And looking back now on the beginnings of this blog, I can hardly believe what it has become, or the interest that my thoughts, observations, and analysis about developments covered on this blog has wound up generating. So, as I author this 1800th blog post now, I felt I would be remiss if I did not take an opportunity to thank all of you who read and those who comment on the things I continue to report here. I hope you all know how much your readership and dialogue about those subjects has meant to me. It is at once humbling and very gratifying to know that my thoughts and observations, such as they are, generate such wide-spread interest.
Reaching this milestone is also a reminder of how much I owe to the accelerated pace of the Church under President Nelson's remarkable and inspired leadership. If it were not for the increased number of developments which have occurred within the last 21 months, there is no way I would be marking this milestone at this time. And so, I also renew my commitment to continuing, to the best of my ability, to stay on top of all such developments. I have no doubt there will be much more ahead to report, and if things continued at an accelerated pace, then the number of reports needed to cover things will likewise increase greatly in the coming months and years.
Now, on to the intended subject for this blog post: Quite a bit earlier than I had supposed, I have completed the revision process for the "Groundbreaking anticipated" and "Announced temples" sections of my temple construction progress report. I have completely restructured those by weighing what I know about each temple against what is unknown. That meant rearranging quite a bit of the content. The changes speak for themselves, but if any of you have questions on either section, feel free to ask. The two sections (with the relevant changes) follow below.
In order to not disturb the flow of that information, I will end here as I always do: That does it for now. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
Groundbreaking anticipated:
183. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; construction contract awarded; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019.
183. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; construction contract awarded; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019.
184. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; property fence installed around temple site; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019.
Note: On September 1, 2019, I was advised that the concept plans for this temple were floating around social media. If those plans are verified, a groundbreaking could occur within this period of time.
185. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; President Nelson visited potential site on April 17, 2018; groundbreaking anticipated in late 2019.
Note: Aside from the information noted above, in mid-November of last year, Elder Andersen visited with Zimbabwe’s Vice President, and indicated to him that the Church was hoping to begin construction on the Harare temple in late 2019. Therefore, barring anything unexpected, it seems more likely than not that a groundbreaking could occur at around this time.
186. Bengaluru India Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.
187. Feather River California Temple: Planning and approval phase; official rendering released and site location announced on September 26, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.
188. Layton Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; official exterior rendering released on October 8, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in early 2020.
189. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking could occur in early 2020.
Note: Based on what is and is not known presently about this temple, it seems probable that a groundbreaking for it could be fit in during this window, if all goes well.
190. Tooele Valley Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; site location officially confirmed on September 25, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in early-to-mid 2020.
191. San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple: Planning and approval phase; site acquired (location not yet officially confirmed); groundbreaking could occur in early-to-mid 2020.
192 Managua Nicaragua Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2020.
193. Richmond Virginia Temple: Artist’s rendering and accompanying photographs released on August 28, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2020.
194. Auckland New Zealand Temple: Planning and approval phase; site location confirmed on May 21, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in mid-to-late 2020.
Note: On September 1, 2019, I was advised that the concept plans for this temple were floating around social media. If those plans are verified, a groundbreaking could occur within this period of time.
185. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; President Nelson visited potential site on April 17, 2018; groundbreaking anticipated in late 2019.
Note: Aside from the information noted above, in mid-November of last year, Elder Andersen visited with Zimbabwe’s Vice President, and indicated to him that the Church was hoping to begin construction on the Harare temple in late 2019. Therefore, barring anything unexpected, it seems more likely than not that a groundbreaking could occur at around this time.
186. Bengaluru India Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.
187. Feather River California Temple: Planning and approval phase; official rendering released and site location announced on September 26, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.
188. Layton Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; official exterior rendering released on October 8, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in early 2020.
189. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking could occur in early 2020.
Note: Based on what is and is not known presently about this temple, it seems probable that a groundbreaking for it could be fit in during this window, if all goes well.
190. Tooele Valley Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; site location officially confirmed on September 25, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in early-to-mid 2020.
