Major revision of my list of possible future temple sites

Hello, all! I received some feedback earlier this afternoon that prompted a day's worth of more extensive research into future temple possibilities. As a result of that study, I have made some major revisions to my list of possible future temple sites and the notes accompanying them. I wanted to share those updates with you all now. Let me know any thoughts any of you might have, if you are able to. Again, I am still not sure that I got all the issues fixed that have prevented everyone from commenting. If any of you do try to do so and cannot, please let me know. Thanks. Here's that list. 

Temple Predictions:
3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:

NOTE: Since it is difficult at best to know where the Lord feels a need for a temple and temple locations are not as cut-and-dried as I have originally believed them to be, I am doing a preliminary list, which I will refine as the time for General Conference draws closer. I will look forward to seeing what happens with those possibilities, if any are announced at all. So far between 2015 and this year, the 12 newest temples were announced during the April General Conference. If any temples are announced, there may only be a few. But that is just my own opinion, and the Lord has been known to prove me wrong. I continue to hope for temple announcements during every General Conference, which will occur as the Lord wills them to.

 ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I first narrowed down then expanded these selections again. I am again listing them by the geographical area of the Church under which they fall and then by likelihood within each of those areas.
Africa Southeast: Antananarivo Madagascar; Lubumbashi DR Congo
Africa West: Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone; Praia Cape Verde
Asia: Phomn Penh Cambodia; Jakarta Indonesia; Ulaanbaatar Mongolia; Singapore Hyderabad/Rajahmundry India
Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador
Central America: Managua Nicaragua Europe: Budapest Hungary; Vienna Austria
Mexico: Puebla; Queretaro; Mexico City (2nd temple)
North America Central: Missoula Montana; Green Bay Wisconsin; South Dakota Rapid City
North America Northwest: Salem Oregon
North America Southeast: Bentonville Arkansas
North America Southwest: Fort Worth Texas; Flagstaff Arizona; Henderson Nevada
North America West: Bakersfield/Ventura California
Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea
Philippines: Davao/Cagayan de Oro
South America Northwest: Valparaiso Chile; Neuquen Argentina; Maracaibo Venezuela; Santa Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos Peru
Utah North: Layton Utah
Utah Salt Lake: Tooele Utah
Utah South: Mapleton Utah

Notes about potential temple sites:
1. For the Africa Southeast Area, the two possibilities listed seem to be the most likely ones. With the growth of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a second temple seems imminent, even without knowing how the one that will be dedicated in Kinshasa will affect any potential future temples. While Elder Neil L. Andersen proposed a temple for the Kasai region, Lubumbashi seems more likely. As always, I will pass any new information along as I become aware of it.
2. In the Africa West Area, second temples for Ghana and Nigeria seem likely, especially now that all Nigerian cities have been reached by the Church. And Sierra Leone may also get a temple soon simply by virtue of being so far distant from the temple district under which it falls. Additionally, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde come in at #6 and #10 respectively in terms of the top ten countries/dependencies with the strongest LDS presence but without a temple, making them very viable candidates for the future, if not immediately. I have also heard some say that a second and possibly a third Ivory Coast temple may be announced within the next 10-15 years depending on how quickly the first one progresses.
3. While I was double-checking for additional temple sites, I quickly figured out that Asia could be a great candidate for several new temples, and these are the most likely locations that I could find. While all of them make sense in terms of President Monson’s desire to have every Church member within 200 miles of a temple, I have grouped them by the number of Church units. Additionally, I know that temples have been proposed for New Delhi India (in 1992 by Elder Maxwell) and for Singapore (in 2000 by President Hinckley). Church membership in those countries stand as follows: Cambodia: nearing 14,000; India: just over 13,000; Mongolia: nearing 11,500; Indonesia: nearing 7,300; Singapore: nearing 8,400. According to a statistical profile written by a Church Growth expert, India may not actually get a temple until there is a stronger Church presence to support. For now, it seems that the order I have placed them in may be the most likely order by which they might be announced. As more information comes to light, I will make any adjustments that might be necessary. 4. In Brazil, the two cities above seem to be the most imminent possibilities. It would also not surprise me at all if the Church held off on announcing any other Brazilian temples until the two under construction and the other two announced ones are closer to completion. As I have mentioned previously, I had felt prior to General Conference last April that Brazil's next temple would be built in Brasilia, but didn't think it would be announced until the one in Belem made more progress. So more Brazilian temples may be announced soon, but they also might not. Once more is known, I will make any adjustments needed.
5. While I said when posting my last list of possibilities that any new European temples might be put on hold until the Church evaluates how the dedications of the Paris France and Rome Italy Temples and the rededications of the temples in Freiberg and Frankfurt Germany have affected temple attendance for European Saints, in going over the current and future districts, I was reminded that I had heard from several people that Budapest Hungary would be the next European temple. And Vienna Austria makes sense in terms of President Monson's expressed goal to have every member within 200 miles of a temple. Until more information is known, these additions seemed to be sound.
6. Of the many cities in Mexico, I know Puebla has been widely mentioned as the most likely site for the next temple in that nation. I have also felt at times that Queretaro could be a feasible possibility, as could a second temple for Mexico City. If and when I feel I can narrow down the options, I will do so.
7. In the Pacific, I know that these two cities have been mentioned to me as having sites purchased, and once Church growth and temple activity from these areas warrant an official announcement for them, it will happen. Of the two, Auckland seems more likely.
8. While Church growth in the United States has stagnated somewhat of late, except in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, I have heard at one time or another that each of the temples I listed above could potentially be possible. In the course of recent deeper research on the matter, I recalled that many of these cities have been mentioned to me at one point or another as very likely possibilities. As part of my efforts to expand my predictions, I decided to include these cities again on this list. Until I know more about US growth, these seem to be sound changes. I also know, as I have previously noted, that land has been set aside in Bentonville Arkansas and Missoula Montana for future temple sites, with an official announcement anticipated once unit growth and activity in the current temple districts warrant that happening.
9. As a state that is constantly expanding its outreach, Utah has 18 temples either in operation or in various stages of construction. Layton and Tooele have often been mentioned to me by name as possibilities. In the course of my study, I learned that Mapleton may be a good possibility as well. And there are any number of others that may also be announced. I didn’t want to go overboard with Utah possibilities, but if there are any strong contenders I am missing, I will hopefully be able to add them in the future.

