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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Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Minor Update Reported on Rome Italy Temple
Today, I learned an interesting tidbit about the Rome Italy Temple. The construction trailers that housed on-site missionaries that are fielding questions about the temple have been donated to community organizations. The on-site missionaries have been relocated to the on-site patron housing, which is far enough along to allow that to happen. This development confirms my feelings that the Rome Italy Temple is almost certain to be the first new temple dedicated next year. What is not so clear is whether that dedication will happen prior to, between, or after the rededication of the Jordan River Utah and Frankfurt Germany Temples. I am studying all of that, in addition to all other temple-related milestones, and hope to have an update to my timeline for temple-related events before the end of this week. For now, this new information is an update from what I had previously said about the Rome Italy Temple. While I wish it hadn't taken almost 10 years after its announcement (8 years after its groundbreaking) to finish, but I have always said that temples outside the US have typically taken between 5-15 years from announcement to completion, so it is fitting that this temple was finished within this time. Just wanted to note those things, for what the information may be worth to you all. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Hope you all are well. I will be back with another post before too much longer. Until then, may the Lord bless you all.
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.
Open House begins for Provo MTC Expansion
Hello, all! As some of you might be aware, the Provo MTC was recently expanded. Today marked the start of the open house being held prior to the dedication of those buildings that have been added or renovated (including expansions). The Church News put out this article about media tours, while this article was published in the Mormon Newsroom on the Church's website. The open house will run until the latter part of August, when free tours will be offered to those participating in BYU's annual Campus Education Week. And, as may have been noted previously, this open house marks the completion of just the first part of the process of expanding and renovating buildings within the MTC. But missionaries at the MTC are quoted as saying that the Spirit is quite strong already just with the changes that have been made up to this point. That does it for this report. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Comments are always welcome and appreciated.
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, July 25, 2017
The LDS Newsroom Blog Shares News Stories From Other Countries
The LDS Newsroom Blog shared this article, which contained links to many news stories from other countries. These stories were very intriguing to read. Check them out! 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.
What happens when a prophet steps back from active service?
I realize that among those who regularly read my blog, there may be some who are too young to remember the last time a prophet stepped back from active service (which was true for both President Spencer W. Kimball and his successor, President Ezra Taft Benson). I was one who was too young to see it happen with President Kimball, and barely old enough to comprehend it happening during President Benson's tenure, but I read extensively about it in old Ensigns, which my parents kept in the basement. I thought it might be somewhat illustrative for some of you if I posted more about what has been done in the past, and about some of the options the Church has in light of President Monson stepping back from his duties. Most of what follows are my own words. Where possible, I include paraphrased thoughts from others that fit the bill much better, in my opinion. Here is what I put together in that regard:
Prophetic Decline—Latest Examples: Presidents Kimball and
Benson
This will be an overview of the subject of prophetic decline
due to health, old age, or both. Before President Monson became Church
President, the previous examples of that were President Spencer W. Kimball and
his successor in the Presidency, Ezra Taft Benson.
First, let’s talk about President Kimball. In 1981, he recognized
his declining health and that of his counselors (Tanner and Romney). As a
result, he called President Hinckley as a counselor. By 1982, took less active
role except for decisions requiring his approval. Starting in 1981, he scaled
back his conference speaking and appearances. He wrote two talks for April
1982; one was read by his personal secretary D. Arthur Haycock (during the
Saturday Morning Session), and a brief, one paragraph talk which he stood to
give, his last public appearance. For April 1985, a video was shown during the
Priesthood Session featuring extracts of previous Priesthood Session addresses
President Kimball had given. He died on November 5, 1985, four years after his
decline began and 3.5 years after stepping back from an active role in Church
leadership.
As noted above, President Tanner was declining in health
as well. His General Conference speaking was limited to a maximum of two
addresses in the April 1980 General Conference (one of which was leading out in
the Sustaining of Church Officers), and to one address per conference during
the final five General Conferences during which he lived. In October 1980, he
spoke briefly after President Kimball’s address opening the Conference (the
address was just over 2.5 minutes). In April 1981, President Tanner was the
second speaker during the Sunday Morning Session (giving a talk that was just
over 6 minutes). The following October, President Tanner closed the conference
with an address that (again, in a talk that was just over 6 minutes). In April
1982, President Tanner preceded President Kimball’s final address with a talk
just short of 5 minutes. And six months later, just short of two months before
his death, President Tanner gave his last General Conference talk, closing out
that conference with another talk under 5 minutes.
President Romney held out slightly better than Presidents
Kimball or Tanner. Though not in great health, he was able to push through to
fill a semi-active role in First Presidency, giving multiple addresses in
General Conference until about the time that President Tanner passed away, and
wasn’t able to participate too much after his call as First Counselor to
President Kimball. The last address President Romney wrote for delivery in
General Conference was read in the April 1983 General Conference was read at
his request by his son George J. during the Saturday Morning Session. Though
rarely seen in public by the time of President Kimball’s passing in 1985,
President Romney, being junior to President Ezra Taft Benson, was, by virtue of
apostolic seniority, named the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Because
his health was not good, Elder Howard W. Hunter served as the Acting President
to provide active leadership in the quorum for President Romney’s tenure, which
spanned just over 2.5 years.
