Hello again, everyone! As I predicted, today, the Church announced the latest major temple construction update has been announced. But contrary to what I had supposed, today's announcement did not include opening arrangements for the Red Cliffs Utah Temple. Instead, the First Presidency confirmed the site location and preliminary information for the Bakersfield California Temple, and an exterior rendering for the Cleveland Ohio Temple.
Let's break down the details: The Bakersfield California Temple was announced in April of this year. In addition to the 30,000-square-foot single-story temple, the Church will also be building a distribution center and a new meetinghouse at the northwest corner of Jewetta Avenue and Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield. Meanwhile, the site location and preliminary information were confirmed for the Cleveland Ohio Temple on December 19 of last year.
The single-story temple of approximately 9,950 square feet will be built south of Longano Dr., Independence, Cuyahoga County. The current status of that temple suggests it is another that is being fast-tracked to the construction phase. The exterior rendering does not suggest this will be another modular temple, but since it is a smaller one, and because approvals are well underway for it, hopefully we will see a groundbreaking announcement soon.
In view of today's announcement, of the 79 announced temples, 46 have not yet had official information confirmed. Having covered these developments, I wanted to post a few thoughts about the timing for the opening arrangements for the next few temples. The announcement of opening arrangements for the Orem Utah Temple was made on Tuesday, June 20, with a dedication set for January 21, 2024.
If we assume that the Red Cliffs Utah Temple dedication will have a similar length of time between the announcement of opening arrangements and the subsequent dedication, and we assume that the opening arrangements for that temple will be released next week, the dedication of the Red Cliffs Utah Temple is likely to be held sometime in March.
I still don't know whether construction for the Puebla Mexico Temple is still being halted by the government, but we do know that that temple, in addition to those in Layton Utah, Salta Argentina, and Coban Guatemala, is nearing completion. So I think the Layton temple could be dedicated in either March or April, the Salta temple in April, the Coban temple in April or May, and the Puebla Temple in May.
The next 3 temples likely to be dedicated are, in order, Casper Wyoming, Taylorsville Utah, and Urdaneta Philippines, with a May or June window for Casper, a June window for Taylorsville, and a late June or early August dedication for the Urdaneta temple. Of course, these are no more and no less than my own projections, and they are subject to confirmation, correction, or clarification by an official announcement from the Church.
Whatever might happen with temple construction updates, you can count on my bringing word thereof to you all as I receive it. I also am continuing to monitor all Church News and Newsroom updates and will likewise pass word of those along to you all here as I receive it. 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.
The Church News also covered today's major temple update. Other updates from the Church News include: a new article from Church News editor Sister Sarah Jane Weaver, highlighting 6 steps to become true disciples of Jesus Christ; coverage on this year's Nauvoo and British pageants, both held in Nauvoo, Illinois; and Part One of a two-part Church News podcast series, featuring teachings from apostles and members of the Missionary Executive Council during the recent Seminar for New Mission Leadership.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any additional temple construction updates, I will be sure to pass those along ASAP, along with anything else new from the Church News and Newsroom. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
Two other new reports have been shared by the Newsroom today. The first such report talks about the Church partnering with other faith and government leaders in Mbuji-Mayi Democratic Republic of the Congo to promote marriage, while the second report shares how the Choula Vista California government named a day in honor and recognition of a Latter-day Saint Special Olympics Athlete. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAn update has been noted on the Deseret Peak Utah Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Wednesday, the Newsroom has shared a new report about a Family Search Booth in Buenos Aires Argentina that was recently visited by tens of thousands. The Church News has shared a few new reports as well. A Latter-day Saint returned missionary, who is preparing to be a father, will play professional basketball in Germany. Primary General President Susan H. Porter spoke at this week's Provo MTC devotional, providing 4 witnessess that can prevent the faith of those missionaries to wane. Nadia Gavarrett provides the next article in the Pioneers in Our Families series. And Church News staff writer Kaitlyn Bancroft shares what she learned from reading Acts 17 on Mars' Hill in Athens, Greece.
