Post Written in Honor of President Russell M. Nelson, who is celebrating his 93rd birthday today

Hello again, everyone! The personal ordeal of which I spoke in my last post, combined with a family obligation, have prevented me thus far from keeping my promise to post today in honor of the 93rd birthday of the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church, Russell M. Nelson. Let's get right to discussing that.

Russell Marion Nelson was born on September 9, 1924 (a day before his future predecessor to the Quorum Presidency, Boyd K. Packer) to Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson in Salt Lake City Utah.He studied at LDS Business College in his late teenage years and obtained his BA and MD at the University of Utah. He simultaneously trained as a surgeon and did doctoral studies at the University of Utah. He was part of the research team that developed the heart-lung machine that was used in 1951 on the first open-heart operation on a human being. He spent two years on medical duty for the US Army during the Korean War, then underwent another training period in Boston at the prestigious Harvard Medical School's Massachusetts General Hospital.

In 1955, he accepted a teaching opportunity at the University of Utah School of Medicine. where he built his own heart-and-lung machine. Around a year later, he was on duty to perform the first pediatric cardiac operation. In 1960, he performed the first successful operative repair of a tricuspid heart valve. Being worried that a surgical procedure he had been asked to perform was too risky for anyone, he requested and received a blessing from President Spencer W. Kimball, who was one of his patients. That surgery was a success, and he later used the same technique to operate on President Kimball himself while the latter was serving as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which resulted in the Church being blessed for many additional years by the inspired counsel of President Kimball.

He has served in many positions on different hospital boards and has received several awards for his pioneering work. He likewise had many service opportunities in the Church. He served as a stake president for over six years, during which time, Joseph B. Wirthlin served as his counselor. They would later serve as colleagues in the apostleship. He also served as Sunday School General President and in the now defunct calling of regional representative. With the advice and consent of President Spencer W. Kimball, President Gordon B. Hinckley, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, called Brother Nelson to serve as a member of the Qourum of the Twelve Apostles in April 1984.

Over the next 31 years, all the apostles that were junior to President Monson but senior to President Nelson passed away. When President Boyd K. Packer died on July 3, 2015, Elder Nelson became the de facto President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was officially set apart in that capacity 12 days later, on Wednesday July 15, 2015.

President Nelson's new assignment provided something we had not seen for several years prior to that: a Quorum President fully able to function as such. In the 2 years between then and now, he has kept a very rigorous traveling schedule. In fact, the Church News article written in  honor of this milestone mentions that he is on assignment this weekend in New York City, most likely for a stake conference. And he shows no signs whatsoever of slowing down. To read that article, click here.

In terms of his family, President Nelson married his first wife, Dantzel, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have nine daughters and one son. President Nelson's initial response to the call is classic. During his first General Conference talk in his new assignment, he referenced that that date had been circled in their calendars for over a decade, marking the day when his only son would be old enough to attend the Priesthood Session with him. That happened, but not quite the way they originally planned it would. Additionally, the new apostle also said that because they had no idea he would be called, their children didn't know either. He had a daughter who was pregnant at the time, and she phoned him to let him know she was so shocked she was going into labor. The new apostle then thanked President Hinckley, saying he deserved credit for "an assist" and that the baby had arrived safely the night before.

President Nelson is not only a great surgeon, he has often stepped up and offered an assist to any apostles who might need it during their own talks. Many of you will recall how, in the midst of an address about charity, the pure love of Christ, that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin began shaking uncontrollably, In a silent demonstration of what his colleague was talking about, Elder Nelson stood by and supported Elder Wirthlin until he closed his address, then gently helped him back to his seat. And he has helped his other colleagues so much as well.

I have always been impressed and touched by President Nelson's remarks. He has given 69 addresses in General Conference.To review any of those remarkable addresses, click here. He is also rising among the ranks of our other nonagenarian apostles, and he may very well live to become the oldest living apostle, which will happen in just under five years from now.And now, as previously mentioned, he has seen all the apostles senior to him pass away, except President Monson. In view of President Monson stepping back from an active role in Church leadership, I am sure that Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf are handing more responsibility to the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

And in the similar way that President Benson so fully supported President Hinckley as the only active member of the First Presidency, I am likewise certain that President Nelson supports both Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf, who are less senior in the apostleship, but who, with the consent and approval of President Monson, constitute the Quorum of the First Presidency. And I am sure that President Nelson gives the same reply President Benson did in saying in those times: "Brethren, we must be about this NOW!"