With the day-to-day responsibility of First Presidency
matters falling to President Hinckley as the only active member of that body,
he turned to President Benson as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles to help him with things, as per Church policy and procedure. President
Benson was very loyal to President Hinckley during this time, which was not a
surprise, as President Hinckley was his junior in the apostleship but his
senior in terms of his sole active role in the Quorum of the First Presidency. Starting
in April 1983, President Benson assisted President Hinckley with his General
Conference responsibilities, including leading out in the Sustaining of Church
Officers as requested, and giving two talks per conference, which took place as
follows:
April 1983: As noted above, led out in the Sustaining of
Church Officers. Preceded President Hinckley’s closing address during the
Priesthood Session, and was the first speaker during the Sunday Morning Session
October 1983: Gave the second actual address during the
Saturday Morning Session (following President Hinckley’s talk, which itself had
followed President Hinckley’s shortened version of the Sustaining of Church
Officers) and preceded again President Hinckley’s concluding remarks during the
Priesthood Session.
April 1984: Was the second to speak during the Saturday
Morning Session (following President Hinckley’s combined Sustaining of Church Officers
and first address) and again preceded President Hinckley’s concluding remarks
during the Priesthood Session.
October 1984: The same as April 1984.
April 1985: Once again, was the second to speak during
the Saturday Morning Session (following President Hinckley’s combined opening
address, Sustaining of Church Officers, and review of a then new policy of
having area presidencies serve on site within the US and internationally).
Spoke this time at the beginning of the Priesthood Session.
October 1985: Again spoke directly after President
Hinckley’s opening remarks (although the Sustaining of Church Officers was
delayed during this conference until the top of the Sunday Afternoon Session),
and again was the first speaker during the Priesthood Session.
President Benson’s declining years:
President Benson was fully active and functional for the
first few years of his presidency, but starting in 1989, scaled back his public
appearances and General Conference addresses for the last five years of his
presidency. Thankfully, both of his counselors, Presidents Hinckley and Monson,
were fully able to function during this time (though each had minor health
issues that were dealt with during this time, including minor hospitalizations
and procedures), and they alternated both an increase in addresses and responsibilities
during this time. As a result of President Benson’s condition, the following
was done in terms of General Conferences:
April 1989: President Benson asked President Hinckley to
read his still-remembered address about pride being a universal sin and a
horrible vice at the top of the Saturday Morning Session, and President Monson
to read his address directed to the children of the Church at the close of the
Sunday Afternoon Session. Both counselors spoke during the Priesthood and
Sunday Morning Sessions.
October 1989: President Benson asked President Monson to
read his address directed to the elderly members of the Church. Both counselors
spoke during the Priesthood and Sunday Morning Sessions. At President Benson’s
request, President Hinckley closed the Sunday Afternoon Session not by reading
an address for him, but by using his own words to assure Church members that
the Lord did, was, and would continue to direct His work even in the wake of a
prophet’s decline.
April 1990: Presidents Hinckley and Monson both spoke during
the Priesthood and Sunday Morning Sessions. At President Benson’s request and
with his consent, President Monson opened the conference and President Hinckley
closed it with addresses that quoted many of President Benson’s prior teachings.
October 1990: Same as above, but President Hinckley
opened the conference and President Monson closed it, again with addresses
quoting previous teachings by President Benson.
April 1991: No different from April 1990.
October 1991: No different from October 1990.
April 1992: Same as the previous two Aprils.
October 1992: Same as the previous two Octobers.
April 1993: Similar to the past three Aprils, but the
counselors shared updates about President Benson’s health, conveyed his love
and concern for the Church and its members, and made it more clear that the
words of President Benson they were sharing were as requested and directed by
him.
October 1993: This conference was somewhat different, and
more like they have been for us since 2015. The conference began with the Sustaining
of Church Officers by President Hinckley, saw both counselors speak during the
Priesthood and Sunday Morning Sessions, and neither counselor giving an actual
address at either the opening or concluding sessions of conference.
April 1994: The final conference during which President
Benson was Church President. The conference featured the Sustaining of Church
Officers in its traditional slot at the top of the Saturday Afternoon Session, with
both counselors again speaking during the Priesthood and Sunday Morning
Session. At President Benson’s request, President Monson closed the conference
with a benedictory address using his (President Monson’s) own words. As both
counselors were able to speak when President Benson couldn’t during these
years, the only different thing is that more General Authorities spoke during
this conference to compensate for the absence of a formal message directed by
or using President Benson’s previous counsel.
President Monson:
At this point, President Monson is older than both
Presidents Kimball and Benson were when their active role in day-to-day Church
operations ended. And President Monson will have lived longer than President
Kimball if he is still alive in March 2018. And if, by 2022, President Monson
is still living (which may be possible, as both Presidents Kimball and Benson
lived several years without being actively involved in day-to-day Church
business), he will have lived longer than President Benson. And President Monson
also had several more years of active service as Church President than either
of the other two prior to when he started scaling back his role. Here is a
timeline of significant notes on President Monson’s presidency:
2008-2010: Functioned fully as Church President,
including presiding at every temple dedication or rededication, conducting 3 of
the 5 general sessions of conference, and speaking 4-5 times during General
Conference (4 talks in the general sessions, and once every three conferences
at the General RS/YW Meeting); last conducted a General Conference session in
April 2010.
October 2010-present: Delegated responsibility of
conducting General Conference sessions to his counselors.
