Hello again, everyone! This afternoon, the First Presidency announced a groundbreaking for the Tulsa Oklahoma Temple and also announced the site location, released the exterior rendering, and set a groundbreaking ceremony for the Victoria Britsh Columbia Temple. Let's get right into the details:
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Tulsa Oklahoma Temple will take place on Saturday, August 22, under the presiding direction of Elder Pedro X. Larreal of the United States Southwest Area Presidency. The groundbreaking announcement follows the temple's October 2023 announcement, with the site location confirmed in mid-August 2024, and the rendering released in mid-October 2025.
We now turn to the Victoria British Columbia Temple, which will rise on a 4.7-acre site along Mantle Heights Road, Langford, British Columbia, Canada. The single-story edifice will be approximately 11,400 square feet and will feature a patron waiting area. The temple's exterior rendering has been released, and I will let that rendering speak for itself. But if any of you have any comments about the rendering, I would love to read your insights. That temple's groundbreaking is also set to occur on Saturday, August 22, 2026, but it will be under the presiding direction of Elder James E. Evanson of the Canada Area Presidency.
Given that the two groundbreakings are on the same date, I looked into the order in which they might be conducted, and Tulsa Oklahoma time is ahead of Victoria British Columbia time, so I assume the groundbreakings will be in the same order in which they were announced today. This brings the total number of groundbreakings for this year to 12 so far, and there are surely more on the way, so I still think there's a good chance that 2026 groundbreakings will outpace 2025 groundbreakings.
I am grateful for these announcements and the chance to share them with you all here. I invite you all to stay tuned here for my coverage of the latest updates from the Church News, Newsroom, and Church of Jesus Christ Temples sites. I’ll be sure to pass word of those along to you all as soon as I learn about them. 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 all such 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. If you liked what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added posts and comments, please subscribe to receive the applicable updates.
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 the groundbreakings, in addition to reporting on teachings from Elder Patrick Kearon at the Seminar for New Mission Leaderhip. I am reasonably certain that caps the coverage of the seminar in question. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteIn Utah, a special conference will be held for single adults 46 and older. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteI have also updated my list of temples for which the confirmation of any official information is pending. My thanks once again to you all.
Deletethe Church News has shared one more update that speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Tuesday, the Church News has shared study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, in addition to a call for submissions, and one other report that speaks for itself. Meanwhile, the Newsroom reports on a significant milestone for the Salt Lake Temple as renovations on that sacred edifice are nearing completion. The open house runs from Monday, April 5=Friday, October 1, 2027, with reservations for that landmark open house being made available on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe 300th episode of the Church News podcast features the podcast's three main hosts: current Church News editor Jon Ryan Jensen, current Church News reported Mary Richards, and former Church News and current Deseret News editor Sarah Jane Weaver. That podcast is well worthy of your time and attention. I have also updated my document showing the updated general completion order for temples now under construction or undergoing renovations. Those updates will be reflected in my mid-way 2026 temple construction review that will be posted here in the late-night hours when June 30 transitions into July 1. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteYesterday evening, the Church News shared their coverage of the latest update on the Salt Lake Temple renovation/ Fast forward to today, and a few new reports were shared: study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by Elder Aaron T. Hall, the origin story for the new hymn "Long Ago, Within a Garden"; and one other report, which speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAlso, an update was reported on the Vancouver Washington Temple today. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteA family of four is serving concurrent Spanish-speaking missions in Peru, Chile, and Oklahoma. If you have any watch party photographs from the Tabernacle Choir's Hollywood Bowl performance, the Church News wants to hear from you. And a new Church News video highlights the reanhanging of the front doors of the Salt Lake Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Caribbean Area Presidency has released a statement about the earthquakes that recently occurred in Venezuela. Church leaders have invited youth worldwide to participate in what they're dubbing "music experiences".
DeleteAdditionally, the Church News reports on the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's performances at the Hollywood Bowl. Leaders of the Church have joined the European parliament for seminars on artificial intelligence (AI) and human relationships. And the Church News has provided study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by President Susan H. Porter, the outgoing Primary General President. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has shared one additional update that speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteIt appears that the Florianópolis Brazil Temple rendering was revealed at a devotional last week Tuesday (June 16). https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/assets/img/temples/florianopolis-brazil-temple/florianopolis-brazil-temple-72211.jpg
ReplyDeleteNoah, thanks for sharing this. It makes sense that the rendering was revealed locally, given that temple's current status. Since temple announcements have been localized now, it makes sense that announcements about the location, rendering, or even groundbreaking(s) could similarly be locally revealed before they are officially confirmed. With that temple's current status, including the revealed rendering, in mind, that may put Florianopolis at the top of the list of temples awaiting a groundbreaking announcement. Thanks for sharing this, Noah! I always appreciate hearing from you.