Final note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility. While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that note.

Following through on the promise to post the latest apostolic statistics

As it has been almost four months since I last posted an update regarding the latest apostolic statistics, I thought it was high time I did so again. I will be throwing out a lot of facts and figures here. Before beginning, I should like to note that all information in this post is current as of today. Hopefully these details will be of interest to some few of you, even if others of you bypass or disregard this post. Comments continue to be welcome and appreciated.

First, let’s talk about President Russell M. Nelson’s status in terms of his tenure as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Today, he marked 1 year, 11 months, and 15 days in that position. In these last four months, he has moved up from being the 21^st longest serving Quorum President to now being the 19^th. In exactly 3 weeks (on Sunday July 9), he will take the 18^th spot currently held by Heber J. Grant. 3 months and 2 days after that (on Wednesday October 11) he will become the 17^th longest serving Quorum President, a distinction currently held by Anthon H. Lund.

His final Quorum Presidency tenure milestone this year (assuming both he and President Monson are still alive by then, which seems more than likely unless something drastically changes) will happen on Monday December 18, when he will become the 16^th longest serving Quorum President, having served longer than Harold B. Lee. The tenure milestones he will observe after that are more spread out, but I will report on his progress towards those milestones in later updates.

For now, let’s turn our attention to President Monson. Though he has officially stepped away from an active leadership role, our Church has had several prophets that have been less visible and involved in the work during the last several years of their lives. Since there is precedence for this type of situation, it is anyone’s guess how long his tenure might be extended. It is becoming increasingly more likely that he will live to mark his 90^th birthday, which is on Monday August 21. In doing so, he will become the 7^th nonagenarian Church President. While it is unclear whether or not a formal celebration will be held in his honor, it is not out of the question. In addition to that milestone, he will observe a milestone relating to his tenure length. On the last day of this month, he will become the 8^th longest serving prophet, having served one day longer than President Wilford Woodruff. Until more is known about President Monson’s health and situation, it will be difficult to project how many other milestones he might reach as our prophet. He could live for several more years, or, if the Lord wills it, could pass away in the near or more distant future.

Now, if I may, I would like to talk about two recent apostolic birthdays. On the last day of May, President Eyring observed his 84^th birthday. 15 days later, on June 15, Elder David A. Bednar turned 65. Until August, when 5 (33%) of our apostles mark their birthdays, there will not be anything else to report on that front.

As we now turn our attention to apostolic statistics, I would like to note that our current First Presidency is the 5^th of the top 5 longest serving unchanged First Presidency. Ten days from now (on June 28), they will become the 4^th longest serving First Presidency, and 1 month and 3 days after that (on July 31), they will become the 3^rd longest serving First Presidency. Again, until more is known about President Monson’s health, condition, and life expectancy, I think it is safe to assume that our current First Presidency will reach both milestones. If the current First Presidency is still serving on September 12 of next year, they will become the second-longest serving First Presidency. And if, through God’s will, nothing changes by July 3, 2020, they will have become the longest-serving First Presidency in Church history. All that will depend on President Monson’s health and condition. I am hoping they will reach all of these milestones, but that is in the Lord’s hands.

I should also note that, in order to be among the longest continuous serving Quorums of the Twelve Apostles, the current group would need to serve until Thursday January 17, 2019. That may or may not happen. As I have previously observed, one or two of our current 12 apostles is having health issues, and President Nelson is the oldest of the current 12 apostles, so it could very well be that our current Quorum of the Twelve will not reach even that first milestone. It is almost equally certain that all of our 15 apostles as a group will not meet either of the two longest periods without a change being made. To reach the second-longest milestone, our 15 apostles would need to continue serving until April 3, 2022. The Lord has been known to surprise us, though, so it could happen. Once more is known in this regard, I will pass that along.