2011-2014: Alternated with his counselors in presiding at
temple dedications and rededications (including having Boyd K. Packer,
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, preside at the dedication of
the temple for his native Brigham City Utah).
2013: A change is made to include other General
Authorities in the annual Christmas Devotional; President Monson’s last address
in such a devotional.
2014-present: Has delegated temple dedications and
rededications entirely to his counselors. (Though three of the six dedications
done during 2016 were presided over by three of the six senior apostles);
continued to give 4 or 5 General Conference talks every six months; last spoke
in the General Relief Society meeting in October 2013; has had his counselors
alternate speaking duties since then for the RS/YW meeting, and, since 2014, in
the General Women’s Meeting, which was designated as an official General
Conference session in October that same year.
2015-2017: President Monson only speaks twice in each
General Conference. He asks his counselors to take turns speaking in the General
Women’s Session and being the first speaker in the Saturday Morning Session or
the last one during the Sunday Morning Session.
2015: For each of the General Conferences held, the two
addresses he gave took a total around half an hour.
2016-2017: For each of the three General Conferences held
during this time, the two addresses he gave in together totaled just under 10
minutes.
2016: At the invitation of the First Presidency, Elder M.
Russell Ballard serves as Grand Marshall of the annual Days of ’47 KSL Parade
(for Utah’s pioneer day), marking the first year in a long time that a First
Presidency member did not do so.
April 2017: President Monson only attends three of the
six General Conference sessions. An article on the website of the LDS Church News
notes that President Eyring presided at the other three sessions, while the
conference edition of the Ensign, for
the first time in many years, does not list that information. This General
Conference marks the first time President Monson speaks at the beginning of the
Priesthood Session rather than the end of it.
Tuesday May 23, 2017: The Church announced President
Monson would no longer actively participate in meetings, decisions, or
deliberations of the leading brethren, leaving the day-to-day operations of the
Church to the other 14 apostles. He will be consulted on any major decisions
requiring his approval, but will no longer take an active role. This was
verified by the recent report that President Monson did not participate at all
in the recent Seminar for New Mission Presidents.
Friday June 30, 2017: President Monson’s tenure length
makes him the 8th longest serving Church President.
Monday August 21, 2017: President Monson’s 90th
birthday (no word yet on whether or not there will be a public celebration of
this milestone)
Saturday September 23 & 30 & October 1: 187th
Semiannual General Conference
Speaking of the upcoming General Conference (and this
also applies to any other that may occur during whatever remains of President
Monson’s life), it is unknown at present how the above-mentioned announcement
may impact President Monson’s ability to speak for a few minutes in the
Priesthood and Sunday Morning Sessions. I have inquired with the Church about
that very question. If he is not able to, past precedent indicates a few
possibilities for what might happen:
1.
Other speakers in the session will take up those
few minutes, including an additional speaker or two if needed.
2.
A counselor in the First Presidency, a member of
President Monson’s family, or his personal secretary could read an address from
him containing either new counsel or quotations from previous addresses he has
given, including announcing any new temples, which would be done with President
Monson’s permission.
3.
President Nelson, as President of the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles, could be asked to give a second address at some point,
perhaps during the Priesthood Session.
In considering what might happen in October, I would also
like to mention one other thing. Elder Hales also did not speak during the
Mission President’s Seminar. He has missed previous General Conferences, so it
is possible he might not speak this October either. Until more is known, my
predictions for next General Conference have President Monson and Elder Hales
speaking back-to-back at the top of the Sunday Morning Session. If neither can
speak at all this conference, obviously that will change things, and anywhere
from 1-3 other speakers could take that time.
For now, that is what my study on the subject of past
precedent in this situation has involved. While there are general guidelines
and past precedents to ensure the work of the Church can continue unhindered
and without interruption during the declining years of a Church president, one
thing is sure: any call for President Monson to “retire” or be granted some
kind of emeritus status is not the Lord’s way, and the same holds true for all
other apostles and prophets. Anyone perpetuating those ideas is not under the
direction or influence of the spirit of the Lord. There is, as noted many times
previously, a reason why Church doctrine and practice has been, is, and always
will be for all apostles and Church Presidents to serve until death. The only
other way out of the apostleship is being disfellowshipped or excommunicated,
and that has not happened in this Church since 1943. Though President Monson,
Elder Hales, and perhaps one or two others may be struggling with issues of
illness and old age, to a man, each of our current 15 apostles are righteous
men that have lived lives in harmony with God’s will and have absolutely been
prepared and foreordained prior to this life for the apostleship.
Some of our current apostles will live to succeed
President Monson. Others will pass away. And the Lord has, does, and will
continue to guide how and when such apostolic transitions occur. It is our
solemn duty to sustain these brethren. Our opportunity to sustain them was, is,
and always will be a time to silently voice our support for them. Unless anyone
knows of any grievous transgressions on the part of any of these 15 men, it is
a sacred obligation to sustain them. To adapt statements previously made by
Church presidents Brigham Young and Gordon B. Hinckley, and doctrines taught by
then-Elder Nelson in October 2014, and Elder Bednar one year later, anyone who
asserts or implies that these men are guilty of great or malignant sins, or who
assert that they are unrighteous, “out of touch”, “too old for the job” or
“should be released from active service, or who organizes efforts meant to
vocally express opposition to sustaining these men, while failing to make the
effort as invited to resolve such concerns through proper channels, are not
being moved upon by the spirit of God, and are on the high road to apostasy.
