Hello again, everyone! As you are undoubtedly aware, the Church has recently habitually made major temple construction announcements nearly every Monday afternoon at some point during the 2:00 PM hour. Today's announcement relates to two temples in the western United States (Moses Lake Washington and Cody Wyoming). Let's get right into the details:
The opening arrangements have been set for the Moses Lake Washington Temple. A media day will be held on Monday, July 31, with VIP tours between Tuesday, August 1, and Thursday, August 3. The public open house will follow from Friday, August 4 to Saturday, August 19, 2023. That temple will then be dedicated on September 17, with Elder Quentin L. Cook presiding over the two dedicatory sessions, which will be held at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
As most of us might recall, the Church has already set the dedications for the Bentonville Arkansas and Brasilia Brazil Temples for September 17 as well. So that means that 3 temples of the Church will be dedicated on a single day, which is a first for the Church unless I am mistaken. The order of those dedications will be Brasilia Brazil, Bentonville Arkansas, and Moses Lake Washington.
I was honestly stunned by this announcement, as I had been expecting news on the Feather River California, Okinawa Japan, Bangkok Thailand, and Lima Peru Los Olivos Temples before anything was announced for Moses Lake. Even though I wasn't expecting this announcement now, 3 temple dedications held on the same date will be wonderful and may suggest that more temples could be dedicated this year than I had projected previously.
That being said, we move on now to the news about the Cody Wyoming Temple. The single-story edifice, which will be roughly 9,950 square feet, will rise on the northwest side of Skyline Drive at Cody Canal. Based on that, either a slightly-downscaled modular design could be used, or the Church could opt to use two dual-purpose ordinance rooms which could serve alternately as either endowment or sealing rooms as the need and schedule may require.
That temple was the final one in the US originally announced in October 2021. So the only US temples remaining in the queue of those without an announcement now include 2 from April of last year and 3 from last October. With 68 announced temples in the current queue, today's announcement brings the number of temples with no information officially confirmed down to 37. I am certain that number will decrease further in the two Mondays remaining before General Conference weekend.
The better question is how soon we might hear news on any other temple openings, and that's a harder question to answer. I think we could see at least one or two more dedications, groundbreakings, and/or site locations announced in those two weeks. And if the Church is setting a new precedent of 3 temple dedications in one day, it's not s stretch to believe that 4 or 5 could potentially take place over a two-week period.
Whatever might happen in that regard, I am keeping my eyes open for all such updates, and will be sure to pass them along to you all here as I become aware thereof. In the meantime, that does it for now. All comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated on any post at any time, as long as the offered feedback is made per the established guidelines.
I hope any of you who would like to share anything will take your opportunity to “sound off” in the comments below. Please subscribe if you liked what you read here and would like to be informed of newly-added posts and comments. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
James, this will interest you: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/03/13/lds-church-president-russell/
ReplyDeleteMichael, you are correct. That is wonderful news, and not a surprise at all. Our prophet has made numerous public appearances with the NAACP and has spoken out on racial issues several times. What a remarkable honor for an equally remarkable man. Thanks so much for sharing this.
DeleteHello again, everyone! Here are the Church News reports on today's major temple construction developments:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2023/3/13/23636186/moses-lake-washington-temple-dedication-open-house-third-that-day
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2023/3/13/23625216/first-presidency-site-cody-wyoming-temple
Two additional reports were shared before today's temple updates:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/13/23631935/sarah-jane-weaver-relief-society-anniversary-why-studying-past-shape-the-future
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/13/23634700/laguna-beach-bishop-samuelian-snow-lake-arrowhead-california
And three other reports from the Church News were subsequently also released after today's announcement:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/13/23637481/elder-neil-andersens-brazil-ministering-lds-faith
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/13/23638318/jaren-hall-byu-quarterback-nfl-combine-faith-lds-mormon-football
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/13/23637892/utah-valley-university-college-basketball-mark-madsen-nit-new-mexico
My thanks once gain to you all.