For now, let’s turn our attention to apostolic age developments. The First Presidency stands at an average age of 83.49 years, with President Monson being 89 years, 9 months, and 28 days old (with a decimal year of 89.82), President Eyring being 84 years and 18 days old (which is 84.05 in decimal years), and President Uchtdorf being 76 years, 7 months, and 12 days old (which is 76.61 decimal years).

The ages of members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles currently stand as follows: President Nelson is 92 years, 9 months, and 9 days old (92.77 in decimal years). Elder Oaks stands at 84 years, 10 months, and 6 days old (with a decimal age of 84.85 years). His birthday is coming up in August. Elder Ballard today marks 88 years, 8 months, and 10 days old (which is 88.69 years).

Elder Hales, who is 12 days younger than Elder Oaks and another apostle with an August birthday, stands at 84 years, 9 months, and 25 days old (84.82 decimal years). Elder Holland is 76 years, 6 months, and 15 days old (being 76.54 in decimal years). Elder Bednar, who, as noted, observed his 65^th birthday three days ago, has a decimal age of 65.01 years. Elder Cook, who is older than both President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland, marked 76 years, 9 months, and 10 days old today, putting him at 76.78 decimal years. Elder Christofferson today marked 72 years, 4 months, and 25 days of life, which works out to 72.4 decimal years.

Elder Andersen, another apostle with an August birthday, is 65 years, 10 months, and 9 days old, putting him at 65.86 years. Elder Rasband, just over six months older than his seatmate, is 66 years, 4 months, and 12 days old (or 66.36 decimal years) today. Elder Stevenson, who will have the next apostolic birthday, today marked 61 years, 10 months, and 12 days of life, which is 61.87 years. Elder Renlund, the least senior but second youngest apostle, is 64 years, 7 months, and 5 days old, putting his decimal age at 64.59 years.

With that information noted, I wanted to mention that the average age of our current members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as of today is 75.05 years. And the average age of all of our apostles as a ground now stands at 76.73 years. Again, I am honestly not sure about how that compares with apostolic averages of the past. If anyone knows, they can be sure to let me know.

This brings me to a brief update on apostolic nonagenarians. President Nelson, as noted in previous reports, will become the 9^th oldest apostle on Wednesday July 5, taking the spot now held by Elder L. Tom Perry. President Nelson will reach other nonagenarian milestones this year as well, On Wednesday October 18^th, President Nelson will become the 8^th oldest apostle, having lived longer than Richard R. Lyman. And just over two months after that, he will become the 7^th oldest apostle, having lived longer than Charles W. Penrose. His next nonagenarian milestone will not be observed until 2019.

As already noted, President Monson will become the 18^th nonagenarian apostle on Monday August 21. The only other nonagenarian milestone that President Monson will observe this month will happen on Wednesday September 27, when he will have lived longer than J. Reuben Clark. He will observe a few more milestones next year if he is still alive by then. As always, once anything more is known, I will pass that along.

Our other apostles will take varying lengths of time to join the list of nonagenarians, from Elder Ballard’s 1 year, 3 months, and 20 days to Elder Stevenson’s 28 years, 1 month, and 19 days. I am keeping an eye on all tenure and age developments relating to our apostles and will pass that information along as I am able to do so in the future.

For now, this is the latest information I have. It will be interesting to see what happens with our apostles over the next several years. Some will pass, and others will take their place. I hope you all enjoyed this update. I will hopefully be more diligent in providing updates of this information more regularly going forward. Let me know any thoughts you might have, if you are able and willing to do so. Thanks for reading this.

Additional Updated Estimates for Future Temple-related Events

Hello. As I was getting to work several hours ago on updating my potential timeline for future temple-related events, I became aware of some feedback I had received on questions related to that subject. What I learned has me convinced that, unless the Lord wills it, we will likely not see any other groundbreakings this year. Instead, the next two or three years will be jam-packed with temple-related events.

I have also revisited my thoughts, such as they are, regarding temples that are or will soon be undergoing renovation. The massive changes have made it necessary to post a major revision to my temple construction progress report. Over this next week, I will be taking time to totally rework my estimates for the potential time-frame of future temple-related events based on this new information. While that is a work in progress, I wanted to share what I learned and the adjustments I have felt impressed to make. They follow below.

Any who would like to and are able to give feedback should feel free to do so. If there are still issues in that regard, you can let me know via my contact information on my blogger profile. This complete overhaul has been wonderful to work on. Enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 6/18/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 has an open house ongoing (with a dedication set for August); 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 2 others are undergoing renovation; another 4 have a renovation closure date set, with 2 others set to close early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any temple-related news and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Construction completed; open house tours underway:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Public open house tours underway (will run until June 24, Sundays excluded); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; laying sod and planting trees; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting tests underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

