On this blog, I, James Stokes, share insights and analysis covering the latest news and developments reported about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My specific emphasis and focus is on the ministry of our current apostles, General Conference, and up-to-date temple information. This site is neither officially owned, operated, or endorsed by the Church, and I, as the autthor thereof, am solely responsible for this content.
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Sunday, August 7, 2016
Church Public Affairs Leader Speaks Out About Kindness Towards Critics
A spokeswoman for the Church who is a prominent part of the Church Public Affairs Department as well as having previously served as a spokeswoman for the governors' office spoke at the annual FairMormon gathering about the importance of kindness and civility in engaging Church critics in public discourse. For a full account of what she said, please click here.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Temple construction update
Some important temple construction developments have taken place, which I have noted on this list. After I give the updated list, I have one more update to announce.
Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/7/16)
Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/7/16)
Current Temple Status: 150 operating, 16 under
construction (5 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced
(2 groundbreakings anticipated to be announced soon), 4 undergoing
renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).
Dedication scheduled:
151. Sapporo
Japan Temple: Open house concluded;
preparing for dedication,
which is on Sunday August 21, 2016.
152. Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Temple: By-invitation tours
underway; public open house scheduled August 10-September 9; dedication scheduled on
Sunday September 18, 2016.
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, which is
scheduled August 19-September 10; dedication
scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star
Valley Wyoming Temple: Open house tickets
available beginning Wednesday August 17, 2016 at 10:00 am; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford
Connecticut Temple: Roofing nearing
completion; more scaffolding coming down; landscaping continues; president’s residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday November 20, 2016.
Under Construction:
156. Paris
France Temple: Exterior cladding of
visitor’s center wing nearing completion; stained glass installation underway;
courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.
157. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July
20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late
2017.
158. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Monument sign
installed; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Scaffolding
removed from dome; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome
Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and
rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Exterior walls poured; completion estimated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Foundation poured; forms going up for exterior walls; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring the substructure;
completion estimated sometime in 2019.
164. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Excavation for
foundation underway; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
165.
Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon
Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
Rededication scheduled:
33. Freiberg
Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled on Sunday
September 4, 2016.
Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho
Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; installing marble trim; repainting fence;
rededication estimated sometime in early 2017.
41. Frankfurt
Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in mid-2017.
20. Jordan
River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime
in late 2017.
Announced:
167. Arequipa
Peru Temple: General
contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin in October 2016.
168. Rio
de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by
local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place
until after the Summer Olympics.
169. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
170. Winnipeg
Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok
Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
173. Abidjan
Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito
Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare
Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem
Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima
Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number 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 number may change
based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are
scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in
which their future groundbreakings are announced.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.
Now the unexpected but welcome news. In a news story on KSL about the Rio Olympics, one of the things discussed was the temple announced for Rio. It was stated that the Rio Saints were looking forward to welcoming the commencement of the construction of their temple soon after the Olympics is over. I wanted to post a link to that story, but apparently it's not up online yet. I will keep an eye out for it and do a post about that later.
For now, as always, thanks to you all for your readership and friendship.
Now the unexpected but welcome news. In a news story on KSL about the Rio Olympics, one of the things discussed was the temple announced for Rio. It was stated that the Rio Saints were looking forward to welcoming the commencement of the construction of their temple soon after the Olympics is over. I wanted to post a link to that story, but apparently it's not up online yet. I will keep an eye out for it and do a post about that later.
For now, as always, thanks to you all for your readership and friendship.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Yet another temple progress report
Temple progress continues worldwide, and important strides have been made since yesterday. Here is my redone list:
Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/6/16)
Current Temple Status: 150 operating, 16 under
construction (5 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced
(2 groundbreakings anticipated to be announced soon), 4 undergoing
renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).
Dedication scheduled:
151. Sapporo
Japan Temple: Open house concluded;
preparing for dedication,
which is on Sunday August 21, 2016.
152. Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Temple: By-invitation tours
underway; public open house scheduled August 10-September 9; dedication scheduled on
Sunday September 18, 2016.
153. Fort Collins Colorado Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house, which is
scheduled August 19-September 10; dedication
scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star
Valley Wyoming Temple: Open house tickets
available beginning Wednesday August 17, 2016 at 10:00 am; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford
Connecticut Temple: Roofing
nearing completion; more scaffolding coming down; landscaping continues; president’s
residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday
November 20, 2016.
Under Construction:
156. Paris
France Temple: Exterior cladding of
visitor’s center wing nearing completion; stained glass installation underway;
courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.
157. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on July
20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late
2017.
158. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Monument sign
installed; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Scaffolding
removed from dome; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome
Italy Temple: Interior work underway including some material replacement and
rework; completion estimated sometime in the first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Exterior walls poured; completion estimated sometime in 2018.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Forms going up for exterior walls; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
163. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Building the substructure;
completion estimated sometime in 2019.
164. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Excavation for building foundations underway; excavation for
foundation underway; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
165.
Durban South Africa Temple: Site grading and clearing underway; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon
Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday December 5, 2015; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
Rededication scheduled:
33. Freiberg
Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled on Sunday
September 4, 2016.
Undergoing Renovation:
8. Idaho
Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; installing marble trim; repainting fence;
rededication estimated sometime in early 2017.
41. Frankfurt
Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime in mid-2017.
20. Jordan
River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication estimated sometime
in late 2017.
Announced:
167. Arequipa
Peru Temple: General
contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin in October 2016.
168. Rio
de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation phase; plans approved by
local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place
until after the Summer Olympics.
169. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
170. Winnipeg
Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok
Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
173. Abidjan
Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Quito
Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
175. Harare
Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
176. Belem
Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
177. Lima
Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose number 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 number may change
based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are
scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose number may change based on the order in
which their future groundbreakings are announced.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress update.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Temple Progress Report
Further progress has been made on temples worldwide. See the report below for all the glorious details:
Temple
Construction Progress Report (current as of 8/5/16)
Current
Temple Status: 150 operating, 16 under
construction (5 scheduled for dedication), 11 announced
(2 groundbreakings anticipated to be announced soon), 4 undergoing
renovation (1 scheduled for rededication).
Dedication
scheduled:
151. Sapporo Japan Temple: Open house concluded;
preparing for dedication,
which is on Sunday August 21, 2016.
152. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple: By-invitation
tours underway; public open house scheduled August 10-September 9; dedication scheduled on
Sunday September 18, 2016.
153. Fort Collins
Colorado Temple: Accepting reservations for public open house,
which is scheduled August 19-September 10; dedication
scheduled on Sunday October 16, 2016.
154. Star Valley Wyoming Temple: Open house tickets
available beginning Wednesday August 17, 2016 at 10:00 am; dedication scheduled on Sunday October 30, 2016.
155. Hartford Connecticut Temple: Roofing nearing completion; more scaffolding coming down;
landscaping continues; president’s
residence progressing; dedication scheduled on Sunday
November 20, 2016.
Under
Construction:
156. Paris France Temple: Exterior cladding of
visitor’s center wing nearing completion; stained glass installation underway;
courtyard pavers laid; completion estimated sometime in mid-2017.
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Angel Moroni placed on
July 20, 2016; completion estimated sometime in late
2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Monument sign installed;
completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Scaffolding
removed from dome; completion estimated sometime in late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work underway including
some material replacement and rework; completion estimated sometime in the
first half of 2018.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior walls poured; completion
estimated sometime in 2018.
162. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Building the substructure; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
163.
Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Excavation for building foundations underway; completion
estimated sometime in 2019.
164. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Site
grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime
in 2019.
165. Durban South Africa Temple:
Site grading and clearing underway; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Ground broken on Saturday
December 5, 2015; completion estimated sometime in 2019.