On this Tuesday, the Church News has shared 1 new update:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/14/23639633/native-american-indigenous-members-gathering-of-tribes-mesa-arizona
It also looks like there are major updates in temple construction for today, and some of that will include revising my estimates yet again for temple events in the next year. While I cannot confirm all the changes that have been made since I last posted updates, I know for sure that a new update on the Lima Peru Los Olivos Teple sometime yesterday indicated that major construction is completed:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/lima-peru-los-olivos-temple/
Also, given the fact that the Church scheduled the Moses Lake Washington Temple dedication sooner than I expected, and that 3 temples will be dedicated on the same day for the first time in Church history, I wanted to share some updated thoughts about the timing of upcoming temple dedications or rededications. I recently received information indicating that the earliest the Okinawa Japan Temple might have an open house is September. If that is the case, it seems likely that an October dedication may be set for the Feather River California, Okinawa Japan, Bangkok Thailand, and (possibly) Lima Peru Los Olivos Temples. I'd anticipate at least two of those dedications could be set for the same day.
It's also possible that the dedication of the McAllen Texas Temple could be set for an unexpected earlier window than anticipated. With the Moses Lake Washington Temple dedication being set yesterday, the completion estimate for the McAllen Texas Temple was pushed up to early-to-mid 2023, while the estimate for the Urdaneta Philippines Temple was shifted up to mid-2023, with Red Cliffs Utah and Puebla Mexico moved up to mid-to-late 2023, leaving the other 3 Utah Temples (Layton, Orem, and Taylorsville) with an estimate of late 2023.
Also, the latest update on the St. George Utah Temple appears to indicate renovations are wrapping up there:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/st.-george-utah-temple/
With a completion estimate of mid-2023, we also know that that temple was the first one dedicated after the Saints entered the Salt Lake Valley. Because of its' status as a pioneer-era temple, I think that temple might have a more lengthy open house and multiple dedicatory sessions over several days. It wouldn't shock me at all if all 3 First Presidency members attended that dedication, with each member responsible for presiding at, conducting, and offering the prayer to rededicate that temple. But I'd also anticipate Elder Holland, a St. George native, will likely have a key role in both the rededication of the St. George Utah Temple and the dedication of the Red Clifffs Utah Temple.
DeleteWhat that might mean for the timing of both events is less clear. I've been back and forth on which of the two events might occur first. And given the fact that 3 other temple dedications have been set for one day, that could mean all of these dedications coming up in the queue might happen sooner than I've projected. So as I said earlier in this comment, I think we might see an October dedication for Feather River, Okinawa, and Bangkok Thailand Temples (given the unexpected announcement on Moses Lake Washington, McAllen might potentially have an October dedication as well), with an October/November dedication for the Los Olivos Temple.
While I'd project the St. George Utah Temple might be rededicated in November or December, it could be the first temple rededicated in early 2024. With that in mind, a November window could be used for the dedications of the Urdaneta Philippines, Red Cliffs Utah, and Puebla Mexico Temples, with the dedications of the final 3 Utah temples (Layton, Orem, and Taylorsville) on the two Sundays in December and/or the first or second Sunday in January of next year.
DeleteOf course, these are just my own thoughts. Unless and until the First Presidency confirms, corrects, or clarifies the timing for any of these events, I would discourage any of you from taking them as gospel. I claim no inspiration on things like this, as that is not in my purview or prerogative. Whether I am correct or incorrect on any of these guesstimates, I rejoice in whatever will be announced to occur whenever those announcements may come, and I will pass them along to you all here as time and circumstances allow. I will be sure to pass along any additional updates from the Church News, Newsroom, or Church of Jesus Christ Temples sites later today as they cross my radar. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
While I was composing my comments above, the Church News shared the latest edition of its' podcast:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/14/23639560/church-news-podcast-episode-127-mesa-temple-events-jill-bishop-adair-mesa-easter-pageant
The Mesa Easter Pageant is one that is still being held:
https://mesatemple.org/mesa-arizona-easter-pageant-officials-announce-the-return-of-the-mesa-easter-pageant-in-april-2022/
My thanks once again to you all.