ReplyDeleteAbove and beyond that, while I haven't checked for any other temple updates, the Church Temples site reported today that construction is officially undeway for the Queretaro Mexico Temple. So now, we are just awaiting the start of construction on the Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo, Heber Valley Utah, Torreon Mexico, Port Vila Vanuatu, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, and Belo Horizonte Brazil Temples. My thanks once again to you all.
On this Thursday, the Newsroom has shared how new organic gardens will nourish the minds and bodies of children in Peru. Meanwhile, the Church News has shared a report on the first Sunday meetings that have recently been held in a jail facility in Cape Verde; Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, shares her journey of faith and how the Lord guides her in a new Church News video; and two Nigerian districts recently hosted baptisms for a total of 110 new Church members. Those two services were held in June and July. That's significant.
DeleteAbove and beyond these reports, changes have been noted in the queue of temples under construction. The Antofagasta Chile Temple has moved ahead of the Auckland New Zealand Temple in that queue. Both the Deseret Peak Utah Temple and the Antofagasta Chile Temple are now anticipated to be completed in mid-to-late 2024. The Auckland New Zealand Temple is now anticipated to be the first one completed in late 2024, along with the Farmington New Mexico, San Pedro Sula Honduras, and Alabang Philippines Temples.
And while the estimates for the Syracuse Utah and Burley Idaho Temples remain at late 2024-early 2025, the latter has been moved ahead of the former. If there are any temple construction status updates or further updates from the Newsroom or the Church News, I will be sure to pass those along ASAP. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
Aside from the aforementioned changes in the construction queue, an update has been noted today for the Davao Philippines Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteFuneral services were held as scheduled for Sister Patricia Terry Holland on this Friday. The Newsroom and the Church News shared highlights from the funeral, which included remarks from all three Holland children. During the remarks of GA Seventy Elder Matthew S. Holland, he read a statement written by his dad regarding the passing of his beloved companion. The funeral is well worthy of your time and attention.
DeleteThe Church News also provided a look at the 81 stakes in the four eastern states along the Rocky Mountains. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has shared the story of a Latter-day Saint paracycler who is preparing for a worldwide championship race that will be held in Scotland. And the latest edition of "This Week on Social" has been publihed as well.
DeleteOddly enough, this latest edition does not include any posts from our apostles. But the following General Officers of the Church had content featured: Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and her Second Counselor, Sister Kristin M. Yee; outgoing Young Women General President Bonne H. Cordon (whose service will conclude on Tuesday of next week) and her outgoing Second Counselor, Sister Rebecca L. (Becky) Craven; Sisters Amy A. Wright and Tracy Y. Browning, the respective First and Second Counselors in the Primary General Presidency;; and Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace. My thanks once again to you all.
A construction status update has been noted for the Davao Philippines Temple. Above and beyond that, by way of reminder, tomorrow at the end of the day, the San Diego California Temple will close for its' renovation. The details on the extent and length of this renovation are scant and sparse. As that process gets underway, I will be sure to pass along any additional updates that may be provided. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Saturday, the Newsroom reports on a recent interfaith prayer event hosted by the Church, at which the current Peruvian president, Dina Boluarte, was in attendance. It was heartening to see this report. While I don't know if this will be the case, hopefully the event enables greater dialogue between religious and political leaders, which could then lead to the Church potentially having an easier time getting approvals for the temples announced in Cusco, Chiclayo, and Iquitos Peru in the last 3 General Conferences.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, this just in from the Church News: a report on the graveside services that occurred this morning in St. George for Sister Patricia T. Holland. Elder Holland's GA Seventy son, Elder Matthew S. Holland, conducted the graveside services, and he and his sister, Mary Alice, spoke. The grave was dedicated by David F. Holland. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland took some time afterwards to greet family and friends in attendance before he had to get out of the mid-summer heat.