DeleteOn the topic of Brazilian temples, recent satellite images show that construction of the Teresina temple is well underway with the outline of the temple and other site buildings visible. Also, the site for the Maceio temple has been cleared, so that may be another one with a groundbreaking announcement coming soon.
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/teresina-brazil-temple/aerial/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/maceio-brazil-temple/aerial/
Eric, thanks for stopping by to share this information. Hopefully the status of the Teresina Brazil Temple will soon be updated to reflect the information from the satelliite image. And hopefully we see a groundbreaking for the Maceio Brazil Temple soon as well. I apologize for my dealyed acknowledgement of your comment. I am definitely looking forward to the next temple announcement today at 2:00 PM MDT, which will hopefully be more dedications and/or groundbreakings. Thanks again for providing this information. I always appreciate hearing from you.
DeleteHello again, everyone! Last night, the Newsroom and the Church News covered the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's performance at the Hollywood Bowl in California.
ReplyDeleteThe coverage about the Choir indicated that they were accompanied by Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson; and the entire United States West Area Presidency, which was listed as including Elders Takashi Wada, Peter M. Johnson, and Wan-Linag Wu. I was intrigued by that because when the leadership assignments were originally announced, they showed Elders Wada and Johnson in addition to Elders Hugo E. Martinez and Hutch U. Fale assigned to that area presidency. Then I realized that the area leadership assignments had been updated in May, but, as we know, Elder Jonathan S. Scmitt was set to originally join the Africa West Area Presidency prior to his new assignment as the Executive Director of the Missionary Department. So other updates are likely forthcoming.
Also late that light, an update was noted on the Lethbridge Alberta Temple. And then this morning thus far, the Church News has provided study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has published two new updates that speak for themselves. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe latest edition of "This Week on Social" features content from each of the following general Church leaders: Church President Dallin H. Oaks and his Second Counselor, President D. Todd Christofferson; Acting President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elders Neil L. Anderseen, Ronald A. Rasband, Gerrit W. Gong, Ulisses Soares, and Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson; Sister Tamara W. Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency (via Young Women Worldwide); and Sister Amy A. Wright, the outgoing First Counselor in the Pirmary General Presidency.
DeleteIn addition, the Church News also shared resources related to the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration, which will take place between Monday, April 5, and Friday, October 1, 2027. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has shared another report that speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has published another report about the Tabernacle Choir's performance at the Hollywood Bowl. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAn update has been reported on the Tacloban City Philippines Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Saturday, the Church News has published a few new reports: with today being Sister J. Anette Dennis' birthday, the Church News has published this tribute in her honor. The Church News has also featured an article introducing new GA Seventy Elder Paul H. Sinclair. The Church News has also provided a look at how youth lessons will be structured beginning September 6, and underscored the importance of microphones in Church meetings. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteThe Church News also shared the text of the message that will be offered by Brother Derrick Porter during tomorrow's 5,050th episode of "Music & the Spoken Word. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAnd the Newsroom has shared a report on the dedication of the new Nauvoo visitors' center. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has shared two new reports about the aforementioned Visitors' Center dedication. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Sabbath Day, the Church News has shared two new reports thus far: a review of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra a Temple Square's history of performing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (which is included on the newly-released America250 soundrack), and a look at the 7 temples set to be dedicated over 4 Sundays in October & November. That article also lays out the history of temples dedicated over short periods of time in Church history, but also provided some key comments about the upcoming temple dedication boom from Elder Quentin L. Cook, who is now the Chairman of the Temple and Family History Executive Council, taking over that assignment from his now-seatmate, Elder Neil L. Andersen. This is the second confirmation we have of apostolic oversight for one of the three Executive Councils, as we also know now that Elder Ronald A. Rasband chairs the Missionary Executive Council. So that just leaves the chairman of the Priesthood and Family Executive Council to be confirmed. If I had to make an educated guess about that, it would be that either Elder Andersen, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, or possibly Elder Dale G. Renlund is now the chairman of the Piresthood and Family Executive Council. But we may find out soon enough either way. In the meantime, I am grateful we have this confirmation today. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAnd with the creation of 55 new missions going into effect in just a few days (on July 1), and in view of increasing numbers of prospective missionaries, the Newsroom has released this guide. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe latest edition of "In Case You Missed It: Week in Review recaps the top 9 developments covered by the Church News within the last week. And with the upcoming week's "Come, Follow Me" study centered on 1 Kings 12-13 and 17-22 (7 chapters in all, or 1 per day), see what Church leaders have taught about those passages. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has also covered the Newsroom release relating to missionary work that I shared earlier. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Monday, we are less than an hour away from the next anticipated major temple construction announcement from the First Presidency. So I wanted to just quickly note that the Newsroom has shared three new updates, while the Church News https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/06/29/church-education-blesses-hundreds-of-graduates-kenya-uganda/" >has shared two others. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe first link above from the Church News was broken, so hopefully it works this time. My apologies for the initial oversight, and my thanks once again to you all.