191. San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple: Planning and approval phase; site acquired (location not yet officially confirmed); groundbreaking could occur in early-to-mid 2020.
192 Managua Nicaragua Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2020.
193. Richmond Virginia Temple: Artist’s rendering and accompanying photographs released on August 28, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2020.
194. Auckland New Zealand Temple: Planning and approval phase; site location confirmed on May 21, 2019; groundbreaking could occur in mid-to-late 2020.
Note on announced temples: During 2019, I had reasons to repeatedly reevaluate the information I had available, and made further adjustments to this section following the completion of the revision process for the “Groundbreaking anticipated” section. I have felt that more information is needed on each of these temples before I offer any kind of estimate for their groundbreaking ceremonies. But as such information is made available, I will be sure to make further alterations to this section as needed.
Announced Temples (for which more information is needed before I provide a groundbreaking estimate):
195. Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation.
196. Moses Lake Washington Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation.
197. Bentonville Arkansas Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation.
198. Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple:: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; potential site acquired; awaiting official confirmation.
199. Salta Argentina Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site identified.
200. Mendoza Argentina Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site identified.
201. Salvador Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site identified.
202. Antofagasta Chile Temple: Planning and approval phase; potential site identified.
203. Washington County Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official city (and site) announcement.
204. Lagos Nigeria Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
205. Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
206. Davao Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
207. Pago Pago American Samoa Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
208. Okinawa City Okinawa (Japan) Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
209. Neiafu Tonga Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
210. Budapest Hungary Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
211. Freetown Sierra Leone Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
212. Orem Utah Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
213. Bacolod Philippines Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
214. McAllen Texas Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
215. Coban Guatemala Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
216. Taylorsville Utah Temple: Announced Saturday October 5, 2019; planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
217. Russia Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official city (and site) announcement.
Hello again, everyone! Sad news has been reported today via the Church News. Mac Christensen, owner of the Mr. Mac franchise, and longtime former president of what was then the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (now the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square) has passed away at the age of 85. The released information indicates he died yesterday. The Church News and KSL, which is owned by Bonneville, a Church affiliate, have reported on this with what is known and what is not known:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2019-10-12/tabernacle-choir-president-mac-christensen-164021
https://www.ksl.com/article/46654631/officials-weigh-in-on-death-of-mac-christensen-founder-of-mr-mac
My thanks once again to you all.
And another update has been reported on the Washington D.C. Temple, where the east parking lot has been paved, and where the visitor's center reflecting pool has been filled. I continue to monitor all Church news and temple updates and will do my level best to pass word of those along to you all as I receive it. In the meantime, thanks again, everyone!
ReplyDeleteHello again, everyone! Around 1.5 hours ago, the Church News shared a report on the one-session private rededication of the Raleigh North Carolina Temple, which took place earlier today. A few notes on that report before I share the web address for it: First of all, in the article, it notes that then-Elder Ballard was the one who accompanied Church President Gordon B. Hinckley to the original dedication of that temple. So as the only living apostle who participated in the original dedication of that temple, it is very appropriate and not surprising at all that now-President Ballard would be asked by current Church President Russell M. Nelson to return to privately rededicate that temple.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, President Ballard was accompanied to rededicate the temple by Elder Kevin R. Duncan, Exective Director of the Church's Temple Department, and his wife, Sister Nancy Duncan, along with North America Southeast Area President Elder James B. Martino and his wife, Sister Jennie Martino. Also in attendance was Elder Matthew S. Harding, an Area Seventy who serves in the regions of North Carolina covered by the Raleigh NC Temple district.
Thirdly, President Ballard made a few comments about the temple construction program of the Church and what President Nelson has done in terms of delegating the responsibility of presiding at temple dedications and rededications to his counselors and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He said, "The members of the Twelve are honored that [President Nelson] gives us some of these assignments to help lift some of the burden from his shoulders."
Of the inspired efforts President Nelson has made to bring temples to the people, President Ballard said, "The First Presidency has a sense of urgency to get the temples closer to the people so that they can take care of their family history and the temple work for those they love on the other side of the veil."