Rededication
scheduled:
33. Freiberg Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication
scheduled on Sunday September 4, 2016.
Undergoing
Renovation:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; installing
marble trim; repainting fence; rededication
estimated sometime in early 2017.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication estimated sometime in mid-2017.
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication estimated sometime in late 2017.
Announced:
167. Arequipa Peru Temple: General
contractor selected; construction anticipated to begin in October 2016.
168. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction preparation
phase; plans approved by local government; announcement of groundbreaking pending and not likely to take place
until after the Summer Olympics.
169. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
170. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase;
awaiting official site announcement.
173. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
174. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
175. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
Key:
Bolded
numbers and text denote temples whose
number 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 number may change based on the order in which future dedications
and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined
numbers and text denote temples whose
number may change based on the order in which their future groundbreakings are
announced.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress
update.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
A job gained and lost/We can't have children
Kelly Services called me this week with news of a job. The job was similar to what I had been doing for ROI but the pay was better and it was here in Orem. Training was to have started next week, and I was to have started the week after. But I got word today that Kelly Services had been misled by the employer in question, and that all their empty slots had been filled. So a job fell out of my lap today.
Additionally, yesterday we got some very bad news. Due to a physical problem with me, Amy and I will not be able to have children in this life. We were devastated, but there's not much we can do about it. Treatment for the relevant condition would cost an arm and a leg, and it wouldn't guarantee that we would have children.
Amidst all the bad things happening, we take comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father does have a plan for us and that we will at the time of the Second Coming of the Savior be privileged to raise the family that has been so seemingly cruelly denied us in this life. All is well in Zion. It's just a lot to take in.
Thanks so much to all of you for your interest and support.
Additionally, yesterday we got some very bad news. Due to a physical problem with me, Amy and I will not be able to have children in this life. We were devastated, but there's not much we can do about it. Treatment for the relevant condition would cost an arm and a leg, and it wouldn't guarantee that we would have children.
Amidst all the bad things happening, we take comfort in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father does have a plan for us and that we will at the time of the Second Coming of the Savior be privileged to raise the family that has been so seemingly cruelly denied us in this life. All is well in Zion. It's just a lot to take in.
Thanks so much to all of you for your interest and support.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Partial Closure announced for Draper Utah Temple
"The Draper Utah temple will be closed Sundays-Thursdays during a 10-week period from September 1-November 15 for routine maintenance and to repair condensation issues," according to Kristen Howey, a spokeswoman for the Church. The temple will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays, which is its peak time for being busy.Click here for more details. Thanks for your interest and support.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
New Area Leadership Assignments go into effect
Effective yesterday, the following Area Presidency changes have gone into effect:
General
Authority Seventies:
Marcus A.
Aidukaitis, the former Second Counselor in the Brazil Area, is now the new
First Counselor.
Ian S.
Ardern has now been released as President of the Philippines Area.
W. Mark Bassett
is now the new Second Counselor in the Brazil Area.
Mark A.
Bragg is now the new Second Counselor in the South America South Area.
Shayne M.
Bowen, the former First Counselor in the Philippines Area, is now the new
President.
Craig A.
Cardon is now the new Second Counselor in the Pacific Area.
Carl B.
Cook is now released as President of the Africa Southeast Area.
Lawrence
E. Corbridge is now the new First Counselor in the South America Northwest Area.
J. Devn
Cornish has now been released as President of the Caribbean Area.
LeGrand
R. Curtis Jr. has now been released as President of the Africa West Area.
Benjamin
De Hoyos has now been released as President of the Mexico Area.
Timothy
J. Dyches has now been released as Second Counselor in the Europe Area.
Larry J.
Echo Hawk has now been released as Second Counselor in the Philippines Area.
David F.
Evans is now the new Second Counselor in the Asia Area.
Carlos A.
Godoy, the former First Counselor in the South America Northwest Area, is now
the new President.
Walter F.