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: Attaching insulating block and laying brick over south and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: With the temples above, they will more than likely be dedicated in a different order than they currently are. New information that came to my attention during the late night hours when the 17^th became the 18^th points to Kinshasa, a comparatively smaller edifice, being dedicated first, followed by Barranquilla, then Rome, which, as we know, has been subject to many delays. I will not be reordering these temples until we know more, but the change in my line of thought will be reflected on my newest estimated timeline for future temple-related events. Just wanted to note that.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: The new information referenced above indicates that the completion of this temple will happen closer to the middle of the year than the end of it. Until that becomes more definite, I will not be changing my completion estimate above. However, the change will be noted on the latest version of the possible timeline for future temple-related events. I will pass along any updates as I receive them.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour upper façade walls of temple; scaffolding going up around upper level of missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple’s completion estimate, as noted in previous reports, has been changed to take place during the latter part of next year. While I still feel that a dedication might take place sometime in late November or early December, that will depend entirely on what happens between now and then. I will keep an eye out for any developments and continue to make any adjustments needed.

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 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: As previously noted in my latest reports, since the Winnipeg Temple has not yet had construction begin, unless that changes anytime soon, this temple will likely be dedicated first. More to come once more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; meetinghouse exterior walls nearly finished; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Footings poured; setting concrete forms for foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As mentioned above on the note about the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple, unless progress is reported soon on Canada’s newest temple, it seems clear that Rio will be finished first. Once earnest construction begins (or, if it has already begun, once more is known about its’ progress), all we do know is that construction will take approximately 20 months (1.67 years) to complete. It may also be possible that this temple will not be finished and dedicated until after the dedications of all other temples listed above. While I daily hope for news on this temple, until more is known, a more definitive completion time-frame is hard to pin down.

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: As noted previously, this temple was originally anticipated to be completed and rededicated sometime before the end of this year. As the renovation has progressed, that estimate was pushed back to early next year, and finally to mid-2018. Given that this is a Utah temple, I have felt that the Jordan River Utah Temple rededication might very well be among the first temple related events next year. I am constantly and regularly studying this matter and will provide any updates once I become aware of them.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: While we know that renovations are often completed more quickly than new temples are, this temple is outside the US, so it is more than likely that a rededication may not take place until either the summer or early fall of next year. As more information comes in regarding when that rededication might take place, it is more than likely that my estimates will continue to change.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

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

NOTE: Until this renovation begins in three months, a completion estimate will be hard to pin down. That said, we do know that the rededication is anticipated sometime during 2019, and I am still confident that we will see the Oakland California Temple (which will close next February) rededicated first. Adjustments will be made again once more is known.

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Once the renovation of this temple is underway, it will be easier to predict its completion, and that projection will likely change a lot depending on what happens during the renovation process. Until that time, we do know that this temple is anticipated to be rededicated in 2019. And since this is a temple within the United States, the time-frame estimate above seems fairly sound.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: With Japan time well ahead of South American and United States time, the Tokyo closure will more than likely occur prior to that of the two temples above. That said, until the renovation process is underway, a time-frame for completion is anyone’s guess. All we know for the moment is that this temple will be rededicated sometime during 2020. I am still convinced that we will not see a rededication for this temple until well after the rededication of the Washington DC Temple, which will close in around 8 months.

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

NOTE: Despite the fact that this temple will be the last of the four that we know will close this year for renovation, what we do know is that US temple renovations are almost always completed more quickly than those for their international counterparts. Once the renovation is underway, a better completion estimate will be easier to make. Until then, I think it is safe to predict that this temple will be the second one rededicated in 2019.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, but no official date made known yet:

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

NOTE: This temple will likely have a more specific closure date identified before the end of this year. Until that time, and until more is known about the renovation, I am still confident that this temple will be rededicated prior to the rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple.

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

NOTE: It seems more than likely that a more exact closure date for this temple will be made known before the end of this year. Until the renovation process is well underway, a potential or exact completion time-frame is difficult to ascertain. But it does seem almost certain that this temple’s rededication will precede that of the Tokyo Japan Temple by several months.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: As noted above, with the additional information that I received in the late hours when the 17^th became the 18^th, it has once again become necessary to revise and alter my estimates for future groundbreakings. While I still hope that we may have at least one or two more before the end of this year, that does not seem to be as likely as I hoped it would even 24 hours ago. Based on what I know, I am adjusting my estimates again. If and when more information is available, these estimates will change yet again. In the meantime, I have also learned that 2018 may be a big year for groundbreakings. These new estimates reflects the latest information.

Announced:

170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: With a site confirmed for this temple earlier this year, I have been advised that construction preparation will likely take at least a year. So it is almost certain that this temple’s groundbreaking will be the first of many for 2018. If and when more is known, ongoing adjustments will be made.

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: While it has not yet been confirmed, preconstruction for this temple reportedly began in March of this year. In view of the indication from the contractor (who is also overseeing the Arequipa Peru Temple project) that a year would be needed to prepare the site prior to a groundbreaking ceremony, it seems logical that a groundbreaking will take place during the first six months of next year, at earliest. As developments unfold, adjustments will be made accordingly.

172. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: Unless any problems arise, it is more likely than not that the confirmation of the site location by local priesthood leaders (in the northern section of the city, by an arm of Paranoa Lake) will indeed be that temple’s location. Since site identification is a big part of the initial process, it is not impossible to believe that a groundbreaking for this temple will be held shortly after the one-year anniversary of the temple’s announcement. It is also very possible that construction on this temple may not commence for 2 or 3 years. Until more is known, the time-frame above seems to be a safe prediction.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2018.

NOTE: This temple, also announced just this year, has already had a site identified. The Church’s Philippines Facebook page reports that the temple will be built in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. As noted above, finding a site is a big part of the initial efforts to get such temples built. Unless complications arise, it is not impossible to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking next year sometime. And we also know that the second Lima Peru Temple had its official name announced within 3 weeks of the temple announcement, so an official name for this temple is only a matter of time. Until more is known, this timeframe seems reasonable.

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

NOTE: As Utah County temples have been known to progress rapidly from announcement to groundbreaking to dedication, and as we know that the Church owns several acres of land in this city, a site announcement is just a matter of time, with a groundbreaking likely to follow shortly after that. And I would not be at all surprised if an official site announcement comes before the end of this year, which would in turn necessitate another adjustment to this estimate.

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

NOTE: While several sites are reportedly under consideration for this temple, the most likely one has been annexed into the city of Pocatello. If an official site confirmation comes at any point during the next year or so, a groundbreaking could follow shortly thereafter. Until more is known, it seems wise to adjust this estimate. I would not be at all surprised if a groundbreaking for this temple happens sooner or later than indicated above. I will adjust this estimate again as that becomes necessary.

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

NOTE: If member speculation (regarding an existing Church office building being reconstructed and renovated into a multi-purpose building housing those same Church offices in addition to a meetinghouse and a temple) is confirmed at any point within the next year, it is not hard to believe that a groundbreaking could follow at around this time. Until more is known, that is an update from what I previously indicated.

178. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While Elder Kevin S. Hamilton said last year that a site announcement and groundbreaking for this temple would take place during the early months of this year, nothing has happened since that time. Until more is known, I have felt it wise to place this temple here on this list.  If and when developments do occur, I will change this again.

179. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could happen sometime during mid-2019

NOTE: While there has been an almost seven-year delay preventing progress on this temple, the end of those delays has put this temple in the planning and approval phase. While some have said that a groundbreaking for this temple could happen between late 2017 and early 2018 or, at latest, late next year, there is enough that is not known about this temple that makes me think we might only see a groundbreaking for this temple during the middle part of 2019. I will be more than happy to adjust this estimate if developments progress more rapidly than I believe they will. Until that time, this seems to be a safer estimate.

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

NOTE: The Church, as noted on numerous occasions in the recent past, is progressing well in Africa, and the announcement of 3 temples for that continent within the last 2½ year is evidence of that. The citizens in the Ivory Coast have been particularly very receptive to the gospel, and the Church has taken root well there. I have even heard from some who say the Ivory Coast could get another temple or two within the next 5-10 years. In terms of this first temple for that nation, I would not be surprised if a groundbreaking for this temple happened earlier or later than indicated above. I will keep an eye out for developments and adjust my estimates accordingly.

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

NOTE: Ecuador’s 14-year wait between the announcement of its first temple and its groundbreaking is not anticipated to be repeated for this temple announced for the Ecuadoran capital city. While I personally am hoping the Quito Saints will not have to wait until the middle or latter part of 2019 for this temple’s groundbreaking, with no developments anticipated soon, this seems to be a safe projection.

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

NOTE: Unless something changes in the next little while, it seems almost certain that this temple will not have a groundbreaking before the other announced Brazilian temple. The Lord has been known to surprise us, so I can’t entirely rule out the possibility that this temple will have a groundbreaking prior to that one, but until more is known, we might not see a groundbreaking for this temple until this time.

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

NOTE: Barring a drastic change or something unexpected happening, it seems entirely likely that Kenya’s first temple will be the last one of those currently announced to have a groundbreaking. However, the Church continues to grow well in Africa, so I can’t rule out the possibility of it happening sooner than indicated above. Until more is known, though, I will be sticking with this estimate.

                                                                                                          

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. 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. Hopefully the next several years will be full of temple-related developments. You can depend on my reporting on those developments as I become aware of them.

                                                                                                           

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.

Updated estimates for announced temples

Hello, all! As I may have mentioned previously, I am regularly evaluating temple-related developments and checking frequently for any news on that front. The results of that study, along with some feedback I have received recently, have led me to once again alter my thinking on how soon announced temples might progress to groundbreaking. I will be sharing those revisions in a minute.

First, I want to make it absolutely clear (if it is not so already) that any temple development is subject to the Lord's will and timing, and to any local or political factors that may affect that timing. I also want to acknowledge upfront that I know temples within the US generally have their construction commence more quickly than their international counterparts. But part of the study I have done has involved calculating the average time-frames between temple announcements and groundbreakings in all areas of the world, and my study has led me to conclude that such time-frames are not always cut and dried as they might seem to be.