And if they do not repent, they will eventually apostatize as surely as God
lives.
In my opinion, (as I continue to paraphrase statements
made in the above-mentioned addresses), the beauty of having men of maturity at
the head is that they will not be blown about by every wind of doctrine. And
the fact is, were it not for being asked to serve until their dying breaths, we
would have missed out on so many sermons from good men seasoned by years of
experience. Those are not my words, but as surely as I know God lives, I know
they are true. The Lord has, is now, and will continue to control how the
leadership of His Church changes hands, and, for my part, I am content to leave
it in His hands. Just as the origins of this Church are divine, so is the
process by which the leadership thereof changes at His will. Of these things I
gratefully testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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.
Unit Changes Noted
Hello, all! In the last week or so, several changes in Church units have taken place, both in terms of new units created and other units discontinued. I will not analyze these developments, as I am not good at doing so. But you can be sure to find such an analysis on the LDS Church Growth Blog, either already posted or soon to be added. You can also find a list of those changes here. Thanks to you all for your ongoing 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.
Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello, all! I have made some minor but significant changes to my temple construction progress report. Even though the Winnipeg temple is anticipated to be completed within 20 months or so from whenever construction formally begins, until it is underway, I have felt it wise to adjust the numbering on a few temples. Once that happens, I will make any subsequent changes that may be needed. I have also adjusted the wording on the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple. Hope you enjoy reading these updates. I welcome any feedback about this. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Here is that report.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 7/25/17)
NOTE: There
will be a total of 182 operating
temples once all of those under construction or announced are dedicated. Of
those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 other will be dedicated next month
(after the traditional July recess for the General Authorities); 2 more
have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this
year; 9 are in various
stages of construction; 1 other has construction pending
(groundbreaking was last year), and earnest work will hopefully start on that
within the next month or so); 1 has
a groundbreaking scheduled (set for later this year); 2 are
undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated next year); another 4 have a renovation closure date set
for later this year, with 5 others
set to close early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time);
the remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement
or groundbreaking pending).
NOTE ON FUTURE TEMPLES: Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the
Executive Director of the Temple Department, indicated in a recent interview
that the Church has around 85 temple sites that are under active consideration
for an announcement within the next 15 years or so. If that is true, then that
would take the number of temples in any phase to just under 270 by 2032. And if
that is true, then whether or not the Church makes it an official goal to do
so, it is more than likely that there could be a minimum of 200 temples
dedicated by or before the Church’s 200th anniversary on April 6,
2030, whether or not the Church makes that an official goal. All it would take
to do so is 18 more being announced, and each of them, along with the 26 either
under construction or announced, to be completed within the next 12 years and 9
months, which is doable if 3 or 4 are dedicated per year between now and then.
As there are 3 others scheduled for dedication before the end of this year,
with 5 set for next year, and up to 5 the year following, the Church seems to
be on track for that. Subsequent versions of this report will continue to share
developments as they occur.
Preparing for dedication:
157. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Preparing for dedication, which is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; sod laid and trees planted; dedication
scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Installing art glass; laying sod; dedication
scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Interior and exterior work progressing; installing art glass windows; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic
Republic of the Congo Temple: Exterior brickwork completed; attaching purlins
to roof trusses and strengthening truss connectors; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
162. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on the south wall; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2018.
163. Durban South Africa
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; installing
basement stairs; laying brick at missionary housing; top of elevator shaft
poured; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding nearly complete on north and south walls; progressing around
base of steeple; completion anticipated
sometime during late 2018-early
2019.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Tower base walls poured; scaffolding removed; completion anticipated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Preparing
to pour footings for foundation; surrounding property being cleared and graded;
completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: In the midst of other changes
that have been needed for this report, I also took another look at the question
of whether this temple or the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple might be finished first.
In doing so, I discovered that until formal construction begins in Winnipeg and
that process verifies that Winnipeg will be finished first, it would be wiser
to reverse them again.
167.
Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; preparing
meetinghouse for exterior cladding; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: Until
construction is officially underway on the Winnipeg Manitoba temple, I have felt
it wise to renumber this temple. As soon as that happens and once more is known
about its progress, I will reorder this temple again.
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Foundation walls
poured; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: As
with the Lisbon temple, I have reordered this temple until construction is
officially underway on the Winnipeg temple. Based on how quickly that temple
might progress, I will make any future adjustments that are needed.
Construction pending
(anticipated to start anytime):
169. Winnipeg
Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: Until construction officially commences on this temple, it has
felt like a good idea to change its number. Once work is actually underway, I
will change the number to match its estimated completion. I still am convinced
that this temple will not be dedicated until after the dedication of the Rio
temple, but time will tell.
Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony,
which is scheduled for Saturday October
28, 2017; dedication may follow sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: The First Presidency made the
groundbreaking announcement for this temple on July 13, 2017, noting that Elder
Walter F. Gonzalez, who presides over the Caribbean area, will preside at this
groundbreaking. In the interim, I found out that this temple will be much
smaller than its other Caribbean counterpart, so it seems reasonable to assume
that this temple could have a dedication prior to the end of 2020. As with
everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along
any updates as I receive them.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or
so):
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: Though this temple’s
renovation has been ongoing since its closure in February 2016, and while the
rededication had been anticipated at some point during 2017, as the renovation
process has continued, those estimates have been altered again and again, until
this most recent revision of that time-frame. This event could happen at any
point in the middle of the year, or it could be pushed back again. More
information will come as more is known.