I am also sure that no one is praying more fervently than President Nelson that President Monson's life will be extended longer than his own. No man I know who is in his right mind seeks the Church presidency.

Anyways, as I continue to recover from my ordeal earlier today, I am grateful I had this opportunity to post this birthday tribute. I hope President Nelson has had a wonderful day, and I hope he will be around to inspire us for many years to come.

That does it for this post. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with you all until my next post. Until then, I wish you all the best.

Brief Personal Update

Hello, everyone! Just wanted to post today with a personal update. I went in for my usual monthly appointment with my neurologist yesterday, and we were able to get many of my concerns addressed. For a variety of reasons, I was late getting to bed last night. I don't remember too much of what happened in the next few hours, but my wife told me that at one point I got up and that within the next few minutes, I was convulsing pretty badly, which soon turned into full-blown seizures. So she called the paramedics. They checked me out here at home, then recommended that we take me to the emergency room. We spent the next several hours there while tests were run, and everything came back looking all right. I was released less than 3 hours after the whole ordeal started, and I have not had any problems since then. So we are sitting quietly at home, and the ordeal has passed. It was troubling in the moment, but I am grateful for two things in particular: the professional and prompt care I received an the people who provided it, and, more than that, especially how clear-headed my wife was throgh the whole ordeal. Just wanted to pass along that update. Prayers would be appreciated at this time, as would any comments. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless each and everyone one of you until my next post.

Church Offers Official Statements on Two Natural Disasters

Hello, everyone! In the last 72 hours or less, the Church has issued two statements: this one in response to Hurricane Irma, and this one on the Mexico earthquake that hit yesterday. In the wake of such natural upheavals, I am glad to see the Church responding so quickly. I again expressed my gratitude for the experiences I had of observing through my two-year part-time service with the Church's Humanitarian program how the Church always lays up emergency supplies and kits in store so that when natural disasters like we've seen lately do take place, a swift response can be given. It works so well. I hope to be back periodically today with more Church news updates. For now, any comments are always welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless each and every one of you until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

Elder Quentin L. Cook Celebrates His 77th Birthday Today

Hello, all! As I promised over two weeks ago that I would (on the occasion of the last apostolic birthday) I am doing a quick albeit brief post during these early-morning hours in honor of Elder Quentin L. Cook celebrating his 77th birthday today. I am doing it now because my wife and I will be spending the better part of our afternoon (and evening) at a doctor's appointment up north. So let's dive right in.

Quentin La Mar Cook was born on September 8, 1940 in Logan, Utah to J. Vernon and Bernice Cook. He grew up with an older brother and a younger sister. His earliest childhood memories were of gospel instruction in the home. At age 15, he had a discussion with his brother Joe that changed his life. Joe was unsure whether to put off medical school to serve a mission. During that conversation, they determined that either the gospel was true or it wasn't, and that if it was, serving a mission would be the best use of Joe's time. Joe’s decision to go led Elder Cook to accept his own call to serve in the British Mission. His mission presidents (one of whom, Marion D. Hanks, would later be a General Authority colleague) taught him many things that he used later in life. In the course of his missionary service, he was in a companionship with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Though the two didn't know it at the time, both would go on to serve as General Authorities and as colleagues in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Cook returned from his mission with a strong testimony of the Savior and a resolve to associate with people who love the Savior, which he later discovered included those who were not members of the Church. He married Mary Gaddie (his high school sweetheart) following his mission, on November 30, 1962 in the Logan Utah Temple. They have three children and several grandchildren. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in political science and from Stanford University with a juris doctorate degree. As a managing partner in San Francisco Bay area law firm, he specialized in business law. He later became president and chief executive officer of California Healthcare System, and vice chairman of Sutter Health Systems. 

His church service has included being a bishop, stake president’s counselor, stake president, regional representative, and area authority. While he was in the stake presidency, he was instilled with a love of people from all nations when he had responsibility for Spanish, Tongan, Samoan, Tagalog, Mandarin, and Cantonese congregations. He was sustained as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy on April 6, 1996, and as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on April 4, 1998 before being called to the Presidency of the Seventy on August 1, 2007. On October 6, 2007, he was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The apostolic vacancy had been created by the death of President James E. Faust, which in turn resulted in Elder Henry B. Eyring’s call to the First Presidency. Elder Cook was ordained an apostle on October 11, 2007.