These updated estimates, such as they are, are the best I have been able to compile based on what is presently known, but at the end of the day, until they are verified and confirmed by the Brethren, they are merely my own thoughts, based on my own study, and as such, may or may not be accurate. It wouldn't surprise me to see any or all of these potential future events happen sooner or later than indicated here.

I enjoy studying the day-to-day developments on this front, so as more information comes to light, these estimates will be adjusted. Until that time, I welcome any feedback anyone might have, if you are able to offer it. If not, please let me know by contacting me through my blogger profile. Thanks for taking time to read this. Here are the updates. Enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 6/17/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 has an open house ongoing (with a dedication set for August); 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 2 others are undergoing renovation; another 4 have a renovation closure date set, with 2 others set to close early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any temple-related news and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Construction completed; open house tours underway:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Public open house tours underway (will run until June 24, Sundays excluded); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; laying sod and planting trees; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting tests underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

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: Attaching insulating block and laying brick over south and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the three temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour upper façade walls of temple; scaffolding going up around upper level of missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple’s completion estimate, as noted in previous reports, has been changed to take place during the latter part of next year. While I still feel that a dedication might take place sometime in late November or early December, that will depend entirely on what happens between now and then. I will keep an eye out for any developments and continue to make any adjustments needed.

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 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: As previously noted in my latest reports, since the Winnipeg Temple has not yet had construction begin, unless that changes anytime soon, this temple will likely be dedicated first. More to come once more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; meetinghouse exterior walls nearly finished; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Footings poured; setting concrete forms for foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As full-scale construction commencement is still pending on this temple, all that we know at the moment is that construction will take roughly 20 months (1.67 years) once it commences in full, and that this temple is being built to serve just the one stake in Winnipeg for the moment. Until construction starts in earnest, the completion date is hard to pin down. That full-scale construction may have already started, but that is difficult to ascertain. With the information known right now, mid-2019 is a very rough estimate for this temple’s completion. It would not surprise me in the least if this temple is not dedicated until 2020. Adjustments will be made once more is known. For now, this is an update from what I had previously reported.

           

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: On June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that temples in the US, particularly renovations, are usually finished more quickly than their international counterparts or new temples, it is unclear for the moment which temple-related event is most likely to happen first. I am doing my best to analyze these developments and will pass along any updates as soon as I can.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: On June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that renovations are generally completed more quickly than new temples, whether within the US or elsewhere, it is hard at the moment to try and figure out what the actual sequence of events may be for next year. I am analyzing these developments as quickly as possible and will be sure to post with any updates ASAP.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

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

NOTE: This temple, the first alphabetically among those set to close on this date, will likely not have a rededication until after that of the Oakland California Temple, which will close in around 8 months.

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Since renovations of US temples are almost always completed before those of their counterparts outside the US, and since we also know that this temple will be rededicated sometime in 2019, until the renovation is underway and the process unfolds, this seems to be a safe projection.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: From what I have been able to find out, Japan time is ahead of any US or South American time zones, so it will likely be the first one to close, and is only on the list where it is because it is the last alphabetically. Until the renovation of this temple is underway, a definitive time-frame for its completion is hard to pin down. It is almost certain, however, that the rededication for this temple will not take place until after that of the Washington DC temple, which will close for renovation in nine months or less.

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

NOTE: While this temple is the last of those set to close for renovation this year, because it is a US temple, it seems very likely that a rededication will take place at some point in the summer or fall of 2019. That estimate will likely change once the renovation process is underway.

                                                                                            

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, but no official date made known yet:

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

NOTE: As mentioned above, this temple will more than likely be rededicated prior to the rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple. Until more is known, that seems to be a safe assumption.

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

NOTE: While the completion estimate for this temple will likely change as the process gets underway in 9 months or less, it is almost certain that the rededication for this temple will precede that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: While it seemed at one point that the Church might schedule as many as four groundbreakings before the end of this year, I have learned that groundbreakings in general are much harder to predict than I originally believed. While I hope that some temples will have a groundbreaking much more quickly than estimated here, that will be up to the Lord and the Brethren to decide, based on what happens with the planning for these temples, along with any other obstacles that might need to be cleared. I have also been advised by several people that 2018 will likely be a big year for groundbreakings and many other temple-related developments. I will be keeping an eye out for these developments and make sure to report any changes as I learn of them and will also be making any necessary changes as I become aware of them. Until that time, the changes I have made follow below.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: While Elder Kevin S. Hamilton stated last year that a site announcement for this temple would be followed shortly after by a groundbreaking this year, nothing has been reported at all since then. There is therefore a more than likely chance that nothing will be done on this temple until sometime next year. I am continuing to keep an eye out for any change here and will adjust things as a need arises. If a site announcement happens within the next couple of months, a groundbreaking could happen shortly thereafter. Until more is known, an exact date is hard to pin down.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: Since we had a site confirmation for this temple in March, a groundbreaking could take place before the end of this year. But I wouldn’t be surprised at all if nothing happens for this temple until next year. Once more is known, I will pass that along.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could happen sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: Progress on this temple was stalled for several years. While this October will mark seven years since this temple was announced, and while those delays are now over, it is anyone’s guess whether a groundbreaking will happen for this temple either this year or next year. More to come once more is known.