41. Frankfurt Germany
Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement
addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: This temple, closed since
September of 2015, was also anticipated to be completed and rededicated at some
point prior to the end of 2017. As with the Jordan River temple, that
completion estimate has been pushed back repeatedly. Until more is known, it is
anyone’s guess when this rededication might happen. I will pass along any
updates as I receive them.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While this temple is a comparatively smaller one (from the
Hinckley era), I also learned on July 5 that this renovation will be altering
both the exterior and interior appearance of the temple. Those plans may or may
not involve an expansion. The opinions on what will happen in that regard are
so different that it will take time to settle the question. Once more is known,
I will pass that along.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: This temple, constructed as part of President Kimball’s smaller
temple design, is anticipated to be rededicated sometime in 2020. If the news
release about this renovation is any indication, no expansion is in the works. Adjustments
will be made as the process gets underway. For now, I wanted to also note that
the stated purpose for this renovation is primarily to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring the temple up-to-code. With that in mind, I also
learned in early July that the completion of this temple will most likely be
sooner than I originally thought, as it is comparatively smaller.
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: In an earlier version of this report,
I had indicated that an expansion of this temple didn’t seem likely, as
information available to me at that time pointed to the current temple taking
up the entire area of the lot. On July 18, I learned I might be getting this
temple and Memphis confused. I am trying to iron all of that out, and will pass
along whatever I find out. Until more is known, I will not be altering my
completion estimate.
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 noted in previous versions of this
report, I had the closure date for this temple off by a month. I regret that
misinformation. In the meantime, I did some study on whether or not this temple
might be expanded. On July 16, I found that this temple may have room to
expand. Whether or not expansion will happen, until more is known, I have felt
it wiser to stick to my completion estimate.
Temples that have a renovation
closure announced, but no official date made known yet:
68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in January 2018; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: On July 16, while studying scheduled renovations, I learned two
things: this temple is on a large enough plot of land that expansion may be
possible and even feasible. That said, the Saints in North Carolina (according
to one of my contacts) were told that an expansion is not in the renovation
plans for this temple. It is possible but perhaps unlikely. More to come once
more is known, including any change of the completion estimate.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: My study on this temple (which I conducted on July 16) indicates
that there may be room on this temple lot to expand the edifice. The question
is whether or not the Church will choose to do so. I will keep an eye on
developments and pass things along as I learn of them. For now, the question
cannot be settled.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This renovation and the one below were announced in February of
2017. In the interim, the Church has scheduled 7 other renovations around those
two. This temple is older, so the renovation will likely take longer. But I am
not ruling out other possibilities. We also know that the primary purpose of
this renovation is to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems and bring them
up to code. So I don’t think expansion is in the plans for this temple.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: This is another older temple where the purpose of the renovation
is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up to code. An
expansion doesn’t seem likely. It is a larger temple, so the renovation will
likely take longer. That reinforces the idea that the completion timeframe
above will be spot on.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: The purpose of this renovation is to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring them up to code. This temple has been renovated
before, which reinforces the idea that there may be less to update here than
for Washington DC. Until more is known, it is my feeling that this temple will
likely be rededicated first.
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: With the recent news that
preconstruction for this temple began in March 2017, it is not hard to believe
that a groundbreaking could take place in short order once 2018 starts. But as
we also know that the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple had its groundbreaking
unexpected announced in mid-July (being set for the end of October), that opens
up the possibility that this temple could be another that could either have its
groundbreaking just before that for Port-au-Prince (as there is a precedent for
such things) or within the remaining two months of 2017. If that doesn’t
happen, then this temple will likely be the first to have a groundbreaking
during 2018.
172. Harare Zimbabwe Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take
place during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: Though nothing has happened
with this temple since Elder Hamilton stated that a site announcement and
groundbreaking would take place in short order at some point prior to the end
of 2017, and though that seemed to provide a sufficient reason to downgrade
this temple to sometime in 2018 or 2019, in reevaluating things in mid-July, I
determined that it would be wiser to move this temple back to this spot. There
is an outside chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking at some point
during the 4 months or so left in 2017, but that doesn’t seem probable.
Anything is possible, though. I will keep an eye out for developments and pass
those along as I find out more, along with any other adjustments.
173. Urdaneta Philippines
Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and
official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While previous versions of
this report had downgraded this temple to being among the last of the current
bunch to have a groundbreaking, the end of delays preventing progress on this
temple’s construction mean that a site announcement and groundbreaking may be
simply a matter of time. That being the case, as noted in so many previous
versions of this report, some have speculated a groundbreaking for this temple
may take place prior to the end of 2017. But it seems more likely that it may
wait until around this time. As always, with these being no more than my own
thoughts based on the facts I have right now, they are subject to change as
things develop. I will make any further changes that might be needed as that
becomes necessary.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On July 18, 2017, I learned
some things that convinced me to take another look at the order in which these
announced temples are listed. That more extensive research led me to conclude
that this temple may get started closer to the average time in which Utah
temples have gone from an announcement to a groundbreaking. So I ran those
numbers, which now has me convinced that this temple’s groundbreaking may be
sooner than I had originally projected. This change will be reflected on my
timeline for future temple-related events.