Here are two more reports from the Church News:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/14/23634422/elder-gerrit-w-gong-sister-gong-young-adult-panel-rootstech-2023
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/14/23639856/sister-craig-ensign-college-devotional-win-the-wait
And here is a Newsroom report on the conclusion of Elder Neil L. Andersen's recent 12-day ministry trip to various states and cities in Brazil:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-neil-l-andersen-ministers-in-brazil
My thanks once again to you all.
Sorry. It was a 9-day ministry trip for Elder Andersen, not 12-day. I apologize for that error in my previous comment. Thanks again.
DeleteUpdates have been noted today on the construction status of the Bangkok Thailand, Orem Utah, Casper Wyoming, Alabang Philippines, Willamette Valley Oregon, Ephraim Utah, St. George Utah, and Manti Utah Temples:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/bangkok-thailand-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/orem-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/casper-wyoming-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/alabang-philippines-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/willamette-valley-oregon-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/ephraim-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/st.-george-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/manti-utah-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Wednesday, the Church News has shared the following new reports, each of which speaks for itself:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2023/3/15/23635750/first-presidency-gradual-return-normal-temple-operations-1-year-anniversary
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/15/23639687/byu-idaho-devotional-elder-peter-m-johnson-doctrine-of-christ-offers-power-to-overcome
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/15/23640775/president-nelson-gandhi-king-mandela-peace-prize-morehouse-college-atlanta
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/15/23634804/primary-music-at-church-and-home-singing-time
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/15/23641714/president-russell-ballard-lord-blessed-preach-testify-witness-jesus-is-savior-redeemer
My thanks once again to you all.
An update has been provided on the status of the Neiafu Tonga Temple:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/neiafu-tonga-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
A news story on KSL just reported that the Church has donated several of its' Salt Lake Valley water shares to the city as part of the effort to preserve (and if necessary, save and rehabilitate) the Great Salt Lake. While that update is not yet available through KSL's website, a report from the Deseret News confirms this development:
Deletehttps://www.deseret.com/utah/2023/3/15/23641544/church-of-jesus-christ-the-mormons-makes-water-shares-donation-for-the-great-salt-lake
Meanwhile, the Newsroom reports that Sister Rebecca L. (Becky) Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, are visiting Cape Verde, the Baltic States, and England:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/women-general-officers-discuss-humanitarian-initiatives-with-cabo-verdes-first-lady
And the Church News has shared an announcement about BYU Women's Conference, identifying the keynote speakers:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/15/23641739/byu-womens-conference-2023-keynote-presenters
This year's lineup includes the Friday May 5 keynote address by Relief Society General President Sister Camille N. Johnson on Friday May 5, while her respective First and Second Counselors, Sisters J. Anette Dennis and Kristin M. Yee, will speak on Wednesday May 3. The speaker on Thursday May 4 will be Sister Irene Caso, who serves in the Church Communications Departent as the Media Relations Manager.
My thanks once again to you all.