The Church News also shared the text of the "Spoken Word" message that will be given during this weekend's English and Spanish broadcasts of "Music and the Spoken Word" (with message author Lloyd Newell doing that in English, and Garna Mejia doing so in the first ever Spanish broadcast. Details about how to watch that Spanish pilot broadcast.
The final Church News report shares information about the first-ever FSY event in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I will keep my eyes open for other updates from the Newsroom and the Church News. In the interim, at the end of the day today, as noted in my comment above, the San Diego California Temple will close for its' renovation process. According to information from the news page for that temple, the purposes of the renovation will be to enlarge ordinance rooms, remediate leakage problems with the roof and windows, and repurpose the cafeteria and dining areas.
While the Church has not indicated what the cafeteria and dining areas of the temple will be repurposed for, given the size of the temple (72,000 square feet), I would not be shocked if the Church opts to put a second baptstry in those spaces. That is just a guess on my part, based on what we've seen recently for other temples, and I don't have an official source to corroborate that. So for now, please regard that suggestion as merely my own best projection, based on what is and isn't known. Because the temple is a similar size to the Orem, Layton, Taylorsville, Syracuse, Lindonm and reconstructed Provo Utah Temples, I would assume that is a strong possibility. My thanks once again to you all.
It's also worth mentioning that, based on what is now known about the renovation plans for the San Diego California Temple, I would assume the renovation process will take roughly 3-4 years, which would yield a rededication estimate of late 2026 or sometime in 2027. Stay tuned for more on that as I find out about it. Thanks again, everyone!
DeleteOn this Sabbath Day, the Newsroom reported that the Spanish edition of Music & the Spoken Word" premiered today as scheduled. The Church News has reported 6 new stake presidencies, a look at the growth of the Church in Vanuatu; what Church leaders and religious scholars have said about the Come Follow Me lesson material for this week; and recapped the top 9 developments reported within the last week in the latest edition of "In Case You Missed It". My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteThe latest construction status updates on the Puebla Mexico, Layton Utah, Salta Argentina, and Coban Guatemala Temples suggest that each of them is getting closer to completion. Since I haven't heard anything further on the Puela Mexico Temple, I'm going to assume that this latest update is likely the verification that the construction suspension is now over.
DeleteSo we have the Red Cliffs Utah Temple (which may have opening arrangements announced tomorrow or Tuesday) and these four that could all see opening arrangements announced soon. I don't know if the four temples have been furnished or not, but I'm inclined to believe that the next 4-8 weeks could see opening arrangements announced for each of the 5 total I have named. If I am correct in that, I think their dedications could be set to occur in March-May of next year.
I'm not sure what to expect or hope for. There is recent precedent for the Church to dedicate two or more temples on the same calendar day, and we have also seen dedications spaced out by 1-3 week increments. There might even be a possibility (however remote) that the Church could dedicate each of these temples sooner than I think. I would be elated if that turns out to be the case. My thanks once again to you all.
On this Monday, when the next major temple construction announcement is expected within the next 35-40 minutes or so, the Newsroom and the Church News have reported on the start of open house tours for the Moses Lake Washington Temple.
DeleteBy way of a disclaimer, I'm not convinced that is the sum and total of the temple news today. So I will cover anything else that is announced within the next hour or less. Today also marks the birthday of Primary General President Susan H. Porter.The Church News also shares the inspiring story of how a woman lost her job, was led to return to Church activity, and has since started a nonprofit organization. My thanks once again to you all.