DeleteIt's 2"45 PM and it looks like there may not be any new major temple construction news today, unless something is reported later this afternoon. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteNo major temple construction updates announced today, unfortunately. And with July marking the annual recess month for General Authorities, I am not sure how much temple news we can expect next month. But my end-of-second-quarter/first-half of 2026 temple construction overview will be published tomorrow, so there is that. In the interim, the Church News has proviided study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook and a repott on Venezuelan earthquake aid. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteA change has been noted in the status of the João Pessoa Brazil Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Tuesday, the Church News has shared study and teaching resources for the April 2026 General Conference talk by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo. One other report from the Church News has covered the Brazilian ministry trip of outgoing Primary General President Susan H. Porter, and Sister Andrea Munox Spannaus, who serves as Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe latest edition of the Church News podcast featured professors of Ensign College explaining the significance of America250 and religious freedom. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAnd an update has been reported on the Cape Town South Africa Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe status of the Teton River Idaho Temple has also been updated, as the end of the second quarter/first half of 2026 draws near. These latest updates are quite encouraging, and there will be more to come later this year. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has shared one additional report. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Newsroom has shared the latest update on the Salt Lake Temple, which is now being prepared for its' April 5-October 1, 2027 public open house. There has been no mention of the dedication arrangements, but as I have observed before, following each temple's public open house, there is a sufficient period of time for a thorough final cleaning prior to their subsequent dedications. Given that the Salt Lake Temple is now the largest in the Church in terms of its' square footage, and given that this public open house will run for almost a full six months, and be open to the public 7 days a week, there will likely be a lot of final cleaning to be done prior to the temple's rededication. That is why I don't see the temple's rededication occurring until May 2028 at the earliest. Of course, the Lord will likely prove me wrong on this, but I don't see any way that the temple could be rededicated any sooner than that. As I've also observed, since the Rome Italy Temple dedication spanned three days, I think it is highly likely that the Salt Lake Temple Rededication will span a full week at minimum, with multiple sessions per day, and a chance for all of the apostles to preside over at least one of those sessions. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you saw the newsroom story concerning the dedication of the PNG TMTC. It mentioned that the church operates 11 regular MTCs, and two other TMTCs. Do you have any thoughts as two where the other two temporary MTCss are located? I looked up "Missionary Training Center" on CDOL and it lists the one in PNG, but it is no different than the other 11 known MTCs, and no other Temporary locations.
Hey, Scott! I actually hadn't seen the story about the PNG TMTC. I just found it on the Pacific Area Newsroom. Because I was unaware of the report in question, I was also not aware of the mention of 3 TMTCs. We know that one is in Port Moresby. It appears that there is also the India Service Support Center in Hyderabad India, if the information I found on Wikipedia is correct. I believe (but am not entirely certain) that the third may be in the Middle East somewhere. I wish I could be more definitive or certain on that, but I cannot.
DeleteIt's a great question. I wish we had official confirmation of where the other two are. Since we don't, it may be anyone's guess, or perhaps open to interpretation. But I am glad there are these temporary centers, even if we don't know exactly where they are. Hopefully, those temporary centers might one day turn into permanent centers, in which case that would be confirmed. But it makes sense that the Church has them in sensitive areas. Hope these thoughts, such as they are, are helpful. Thanks for stopping by to ask about this, Scott. I always appreciate hearing from you.