175. Brasilia Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, new
information received on July 18, 2017 led to my rethinking this entire section.
Particularly, I found out that the site inspection is not indicative of an
imminent groundbreaking like I thought it might be. While it is still likely
that this temple will have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2018, it will
likely be more towards the end of the year than the beginning, contrary to what
I had thought and reported. This seems like a safe change for the moment. If
the Lord surprises us and sets a groundbreaking for this temple sooner than
estimated here, I will move it up on this list at that time.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: This is another temple that
has already had a site confirmed, but that will likely not have a
groundbreaking as soon as I had thought and asserted that would happen. Having
been advised that temples announced in April 2017 might have at least a year
between the site announcement and the groundbreaking, this seems to be a safe
and sound adjustment. As always, once
the Lord or the leaders of His Church reveal more about any temple, that new
information will be reflected on future reports. For now, that is an update
from what I have previously reported. And we are also still waiting to see if
and when a more official name might be announced for this temple. I will report
on all developments as I become aware of them.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that temples
in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah and Arizona generally get started well
in advance of their international counterparts, I learned on July 18, 2017 that
some temples on this list needed to be moved (some up, and some down). I also
learned that Idaho temples have kept to a general average time-frame from
announcement to groundbreaking, and by changing the estimate for this temple,
it corresponds more fully to that average.
178. Nairobi Kenya Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14,
2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As I have considered the
media event held last month, I have determined it wiser to assume that a
groundbreaking for this temple will happen sooner rather than later. It seems
apparent now that this temple will not be the last of those currently announced
to have a groundbreaking, as I had originally thought and stated. So it seems
wise to make that adjustment. As always, once more information is available, I
will go from there.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If member speculation is confirmed
within the next year or so (that a building housing Church offices will be
reconstructed and repurposed into an edifice housing not just those offices,
but also a meetinghouse and the temple as well), then formal construction
efforts could begin sooner than indicated here. Until more is known, I am
trying to be conservative in my estimates. I would not be surprised in the
least if this temple’s groundbreaking happens sooner or later than indicated
here.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the massive growth that
the Church has experienced in the Ivory Coast, some have speculated that the
Ivory Coast could get one or two additional temples within the next 15 years.
For this first one, this adjustment feels appropriate. Further adjustments will
be made once more is known.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Despite the 14-year wait
between the announcement and groundbreaking for Ecuador’s first temple, this
one for the Ecuadoran capital is not anticipated to have nearly as long a wait.
With other adjustments that have been made, this seems appropriate. Further
adjustments will be made once more is known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Since we have a site
essentially confirmed for the other Brazilian temple above, even though this
one was announced a year prior to that one, it is more than likely that we will
not see a groundbreaking for this Belem temple until a year or so after the one
for Brasilia. If the estimates for all other temples are anywhere close (which
they may or may not be), that would make this temple the last of the current
bunch to be dedicated. But this is 2 or 3 years out, so changes are always
possible within that time depending on what develops between now and then.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple
announcements within the last three years have come during the April General
Conference. They may happen at any time the First Presidency feels inspired to
make them, but that has been the pattern since 2015. Also, as noted above,
Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 85 or more temple
sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So
we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and
construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples
that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for
future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the
first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not
yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland
New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula
Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). I have been told
by many that an official announcement will happen once unit growth and activity
in temples within such areas warrants those announcements. If there have been
any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also
know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations
around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue
to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments
will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.
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.
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, July 24, 2017
Temple developments/approaching milestones/musings
Hello again, all! This is my last post of the day (as I am trying not to be on my computer too late from now on). I wanted to note that minor progress has been reported on the Cedar City Utah Temple. While the last update on that temple noted that art glass was being installed, I learned today that, while that was ongoing, those working on the grounds have begun laying sod. So that temple is just a little closer to completion. The open house for that temple is now just over three months away (as it starts on October 27). As a brief note on another temple, the open house for the new temple in Meridian Idaho is set to begin in just under three months. And we cannot forget, of course, that, as we near the end of July, the dedication of the Tucson Arizona Temple is now just under three weeks away.
Regarding that dedication, I still believe that President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for this temple, may be asked to return to dedicate it. I also believe that he will be accompanied by at least one apostle, perhaps one that has ties to Tucson, but I don't know who that would be. Whoever the presiding apostles might be, it is not hard to believe that they might be accompanied by either Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who is currently presiding over the area of the Church under which Arizona falls, or by Elder Juan A. Uceda, who will take over that assignment from Elder Robbins in 8 days, unless he has already done so.
Whatever might happen in the near future in terms of temple-related developments, you can count on this blog being a source for information about such developments. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments continue to be welcome. Have a great night.
Regarding that dedication, I still believe that President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for this temple, may be asked to return to dedicate it. I also believe that he will be accompanied by at least one apostle, perhaps one that has ties to Tucson, but I don't know who that would be. Whoever the presiding apostles might be, it is not hard to believe that they might be accompanied by either Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who is currently presiding over the area of the Church under which Arizona falls, or by Elder Juan A. Uceda, who will take over that assignment from Elder Robbins in 8 days, unless he has already done so.