No doubt because of his experiences ministering to multilingual Church congregations both during his time in that stake presidency and even more so since his call as a General Authority. As his apostolic service nears the decade mark, he has had many opportunities to speak in General Conference. He gave 2 talks as a general authority seventy (and in view of his apostolic call coming just two months after his call to the Presidency of the Seventy gave no talks in that capacity) and has given 20 talks since his call to the apostleship. To review any or all of these magnificent addresses, please click here. I wish this good man a very happy birthday. As fully as I do his 14 apostolic colleagues, I am just as happy to sustain this wonderful servant of our Heavenly Father as a prophet, seer and revelator, and I hope he will have a fabulous birthday as he celebrates having reached 77 years of age.

For now, that does it for this post. As always, any comments are welcome and appreciated. If I am able to and if there is significant Church or temple news (of which there has been some in recent days, putting me somewhat behind in my report of it), you can count on my being back with such a report later today. If not, then I will for sure be back sometime tomorrow (September 9), when I will provide my birthday tribute to the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Russell M. Nelson, who is only a heartbeat away from the presidency of the Church, and whom I know is praying more than anyone that President Monson's life will be spared and prolonged above and beyond his own. The remarkable 93rd birthday he will reach is well worth mentioning and reporting, and I cannot wait to be back with that post.

In the meantime, as always, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless you each until my next post. Until that time comes, I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, everyone! After a week in which I have not been able to keep up very with Church news and developments because of my need to tend to some personal and familial difficulties, a week in which I have not heard that many updates on the temple news front, I discovered today that there were quite a few things to pass along to you. Most of these updates are merely my own theories about how soon we might see many future temple-related events. But there has been significant progress reported on temples that I wanted to pass along to you. So my latest version of that progress report follows. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless each one of you until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/7/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of 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 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) 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 12.58 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. 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 any phase. There are 157 operating temples, with 1 that has had construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various phases of construction and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to begin ASAP (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction completed, preparing for open house:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case, I will pass that along.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end of next year (2018)):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. My revised, more specific estimate has been set for early-to-mid June. If I receive information that changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: This temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction progress report I posted a while ago, this temple had been anticipated to be the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected. Even so, I found out recently that, while it has made great strides, it is more likely that this temple may be the first one dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities. Not much later than I was anticipating, but I did want to note that. Given what is known currently about this temple’s progress, as well as the fact that the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple may happen prior to this one, I am setting a preliminary revised estimate of mid-to-late August. As more is known about how this temple continues to progress during the remainder of this year, any adjustments will then be presented in subsequent versions of this report.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof sheathing completed; steeple framework installed; landscaping palm trees secured; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I fervently hope that this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate, information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this temple will be closer to a year from now than any earlier. I am therefore setting a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s potential dedication timeframe.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late October-early November 2018.

Under construction, completion anticipated during 2019:  

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: As promised in previous version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As part of my efforts to reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: As noted on other temples, I have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed, and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact, my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that thinking.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: Until construction begins in earnest on this temple, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact completion time-frame, so I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in my estimates. That said, we do know that construction is anticipated to take around 20 months once it begins. With that in mind, the time-frame above is very reasonable, as long as the full-scale construction begins within the next 11 months or so. I for one hope it will not take that long for that to happen, and I will be sure to pass along any updates to this temple’s status or estimated time-frame. However, until work does get underway, I want to be conservative in my estimate for this temple’s dedication estimate, and I am thus offering a preliminary estimate for late April or early May 2020. If construction gets underway at any point prior to the end of this year or in the early months of next year, that completion estimate will, obviously, be moved up. Just wanted to note that, for what it’s worth.

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: As previously noted, this temple is anticipated to be somewhat comparable in size to the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple. It is therefore my estimate that construction for this second Caribbean temple will, as previously observed, take around 1.5 years less than the time it took to build the first temple in that region. That would put the rough estimate for this temple’s construction time-frame at around 2 years and 7 months. Assuming no delays and that full-scale construction will be able to begin on this temple on Monday October 30, that would then put the dedication somewhere around mid-August 2020, which would be on the earlier side of the time-frame above. That said, I have also heard that this temple could progress quickly enough to be the last one dedicated in 2019. I will keep an eye on all of this information and will be sure to pass along any updates to my thinking on this.

