to March is the best time to visit Brasilia. Bearing in
mind that it would take a miracle to have this groundbreaking take place in six
months, I have felt it wiser to adjust this temple’s groundbreaking estimate to
early 2019, and have felt that a more specific time-frame may be mid-February.
As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I make them.
179. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As I have felt a need to
revisit the order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking, for a revised
determination on this temple, I took a look at temples in the region of Western
South America (where this temple will rise). In that area (with the exception
of the first Ecuadoran temple, which took over 14 years), the average time in
which temples in that area went from site announcement to groundbreaking has
been 2 years, 6 months. That said, this temple has not yet had a site confirmed.
So I am setting a revised estimate for 3 years. I will therefore place my
estimate for this groundbreaking as sometime during late April or early May
2019. As with everything else, I will be sure to post any changes to this
theory.
180. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As I have done with other
temples, I calculated the average time within which Idaho’s other temples have
gone from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on that estimate, I have
adjusted my thinking that this temple will have a groundbreaking at some point
in mid-June 2019. That said, I recognize that temples within the “Mormon
corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho have typically been able to get started
faster than temples elsewhere within the US or any other nations. I will keep
my eyes open for anything that convinces me to change this again, and will
continue to pass that information along.
181. Nairobi Kenya
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held
June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: As mentioned earlier, I took
a look at the average time within which temples in Africa have gone from
announcement to groundbreaking. And as a result of that double-check, I have
revised my estimate for this groundbreaking as well. I can now see it happening
in early-to-mid August. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates
as I am made aware of them.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: Since there has been no
change on this temple’s status since its announcement 1.5 years ago, unless
something changes, we may find that this temple is the last one of the current
bunch to have a groundbreaking. I sincerely hope that is not the case, but want
to play it safe. For that reason, I am estimating this temple will have a
groundbreaking sometime during either late October or early November. I will
keep my eye on things and let you all know if my thinking on this changes.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y.
Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls
Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are
under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years. As
previously noted, all of the last 12 temples that have been announced from
January 2015 to now have seen that happen during April General Conference. So
that may continue. But it is also true that such announcements can come any
time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his behalf feel
impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out to 5 new
announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be entering
an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will be
announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report
will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for
that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote
temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a
scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as
dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and
text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in
which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote
temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval,
and groundbreaking.
Red text
highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.
How can I quickly tell what changed from the last update? They're posted frequently and they're very long. It's difficult to compare with the previous one to find what has changed.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Could you post only the updates instead of just adding onto previous posts?
ReplyDeleteHello, you two. Thanks for the comments. Each time a new report is posted, the differences are highlighted in red text. I started doing so when someone observed on this blog that they could not differentiate what has changed. But there is a lot of merit in your suggestions to post only what has changed. I can do that from now on for sure. Thanks for letting me know. Consider it done.
ReplyDelete