No new temple construction announcements thus far. Either that will come later this hour, later today, or perhaps tomorrow (if Tuesday becomes the new day for such updates). My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteWith the 2:00 PM hour winding down, unless the Church shares a temple update later today (such as releasing the information about a temple while taking into account the time difference between where those temples are located and the time here in Utah), any other temple announcement will either wait until next week or be released tomorrow. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteNo new temple construction announcements today, so i assume that will occur tomorrow. In the interim, the Church News has confirmed the closure for the San Diego California Temple is in effect, and the the Church News and the Newsroom have shared one new report apiece. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteLate last night, the Church News reported on how "Helping Hands" were assisting with humanitarian aid and cleanup following recent flooding in Vermont. My thanks once again to you all,
DeleteOn this Tuesday, when we are likely roughly an hour away from an anticipated temple construction announcement, the Newsroom and the Church News have reported that Elder Ulisses Soares is currently on assignment in Brazil, where he will lead the initial tours of the Brasilia Brazil Temple. As previously noted, Elder Neil L. Andersen will dedicate that temple on September 17, due to his past service in that region's area presidency, so it's nice that the Church has asked our native Brazilian apostle to lead the initial tours of that temple.
ReplyDeleteOpen house reservations are now available for the Bangkok Thailand Temple, and the article covering that update also notes that the Brasilia Brazil, Feather River California, and McAllen Texas Temples aren't using a reservation system for their respective open houses. Basically anyone wanting to participate in those can come as they are available during the open house dates.
More information is available online about all upcoming temple open houses. And the Church News has also provided an introduction to the new Young Women General Presidency, as they begin their formal service today. Outgoing general president Bonnie H. Cordon has been succeeded by Sister Emily Belle Freeman, outgoing First Counselor Michelle D. Craig has been succeeded by Sister Tamara W. Runia, and outgoing Second Counselor Rebecca L. (Becky) Craven has been succeeded by Sister Andrea M. Spannaus.
And finally, the Church News and The Newsroom just reported a major change coming to Church magazine subscriptions: print copies will be available to all at no cost. That effort will start today, with the option avaialble to households in the Asia North and North America West Areas.
On December 1, 2023, that option will be available to households in the Africa Central, Africa South, Africa West, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe Central, Europe East, Europe North, Mexico, Middle East/Africa North, Pacific, Philippines, South America Northwest and South America South Areas. And on February 1 of next year, that program rolls out to the North America Central, North America Northeast, North America Southeast, North America Southwest and Utah Areas. My thanks once again to you all.
I failed to mention that plans to roll out this program in the Brazil Area have been delayed, and the Church will announce the availability of that option for that area once it is determined. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe latest edition of the Church News podcast was released a few hours ago. This week, that podcast covered Part Two of a recap of the recent Seminar for New Mission Leadership. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteI was surprised to see that Elder Meredith is still serving as the 1st Counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency while serving as the BYUI President.
ReplyDeleteWith that area being administered from Church headquarters, and the Church more fully embracing the use of technology, I'm sure Elder Meredith can continue his work with that presidency remotely. It's also possible that the area leadership assignments were made before they called him as BYU-Idaho President, in which case a change could occur in the near future. Either seems equally likely. Thanks, Scott.
DeleteAnother interesting note with the August 1st changes. I had assumed Henry J. Eyring would switch Quorums with his release as BYUI President. According to CDOL he has been released as an Area Seventy. There have been a couple of Quorum changes with some other Area 70s. I will email you the list of the current Quorums once I know.
DeleteHe is still on the official list of area Seventies, under the North America Central Area. Following the conclusion of his tenure at BYU-Idaho, he is relocating to Utah, where he will resume academic research and probably help his father and siblings take care of his ailing mother. If he has been released, that may be acknowledged in October. Since most other changes in area Seventies have already been noted, I assume that the Saturday afternoon sustaining process will only consist of the standard sustaining of our First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the acknowledged release and sustaining of only a few other area Seventies. I was just going over my own documents this week and noted some changes on the Church's list of area Seventies.Looking forward to your email. Thanks, Scott!
DeleteOn this Wednesday, I had an extended trip up to the Salt Lake Valley that consumed most of my focus today. Having since returned, I am pleased to be able to share some Church News and Newsroom updates, along with one known temple update. Let's get right into it. Firstly, the Church has reported on the death of yet another full-time missionary. The Church has also reported on the massive turnout of media and government representatives at the VIP/Media tours for the Brasilia Brazil Temple.