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-2018.

NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. I have felt it might happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known, that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: The change of this temple’s closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15 months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that line of thinking will be noted in the future.

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The date of this temple’s anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along. For now, that would put my estimate for this rededication sometime during mid-to-late August 2019.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This temple’s closure date was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass that along. For now, I wanted to note that I am estimating this temple’s rededication may take place sometime during mid-September 2019.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With the date of this temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems. With that in mind, and knowing that this temple is anticipated to reopen before the end of 2019, it is not hard to believe that a rededication could thus be set to take place during mid-December 2019. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of thought and reasoning.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Given that this temple’s completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation will take around 20 months, which would put this temple’s rededication sometime during mid-December 2019, and would mean that event would likely be the last temple-related one of that year. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates and changes as I become aware of them.

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: In the 24 hours or so in which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. With that in mind, I believe it would be safe to set this temple’s potential rededication time-frame for late May or early June 2020. I will pass along any updates to both the closure time-frame and the rededication as I become aware of them.

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 within the next year (whether or not they happen in this order):

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. While there has been no evidence to corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than later, and I am projecting that such an event could happen in either late April or early May of 2018. I will pass along any changes to this line of thinking as I make it.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: While a specific site has not yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017 at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many (myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year or in short order after next year begins. I don’t feel confident enough at this point to change the listed order of this temple, but it does give me hope that something will happen sooner rather than later. Some have conjectured that could happen either before the end of 2017 or in the early months of 2018, and perhaps before such an event occurs for the second Lima Peru temple. I haven’t seen a compelling enough argument for that, but wanted to note it, for what it’s worth. It is my personal conjecture that this groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid June 2018. As always, I will pass along any changes to this line of thought as I make it.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: I have previously referenced the statement made by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who has served as president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area since August 2016. He was quoted as saying that this temple would have both a site announcement and groundbreaking in fairly short order in 2017. With 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change, and I will pass that along as I am able to.

Announced temples that may have a groundbreaking anytime between September 2018 and the end of 2019:

174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, when I went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018, one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable, especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, though this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first. However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that event to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes and goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of thinking.

176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.

177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: While some have (quite accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of early-to-mid March 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates to this line of reasoning and estimate.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: I have before referenced the media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.

179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.

NOTE: If at any point Church leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things, including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take place around early-to-mid June 2019. In the less than 2 years between now and then, that will likely change, and I will pass along any adjustments I do wind up making.

180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Regarding the growth of the Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to wait that long for that to happen. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, the Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement of that nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait. With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019.

NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of thought as things develop.

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. While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from 2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those 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.

Musings on Potential Church Unit Changes

Hello, everyone! For the almost 17 years between the time my parents, my siblings, and I moved to American Fork until my wife and I moved to our present home in Orem, I resided within the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple District. During that time, I saw so many new wards established in the American Fork East Stake (which I will always consider my "home" stake). And I also know that, in addition to that, I observed many boundary changes for the wards in that stake during that time. My point in mentioning all of this is that I have looked at some of the stakes within the Mount Timpanogos Temple District and I can definitely see the Church creating new stakes in both American Fork and Eagle Mountain. Though we here in Orem are no longer part of the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple District, I have also seen from perusing the number of units in some Orem stakes that we may see new stakes created in Orem as well. in the near future.

That said, I am by no stretch of the imagination a Church growth expert. That is the field of expertise in which others excel so much better than I ever could. And I would never want to move in the territory of such individuals. I just wanted to share these thoughts, for what they are worth. I should also note that it may be a year or two, or more than that, before anything significant happens in any of these cities. The Lord's hand is controlling the growth and progress of His Church. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever. He truly is hastening His work in its time, and we are blessed to witness how that is happening.

Any comments are always welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. May the Lord be with each of us until my next post. Until then, I wish you all the best.

Minor Temple Construction Progress Updates

Hello, everyone! I wanted to focus on a couple of things with this blog post. First, given that the only notes on the Meridian Idaho Temple talk about practices for the cultural celebration beginning a week from tomorrow, and how open house reservations will be available 12 days after that, I have felt it safe to surmise that construction has concluded there. If I am wrong in that regard, I will be happy to post a correction later. In the meantime, I also revisited the section on announced temples. I have not rearranged the order in which those temples are listed, but what I have done is to provide, as I did in yesterday's update for those temples that are or soon will be under construction, a more precise estimate for when each will progress. In doing so for the announced temples, I have listed the estimated time of each month and year I feel we will most likely see  groundbreakings for each of those 12 remaining temples. All of that is, of course, subject to verification that my thinking on such things is in line with the Lord's on this.