Whatever might happen in the near future in terms of temple-related developments, you can count on this blog being a source for information about such developments. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments continue to be welcome. Have a great night.
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.
Case Study: Could any of the temples scheduled for renovation be expanded
Hello, all! Despite what I thought and stated in my last post, I have put together one more post for today. I have recently become more curious about whether or not an expansion might be possible for any of the comparatively smaller and more modest temples that are scheduled for renovation In doing study on that subject, I was intrigued by my findings. I share them with you now so I can get your thoughts. I look forward to the discussion. Enjoy!
Temples scheduled for renovations:
Memphis Tennessee: 6.35 acre lot (includes adjacent
meetinghouse, which, with the parking lot, may account for roughly 75% of that
acreage (which, if correct, works out to roughly 4.77 acres); area of the
temple itself: 10,700 square feet (which, if my calculations are correct, works
out to around 0.24 acres)
Please also note that the design of this temple may be
similar, if not identical, to the Asuncion Paraguay, Raleigh North Carolina, and
Baton Rouge Louisiana Temples.
Conclusion: If the calculations above are correct (and
they might not be), in theory, there might be room for this temple to expand.
However, some experts on temple matters with whom I shared this theory noted
that there wasn’t much room within the current area on which the temple sits
for such an expansion to happen. I am doing some study on this matter to try to
figure out how feasible an expansion might be, but for now, it doesn’t seem
likely.
Oklahoma City Oklahoma: 1 acre lot (43,560 square feet);
area of the temple itself: 10,769 square feet.
Conclusion: Expansion may be a possibility, as there is room
within the lot for such an expansion. How likely an expansion might be is
another question entirely.
Asuncion Paraguay: 7 acre lot; area of the temple itself:
10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical, to Memphis
Tennessee, Raleigh North Carolina and Baton Rouge Louisiana)
Conclusion: Plenty of room for an expansion, so it might
be possible
Raleigh North Carolina: 12 acre lot; area of the temple
itself: 10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical to Memphis
Tennessee, Asuncion Paraguay and Baton Rouge Louisiana)
Conclusion: If member reports are correct, an expansion
is not part of the plan for this temple. There is, however, plenty of room on
the lot to expand it. I won’t be surprised either way.
Baton Rouge Louisiana: 6.3 acre lot (includes adjoining
meeting house, which may account for roughly 75% of that acreage; area of the
temple itself: 10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical to Memphis
Tennessee, Asuncion Paraguay, and Raleigh North Carolina)
Conclusion: Expansion possible; plenty of room to expand
the temple; wouldn’t surprise me either way.
NOTE: For the planned renovations of the Tokyo Japan,
Oakland California, Washington DC, and Mesa Arizona Temples, the main purpose
seems to be to update electrical and mechanical systems and bring them
up-to-date and up-to-code. An expansion of these temples seems unlikely. Most
of the others scheduled for renovation seem to have plenty of room to expand.
The question is, is an expansion planned for any of them? It seems possible,
especially as I was advised a while ago that it may make more sense to expand
some of these smaller temples than it would to build others. I will keep an eye
out for developments on this front and pass along any updates as I become aware
of them.
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.
How temple, mission, and area presidency assignments usually take place each year
I am back again, as promised, with my thoughts and observations about how temple, mission, and area assignment transitions usually take effect. I have had years of study about this process, and have first-hand knowledge of how that works. So here goes. Hope this information is helpful and interesting to you.
As noted in the previous blog post, Elder Duncan, who was set to be released from his assignment as Central America Area President on August 1, participated in the Sunrise Service for Pioneer Day. As that service was held in Salt Lake City eight days prior to August 1, the transitions made in that presidency must have taken place earlier this month. That is not at all unusual. From what I have read and observed, the dates of such changes (July 1 for mission presidents, August 1 for area leadership, and November 1 for temple presidents) are general rather than specific. Often, it is much more practical to effect those transitions when it would not otherwise interfere with the day-to-day operations of the mission, area, or temple.
I have a couple of examples of such transition periods having been more flexible, which I have personally observed. First, during my six year service as a temple worker (from 2006-2012), I observed three different transitions of the temple presidency. I can't say with certainty that it works this way in all operating temples, but at least for those six years, the outgoing presidency of the Mount Timpanogos Temple would serve during the week when October became November, and once that week ended and the first full week of November began, the new presidency would assume responsibility.
Other transition periods which I have also observed is at times when new apostles are called or at the death of a Church president. Shortly before the death of Joseph Smith the Prophet, he made the statement that "where I [meaning the president of the Church] is not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." And, as we know, when the first three Church presidents passed away, there were periods of a few years before a new Church president was sustained. As Wilford Woodruff neared the final days of his life, he spoke privately with Lorenzo Snow, who as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, would succeed him. During that conversation, he urged President Snow not to wait to reorganize the First Presidency, but to do so immediately. That advice and counsel, which was confirmed to President Snow by the Savior, who appeared to him in the Salt Lake Temple after President Woodruff's passing, was timely, because if it were not for that, President Snow, who served for only 3 years as Church President before he himself passed away, might not have even become Church President.