Here is one more Church News report:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/15/23641483/bless-the-world-through-faith-byu-devotional-paul-v-johnson
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Thursday, the Church News has shared 2 new reports which speak for themselves:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2023/3/16/23634365/5-donations-in-brazil-hospital-playgrounds-wheelchairs-flood-victims
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history/2023/3/16/23632793/lost-pioneer-journal-joseph-crossley-martin-handcart-company-donated-church-lds
And a new president and matron have been called for the Guayaquil Ecuador Temple:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2023/3/16/23639592/guayaquil-ecuador-temple-president-and-matron-calderon
The incoming president is a former area seventy and currently serves as a temple sealer. He and his wife have also served in a range of capacities on the ward and stake level. With the call of these new leaders, 44 temples have had new leaders identified this year. But it appears likely that we will see a few more new leaders named for a minimum of 9 currently-operating temples and a minimum of 8 new temples that will have their first leaders named. Here is an updated copy of my documet tracking the affected temples:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZFxVX_M7JfchmzNG_7QAMP00a6jLLvfZjFIy-ka1Ut0/edit?usp=sharing
My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has shared a new video:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/16/23633047/video-president-ballard-mission-england-my-preparation
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Friday, the Church News has reported that public open house tickets are now available for the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2023/3/17/23645332/saratoga-springs-utah-temple-open-house-reservations-tours
Since today also marks the 181st anniversary of the establishment of the Relief Society, the Relief Society General Presidency has invited women to reflect on how the organization has influenced their lives:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/17/23643385/relief-society-181st-birthday-worldwide-sisterhood
The Newsroom and the Church News have both shared remarks from Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, who addressed the Church's efforts to conserve water as part of being good global citizens. That is a continuation of the Presiding Bishopric's assignment to see how the Church can help improve the environment (which was first referened by Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse in the Saturday Evening Session of General Conference last October):
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/bishop-waddell-great-salt-lake-water-conservation-church-jesus-christ
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/17/23644981/bishop-christopher-waddell-talks-church-water-conservation-donation
And the Church has shared two new biographies for incoming mission leaders:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2023/3/17/23638682/new-mission-presidents-of-argentina-mendoza-colorado-springs-missions
As I always note, each individual has served extensively in the Church, and each couple has also shared assignments in the past. 1 of the incoming mission presidents currently serves as a stake president, while the other is a member of the stake high council. Since these two new biographies were published today, that leaves 21 couples who have not yet been featured (unless I am mistaken). My thanks once again to you all.
Here is one more Newsroom report:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/relief-society-181st-anniversary-women-reflect-blessings-sisterhood
And 3 additional Church News reports speak for themselves:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/17/23644822/relief-society-181st-birthday-photos-past-and-present
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2023/3/17/23644858/josie-williams-louisville-womens-college-basketball-ncaa-tournament-march-madness-lds
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2023/3/17/23643807/sister-browning-craven-europe-north-cape-verde-latvia-lithuania-england-come-unto-christ
My thanks once again to you all.
The latest edition of "This Week on Social" has been published:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/17/23640766/this-week-on-social-relief-society-general-president-service-primary-general-president-baptism
In the most recent installent, the following general Church leaders had content featured: Elders Dieter F. Uchtdorf (who wrote about his recent visit to Dubai UAE), D. Todd Christofferson (who focused on his recent visit to Liberia and how the Saints are preparing for the temple in Monrovia), and Neil L. Andersen (who posted about his recent visit to several Brazilaian Saints); Relief Society General President Sister Camille N. Johnson; and Primary General President Sister Susan H. Porter and her respective First and Second Counselors, Sisters Amy A. Wright and Tracy Y. Browning.
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Saturday, the Church News has shared two new reports:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/18/23642792/sarah-jane-weaver-urgency-early-latter-day-saint-missionaries-parley-p-pratt-morning-breaks
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2023/3/18/23640545/music-the-spoken-word-let-us-all-press-on
My thanks once again to you all.
I show only 5 remaining Mission leaders that have not had their bios published. Adriatic South, Arkansas Little Rock, California Roseville, Cape Verde Praia, and Washington Tacoma
DeleteScott, thanks for your comment. You are correct. Between the time I last posted an update on my running tally and now, someone else kindly led me to information that indicated I had not counted one group of 16 leader biographies. There are indeed a minimum of 5 mission leader couples remaining that have not been featured in the Church News. I say "a minimum" because if any current mission leaders (presidents or mission mothers) are called as General Authorities or General Officers of the Church, or to any of their advisory councils, they will be released and replaced in their mission assignents. Thanks again. I always appreciate hearing from you.
Delete