And in that regard, I consistently hope and pray that the Lord will see fit to have all future temple-related events happen sooner than anyone, myself included, believes will be the case. As always, the report follows. Any comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with and bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/5/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of 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 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) 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 12.58 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it seems very feasible. 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 any phase. There are 157 operating temples, with 1 that has had construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various phases of construction and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to begin ASAP (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction completed, preparing for open house:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case, I will pass that along.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (and will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: In view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. If I receive information that changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: This temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction progress report I posted a while ago, this temple had been anticipated to be the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected. Even so, I found out recently that, while it has made great strides, it is more likely that this temple may be the first one dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities. Not much later than I was anticipating, but I did want to note that.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Adding flashing and plastic sheeting to roof decking; baptismal font concrete to be repoured; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: While I fervently hope that this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate, information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this temple will be closer to a year from now than earlier than that. I am setting a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s potential dedication timeframe.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, once thought to be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late October-early November 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: As promised in previous version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As part of my ongoing research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As part of my efforts to reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: As noted on other temples, I have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed, and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact, my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that thinking.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: Until construction begins in earnest on this temple, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact completion time-frame, so I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in my estimates. That said, we do know that construction is anticipated to take around 20 months once it begins. With that in mind, the time-frame above is very reasonable, as long as the full-scale construction begins within the next 11 months or so. I for one hope it will not take that long for that to happen, and I will be sure to pass along any updates to this temple’s status or estimated time-frame.

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: As previously noted, this temple is anticipated to be comparable to the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple. As also previously noted, I have given a preliminary estimate for this temple’s construction of 2 years, 7 months. If that time-frame holds true, and if this temple’s full-scale construction gets underway on Monday October 30 (as many, myself included, are hoping will happen), then construction could conclude around the time the General Authorities take their annual July recess. With that in mind, a dedication around early-to-mid August that year seems feasible. I have heard from some that there is reason to believe that this temple could be completed before the end of 2019. I am doing my best to analyze all of this and will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thinking.

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-2018.

NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple. I have felt it might happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known, that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: The change of this temple’s closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15 months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that line of thinking will be noted in the future.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, with official dates now known for all but one of them:

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The date of this temple’s anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: This temple’s closure date was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass that along.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With the date of this temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Given that this temple’s completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation will take around 20 months. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates and changes as I become aware of them.

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: In the 24 hours or so in which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. I will pass along any updates as I become aware of them.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do so.

Announced:

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. While there has been no evidence to corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than later, and I am projecting that such an event could happen in either late April or early May of 2018. I will pass along any changes to this line of thinking as I make it.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: While a specific site has not yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017 at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many (myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year or in short order after next year begins. I don’t feel confident enough at this point to change the listed order of this temple, but it does give me hope that something will happen sooner rather than later. Some have conjectured that could happen either before the end of 2017 or in the early months of 2018, and perhaps before such an event occurs for the second Lima Peru temple. I haven’t seen a compelling enough argument for that, but wanted to note it, for what it’s worth. It is my personal conjecture that this groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid June 2018. As always, I will pass along any changes to this line of thought as I make it.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: I have previously referenced the statement made by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who has served as president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area since August 2016. He was quoted as saying that this temple would have both a site announcement and groundbreaking in fairly short order in 2017. With 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change, and I will pass that along as I am able to.

174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, when I went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018, one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable, especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, though this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first. However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that event to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes and goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of thinking.

176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.

177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: While some have (quite accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona, and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of early-to-mid May 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates to this line of reasoning and estimate.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: I have before referenced the media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.

179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.

NOTE: If at any point Church leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things, including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take place around early-to-mid June 2019. In the less than 2 years between now and then, that will likely change, and I will pass along any adjustments I do wind up making.

180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Regarding the growth of the Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to wait that long for that to happen. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, the Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between  the announcement of that nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait. With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of thought as things develop.

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. While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from 2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those 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.