ReplyDeleteThe Church News has also provided an update on the planned Utah YSA Conference and shared 6 ways to disagree in a Christlike manner, which were mentioned by Church President Russell M. Nelson on social media. And in a surprising development, not only is full-scale construction underway on the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple, but it is expected to be completed in late 2025 and has been moved up the queue to now be between the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple and the Smithfield Utah Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
James, thank you for the updates.
ReplyDeleteNo problem, Chris! Thanks for your longtime readership and friendship.
DeleteOn this Thursday, the Newsroom and the Church News have provided an update on the health of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. According to the update, he is currently hospitalized for observation and ongoing treatment, I assume for his kidney condition. I don't know what the prognosis is, and I hope he pulls through. It's not uncommon for spouses to pass away within a short time of one another, but it's also not uncommon for a surviving spouse to live for several years after their companion's passing. I will keep my eyes open for any additional information on this and will be sure to pass that along to you all here.
ReplyDeleteTurning now to other updates, the Church News has also reported on the released information for the 2023 Luz de las Naciones and Janice Kapp Perry has shared the backstory of how she authored so many songs for Primary children. I will share any additional Newsroom and Church News updates, along with the latest new temple construction status reports as those cross my radar. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
Right out of the gate, the new Young Women General Presidency has posted on their social media accounts, inviting young women worldwide to join a new Facebook group especially for them. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAs many of you might be aware, when the 2023 area leadership assignments were originally announced, it was noted that Elder Alvin F. "Trip" Meredith III would continue to serve as First Counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area. Due to his subsequent assignment as the 18th president of BYU-Idaho, effective August 1, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, a native of Brazil, will be the new First Counselor in that area presidency. That information has been verified on the CDOL. If I find an official source from the Church confirming this, I will be sure to pass that along here. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAs many of you might be aware, when the 2023 area leadership assignments were originally announced, it was noted that Elder Alvin F. "Trip" Meredith III would continue to serve as First Counselor in the Middle East/Africa North Area. Due to his subsequent assignment as the 18th president of BYU-Idaho, effective August 1, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, a native of Brazil, will be the new First Counselor in that area presidency. That information has been verified on the CDOL. If I find an official source from the Church confirming this, I will be sure to pass that along here. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAnd on this Friday, only one new report has been published thus far by the Church News today. I am hopeful that the latest edition of "This Week on Social" might be published at some point this afternoon or evening. With no additional reports from the Newsroom thus far today either, if there are any new temple construction updates, I will be sure to pass those along to you all here ASAP. Thanks again, everyone!
DeleteA construction status update has been provided for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAs anticipated, the latest edition of "This Week on Social" was published this afternoon. Featured in this latest edition were social media posts from the following general Church leaders: Church President Russell M. Nelson;Elders Quentin L. Cook and Ronald A. Rasband all of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson; the outgoing Young Women General Presidency (Sisters Bonnie H. Cordon and her respective First and Second Counselors, Sisters Michelle D. Craig and Rebecca L. (Becky) Craven) (who each introduced their successors in the new Young Women General Presidency (Sisters Emily Belle Freeman and her respective First and Second Counselors, Tamara W. Runia and Andrea M. Spannaus)); and the entire Primary General Presidency (Sisters Susan H. Porter, Amy A. Wright, and Tracy Y. Browning).
DeleteAside from that latest edition, the Church News also shared how training in Nigeria is helping to curb infant mortality challenges. My thanks once again to you all.
On this Saturday, the Church News has shared three new reports. An Employment Services missionary has shared life-changing resources. Representatives of the Church in Mexico donated equipment and support for 4 soup kitches and 11 migrant shelters. The Church News has also shared the text of the message that will be delivered as part of tomorrow's Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteA status update has been reported on the Managua Nicaragua Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
Delete