Gonzalez, the former President of the South America South Area, is now the new
President of the Caribbean Area.
O.
Vincent Haleck, the former First Counselor in the Pacific Area, is now the new
President.
Kevin S.
Hamilton, the former Second Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area, is now the
new President.
Allen D.
Haynie, the former Second Counselor in the Philippines Area, is now the new
First Counselor.
Jörg
Klebingat has now been released as First Counselor in the Europe East Area.
James B.
Martino is now the new First Counselor in the Europe East Area.
Jairo
Mazzagardi has now been released as First Counselor in the Brazil Area.
Marcus B.
Nash is now the new First Counselor in the Africa West Area.
S.
Gifford Nielsen, the former Second Counselor in the Pacific Area, is now the
new First Counselor.
Allan F.
Packer is now the new First Counselor in the South America South Area.
S. Mark
Palmer is now the new Second Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area,
Paul B.
Pieper, the former First Counselor in the Mexico Area, is now the new
President.
Rafael E.
Pino is now the new Second Counselor in the Mexico Area.
Gary B.
Sabin is now the new Second Counselor in the Europe Area.
Evan A.
Schmutz is now the new Second Counselor in the Philippines Area.
Jose A. Teixeira,
the former Second Counselor in the South America South Area, is now the new
President.
Juan A.
Uceda has now been released as President of the South America Northwest Area.
Arnulfo
Valenzuela, the former Second Counselor in the Mexico Area, is now the new
First Counselor.
Francisco
J. Vinas has now been released as First Counselor in the South America South
Area.
Terrence
M. Vinson, the former First Counselor in the Africa West Area, is now the new
President.
Area
Seventies:
Siu Hong
Pon has now been released as Second Counselor in the Asia Area.
Thanks so much for your interest and support.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Church Makes Donation to Assist Refugees/President Uchtdorf talks about his own refugee experience
Last night on KSL's 10 pm newscast, they featured a story about the LDS Church making a $3 million donation to help refugees. President Uchtdorf was the one who made the donation presentation to the World Food Programme, which ensures that refugees are well fed. President Uchtdorf also spoke of his own experience as a refugee and how he was able to rise about that experience to become one who is sensitive to the needs of the refugees of today. President Uchtdorf also visited the Paris France and Rome Italy temple sites as part of his tour. Click here to read about and watch the interview. Thanks.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Temple Progress
Hello. Posting with another temple progress update. I won't post the full list this time; there are just one or two things I wanted to mention as happening. Site grading continues on the Durban South Africa temple, where the operators of heavy equipment have carved out a level platform for the foundation.
In the meantime, a monument sign has been placed at the Meridian Idaho temple. This is a significant milestone in temple construction.
Still no word on the completion and dedication/rededication dates for the Paris France and Idaho Falls Idaho temples.
There has also as yet not been an announcement of the official groundbreaking day for the Arequipa Peru temple, but that announcement is just a matter of time, I'm sure.
I will keep my eyes peeled for temple-related developments, and you can be sure and find that information here. Thanks for your readership and friendship.
In the meantime, a monument sign has been placed at the Meridian Idaho temple. This is a significant milestone in temple construction.
Still no word on the completion and dedication/rededication dates for the Paris France and Idaho Falls Idaho temples.
There has also as yet not been an announcement of the official groundbreaking day for the Arequipa Peru temple, but that announcement is just a matter of time, I'm sure.
I will keep my eyes peeled for temple-related developments, and you can be sure and find that information here. Thanks for your readership and friendship.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple Open House Photos
The open house for the Philadelphia Pennsylvania temple will start this week, running from Wednesday August 10-Friday September 9 (though no tours will run on the Sundays of August 14, 21 and 28 or September 4). In preparation for that open house, the Church has released a roll of images from the exterior and interior of the temple. Click here to view those images. The temple will be formally dedicated on Sunday September 18, following a cultural celebration the night before. How exciting to see these images! Enjoy!
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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