As a result of that counsel regarding prophetic succession, given by one prophet to his successor, now new Church presidents are set apart and ordained not long after the funeral proceedings are held to honor the previous Church president. There have been 12 such transitions. Of those 12, the longest time between the death of one president and the setting apart of his successor has been 11 days, with 4 days being the shortest such period. The average time span is somewhere between 6 and 7 days, and it appears that 5 days has been the most common time span, having happened 6 of those 12 times. One article on such transitions that I read at one point noted that, in most of those cases (10 to be exact), those transitions took a week or less. So there is flexibility in that, as there is with any other transition.
But getting back to temples, missions, and areas, transitions for all such assignments are very much flexible in order to allow as seamless a transition as can be done so that the work of each might continue as seamlessly as possible. So such transitions can be made earlier or later.
I apologize for going off on so many tangents. I have been muddling through some health issues that may be having a minor affect on my ability to keep to the point and focus properly on what I am trying to post. Nothing to worry about. Just wanted to note that. I will try to do better to stay on topic.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. I appreciate your readership and insightful comments. I hope you all are doing well. I may or may not be doing another post before the end of the day today, but if not today, I will continue to keep an eye out for Church and temple news and will provide updates as I become aware of them. Thanks again.
As noted in the previous blog post, Elder Duncan, who was set to be released from his assignment as Central America Area President on August 1, participated in the Sunrise Service for Pioneer Day. As that service was held in Salt Lake City eight days prior to August 1, the transitions made in that presidency must have taken place earlier this month. That is not at all unusual. From what I have read and observed, the dates of such changes (July 1 for mission presidents, August 1 for area leadership, and November 1 for temple presidents) are general rather than specific. Often, it is much more practical to effect those transitions when it would not otherwise interfere with the day-to-day operations of the mission, area, or temple.
I have a couple of examples of such transition periods having been more flexible, which I have personally observed. First, during my six year service as a temple worker (from 2006-2012), I observed three different transitions of the temple presidency. I can't say with certainty that it works this way in all operating temples, but at least for those six years, the outgoing presidency of the Mount Timpanogos Temple would serve during the week when October became November, and once that week ended and the first full week of November began, the new presidency would assume responsibility.
Other transition periods which I have also observed is at times when new apostles are called or at the death of a Church president. Shortly before the death of Joseph Smith the Prophet, he made the statement that "where I [meaning the president of the Church] is not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." And, as we know, when the first three Church presidents passed away, there were periods of a few years before a new Church president was sustained. As Wilford Woodruff neared the final days of his life, he spoke privately with Lorenzo Snow, who as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, would succeed him. During that conversation, he urged President Snow not to wait to reorganize the First Presidency, but to do so immediately. That advice and counsel, which was confirmed to President Snow by the Savior, who appeared to him in the Salt Lake Temple after President Woodruff's passing, was timely, because if it were not for that, President Snow, who served for only 3 years as Church President before he himself passed away, might not have even become Church President.
As a result of that counsel regarding prophetic succession, given by one prophet to his successor, now new Church presidents are set apart and ordained not long after the funeral proceedings are held to honor the previous Church president. There have been 12 such transitions. Of those 12, the longest time between the death of one president and the setting apart of his successor has been 11 days, with 4 days being the shortest such period. The average time span is somewhere between 6 and 7 days, and it appears that 5 days has been the most common time span, having happened 6 of those 12 times. One article on such transitions that I read at one point noted that, in most of those cases (10 to be exact), those transitions took a week or less. So there is flexibility in that, as there is with any other transition.
But getting back to temples, missions, and areas, transitions for all such assignments are very much flexible in order to allow as seamless a transition as can be done so that the work of each might continue as seamlessly as possible. So such transitions can be made earlier or later.
I apologize for going off on so many tangents. I have been muddling through some health issues that may be having a minor affect on my ability to keep to the point and focus properly on what I am trying to post. Nothing to worry about. Just wanted to note that. I will try to do better to stay on topic.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. I appreciate your readership and insightful comments. I hope you all are doing well. I may or may not be doing another post before the end of the day today, but if not today, I will continue to keep an eye out for Church and temple news and will provide updates as I become aware of them. Thanks again.
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 News publishes new articles in celebration of Pioneer Day
In keeping with the Pioneer Day theme which has characterized quite a few of my posts in the last week or so, I wanted to note that the Church News featured three articles about the day's events. This article gives an overview of the parade, which ran for two hours this morning, and for which, as noted in an earlier post on this blog, President Uchtdorf served as the Grand Marshal. This article summarizes remarks made by Elder Kevin R. Duncan at the Church's annual Pioneer Day Sunrise Service. For those who might recall this, Elder Duncan had been serving as the president of the Central America Area, and we learned through both the Church News and the August 2017 Ensign that Elder Duncan was going to be released from his service in that capacity and would be reassigned to Church headquarters as of August 1. His participation in this event, held 8 days before his release went into effect, signals that the transition of that assignment is complete. I will add another blog post a few minutes after this one is posted to share my observations about such assignment transitions. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, this article describes how Primary children and community members celebrated the theme of the main parade: "Visions of New Horizons" as they marched in or observed the youth parade, which is also held each year in Utah. Click here for more on that.
That's it for this post. I will, as noted above, be publishing another post in the next few minutes discussing the things I have observed about assignment transitions in certain Church callings. In the meantime, hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the privilege of your time.
That's it for this post. I will, as noted above, be publishing another post in the next few minutes discussing the things I have observed about assignment transitions in certain Church callings. In the meantime, hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the privilege of your time.
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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