And in a final notable comment, President Ballard smiled when asked about his health, and a vigorous schedule that takes him all around the world. He then said, "I can't complain because President Nelson is 95--he's 4 years older than I am. I feel honored that the Lord has allowed me to stay and continue the work I'm engaged in. I'm thankful that I have enough energy and health so that I can continue to do my part. I hope I can hang around long enough to get it all done."
Having shared these highlights, the Church News article from which I have quoted here can be found at the following web address:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2019-10-13/raleigh-north-carolina-temple-dedication-president-ballard-164035
It is also worth noting that, as of the time at which this comment is being posted, the Church's official Newsroom has not yet shared a report on this rededication. But I will be keeping my eyes open for that update, and will provide it here ASAP after I find it. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
And apparently, within the last half-hour, the Church's official Newsroom released its' own report on the temple's rededication (although the details in that article are slightly more sparse than what was in the Church News article). You can read that report at the folowing web address:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/raleigh-north-carolina-temple-is-rededicated
Once again, my thanks to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
With Typhoon Hagibis having created widespread devastation throughout various areas of Japan, the Church News just provided a report on how members and missionaries in the areas affected by that typhoon. Apparently, the planned broadcasts at stake centers of last week's General Conference sessions were postponed, and the leadership of the Asia North Area attempted (but failed) to find a way to get to the affected areas to minister to the affected Saints and friends of other faiths. You can read more on that at the following web address:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2019-10-13/missionaries-and-members-reported-safe-in-tokyo-following-typhoon-hagibis-164027
My thanks again to you all.
coachodeeps, just a note here for you: Thanks for alerting me about the spam comment. I deleted it, but could not do so without also deleting your comment on it. Thank you for catching that.
ReplyDeleteHello again, everyone! After having to take a one-day hiatus from sharing any reports here due to ongoing illness, I wanted to note now some additional Church news stories which have been reported. They speak for themselves and follow below. Once again, my thanks to you all.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-10-14/israel-byu-elder-holland-jerusalem-center-164072
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-10-15/sister-eubank-mission-finland-career-service-lds-mormon-164226
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2019-10-14/ascuncion-paraguay-temple-open-house-lds-mormon-164074
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2019-10-14/hollywood-new-york-times-book-of-mormon-164185
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2019-10-14/raleigh-north-carolina-dedicatory-prayer-president-ballard-164175
And within the last 48 hours, the Church's official Newsroom has released the following two additional articles (one of which is an official statement):
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/democratic-republic-congo-eliminates-maternal-neonatal-tetanus
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-proposed-rule-sexual-orientation-gender-identity-change
In addition, I have a few temple-related updates to report as well. First, it appears as though construction has been fully completed on the Areqipa Peru Temple, which is now being made ready for its' open house. That open house will run for a 15-day period (excluding the relevant Sundays) from November 15-30. On top of that, I have reanalyzed the progress (and the lack thereof) on temples which are now or may soon be under construction, I have made the following adjustments to the general completion estimates for the following temples:
Given Pocatello Idaho's relatively consistent progress in comparison to the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple, I have put the former's completion (mid-to-late 2021) before the latter's (late 2021-early 2022). After Puerto Rico, I am estimating the completion of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple in early 2022, with the Belem Brazil Temple's completion now in early-to-mid 2022, and the temple in Quito Ecuador now moved back to mid=2022. I have also similarly shifted my estimate for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple's completion to during late 2022-early 2023. I estimate the completion of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple may occur in early 2023, with the completion of the Puebla Mexico Temple in mid-2023. And accordingly, I have readjusted my general estimate for the Bangkok Thailand Temple to mid-to-late 2023. I would love to be proven wrong in any of these adjustments, and will readjust them again as the need arises, but in the meantime, I am wanting to be more conservative in those estimates until I know for certain they might be off. In the meantime, my thanks again to you all.
And the following additional Church News article has been published:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2019-10-15/how-living-intentionally-can-help-you-with-living-the-word-of-wisdom-164294
Once again, my thanks to you all.