173. 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: In view of the clarification that preconstruction began for this temple last March, it seems apparent that a groundbreaking will not happen until early next year, at earliest. Once more is known, I will pass that along.

174. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: Unless complications arise, the site identified by local priesthood leaders will be the location of this temple. Since site procurement is the longest part of the process, it could very well be that a groundbreaking will be held for this temple next year. Unless and until more is known, that is an update from previous reports. If and when that changes, I will be making adjustments on this.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: With the probable site for this temple having been identified by the Church’s Facebook page for the Philippines, it is not at all hard to believe that we could have a groundbreaking for this temple late next year. And since an official name was announced for Lima Peru’s second temple within 3 weeks of that temple’s announcement, it seems more than likely that the official name for this temple will be announced sooner rather than later. As soon as I find out any news about this temple, I will pass that along.

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

NOTE: While all that is known about this temple currently is that the Church owns several acres of land in the community, a specific site has yet to be identified. Because this temple is in Utah County, where the Church is strong, it is not hard to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking during the time-frame indicated above. If it does happen at around this time, that would hold true to the average time-frames within which other Utah County Temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. As more information is known, this estimate will likely change.

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

NOTE: While US temples almost always progress quickly from announcement to groundbreaking to construction to dedication, particularly those in the Mormon corridor, unless and until an official site is confirmed, a more particular time-frame for a groundbreaking is almost impossible to anticipate. I will be making any adjustments as things develop.

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

NOTE: If at any point during the next year or so the Church confirms member speculation that an existing Church office building will be rebuilt and renovated into a multipurpose edifice that will serve as a meetinghouse and temple as well as housing those Church offices, a groundbreaking could happen sooner than indicated here. Until more is known, it seems best to be conservative.

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

NOTE: While the Church has grown quickly in the Ivory Coast, and while I have heard from several people that this rapid growth may lead to one or two more Ivory Coast temples being announced within the next 20-30 years or so, if not before, a site has yet to be identified for this first temple in that nation. If that does happen within the next year or so, this groundbreaking could very well take place at around this time. Adjustments will be made once more is known.

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

NOTE: Ecuador’s first temple had a 14-year period between its announcement and subsequent groundbreaking. Since that time, Ecuador has progressed rapidly in the spreading of the gospel. While I would hope this second temple for Ecuador’s capital city would not have to wait another two years for a groundbreaking, until more is known, this seems to be a safe projection.

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

NOTE: As noted above relating to the temple for Brazil’s capital city, that temple has already essentially had a site confirmed, though it was announced one year after this one. Unless something changes, the Brasilia Temple will be the first to have a groundbreaking. But it is not impossible to believe that this temple, to be built in Belem, could have a groundbreaking within a year or so of the one for Brasilia. Until more is known, I am trying to be cautious in my estimates.

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

NOTE: Unless any of the temples above are delayed more than anticipated, it is very likely that we might not see a groundbreaking for this temple until the time indicated above. Once any new information comes to my attention, I will do my best to revise this estimate. Until that time, this seems to be a safe projection.

                                                                                                          

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. 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. Hopefully the next several years will be full of temple-related developments. You can depend on my reporting on those developments as I become aware of them.

                                                                                                           

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.

Report on Cultural Event and Building Dedication in New Zealand

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Bishop Dean M. Davies, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, joined the members of the Pacific Area Presidency (Elders O. Vincent Haleck, S. Gifford Nielsen, and Craig A. Cardon) and area seventies Paul R. Coward and David J. Thomson for the Cultural Celebration (yesterday) and the dedication (today) of the David O. McKay Stake and Cultural Events Center and other buildings, some of which had been renovated, and some of which were brand new. It sounds like this was a wonderful event. Click here for the Church's New Zealand Newsroom's report on that. Enjoy!

Church officials debunk rumor: No renovation closure is being planned for the St. George Temple

As my father grew up in St. George, and as one of his own father's young home teaching companions was young Jeff Holland, who has long been one of my favorite apostles, I have felt a strong connection to the St. George area.

Though I had not been aware of this until today, there has apparently been quite a bit of speculation that with the upcoming dedication of the Cedar City Utah Temple, the St. George Utah Temple would be closing for extensive renovation. Church officials and those who have a role in working on Church-related projects in St. George took steps earlier today to debunk that rumor.

As reported by both spokesmen for the Church in the Utah South Area and by the current president of the St. George Utah Temple, there are currently no plans whatsoever for such a renovation, and nothing is even being considered at all in that regard.

If you would like to read more about that rumor and its debunking, along with a description of Church projects that are actually underway and in the works in St. George, click here. As always, I am doing my level best to keep an eye out for any actual temple developments, and I will make every effort within my ability to pass along any updates as I learn of them.

If any of you have any comments on this, I would appreciate hearing from you. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to comment, I would appreciate knowing that as well. Thank you for the privilege of your time.

Updated List of Most Likely Future Temple Sites

In thinking about new temple possibilities, I have revised my list of those possibilities. I wanted to share those with you all right now. If you can, let me know what you think. If not, I can be reached via my blogger profile, and I would appreciate knowing whether or not I fixed the problems people reported relating to their ability to comment. I look forward to the feedback.

Temple Predictions:

3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:

NOTE: Since it is difficult at best to know where the Lord feels a need for a temple and temple locations are not as cut-and-dried as I have originally believed them to be, I am doing a preliminary list, which I will refine as the time for General Conference draws closer. I will look forward to seeing what happens with those possibilities, if any are announced at all. So far between 2015 and this year, the 12 newest temples were announced during the April General Conference. If any temples are announced, there will only be a few.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I have felt to narrow my choices down considerably. I am now listing them by nation and then by likelihood within that nation.

Africa: Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone

!Central & South America (including Brazil and Mexico): Managua Nicaragua; Puebla Mexico;  Valparaiso Chile; Belo Horizonte/Salvador Brazil; Neuquen Argentina

Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

United States: Bentonville Arkansas Missoula Montana; Layton Utah; Tooele Utah

Notes about potential temple sites:

1.      Africa has seen one temple announced per year for the last three years, and the Church is growing rapidly wherever it is established. While those I listed above seem most likely, I am not ruling out other possibilities from happening first. These three just seem most likely based on the information I now have available.

2.      Within the wide region of Central & South America (including Brazil and Mexico), unprecedented growth continues. Those possibilities mentioned above seem most likely for that region. Managua has had a temple proposed and a site awaiting for quite a while now. While growth may not be happening as swiftly in Mexico, Puebla has long been considered as the city that will be home to Mexico’s next temple. And while the next temples for Chile, Brazil, and Argentina may not be announced for a while, the sites noted above do seem to be most likely.

3.      While European temples are always possible, and while I have heard that Hungary and Austria might be the next European nations to get a temple, and while those cities make sense in terms of President Monson’s expressed desire to ensure that every member is within 200 miles of a temple, the Church may be waiting to see how the dedication of the Paris France (last May) and Rome Italy temples (set to open sometime during 2018) and the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple (which may take place around that same time) might affect the European saints prior to any new announcements. If these temples are kept busy enough, then the Church might announce other temples there. Until more is known, that seems to be a fair assessment.

4.      In the Pacific area of the Church, I have heard that sites have been purchased in both Auckland New Zealand and Port Moresby Papua New Guinea and have been held in reserve until they are needed. Of the two, Auckland seems to be the most likely possibility.

5.      In previous versions of this list, I had also had several more possibilities listed for potential temples within the United States, but since growth has been stagnating of late, I don’t think it likely that we will see all that many new temples announced announced unless and until regular growth resumes on a larger scale. That said, I have received reports of sites having been procured for both Arkansas’s first temple and for Montana’s second in the cities listed above, and that those temples will be announced whenever unit growth and attendance at other temples within those areas warrant that happening.

6.      Within Utah, temple attendance has always been high. Layton and Tooele are two cities I have heard mentioned extensively as potential sites for Utah’s 19^th temple I also know that President Hinckley indicated in 2005 that a temple site had been procured in the southwestern part of the Salt Lake Valley, and that a subsequent announcement would follow once membership and Church growth in the valley required it. Some have tried to assert that this temple has already been announced, but every source I have found indicates that that notion is incorrect. Until that site announcement is made, Layton and Tooele appear to be the best candidates for Utah’s next temples.

Final note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility. While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that note.

Temple Construction Progress Update

In view of some excellent feedback I received late tonight, I have completely reworked the section of my temple construction report that covers announced temples. I am happy to share those updates with you all right now. If you can, let me know what you think. If I have not yet fixed the issues that have prevented comments from being posted, I need to know that as well. You can find my contact information through my blogger profile. Thanks, and enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 6/16/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 has an open house ongoing (with a dedication set for August); 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 2 others are undergoing renovation; another 4 have a renovation closure date set, with 2 others set to close early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any temple-related news and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Construction completed; open house tours underway:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Public open house tours underway (will run until June 24, Sundays excluded); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; laying sod and planting trees in parking area; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting tests underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

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: Attaching insulating block and laying brick over south and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the three temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Preparing to pour upper façade walls of temple; scaffolding going up around upper level of missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: I originally was thinking and had stated that the Concepcion and Durban temples might be interchangeable in terms of when they might be completed and subsequently dedicated. But in rechecking the LDS Church Temples site during the later hours of June 14, it had changed the estimate for Durban to sometime late next year, instead of during the middle or latter part of that same year, as previously thought. It shouldn’t affect my estimate for the time-frame of this completion, as I had predicted that this event would take place in December. But I am doing my best to analyze all of these developments and will provide updated information as I receive it.

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 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: As I have previously observed, this temple and the temple in Winnipeg appeared to be interchangeable until just recently. With no progress having been reported on Canada’s newest temple, unless things change drastically, this Rio temple will no doubt be completed first. More to come once more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; meetinghouse exterior walls nearly finished; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Footings poured; setting concrete forms for foundation walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As full-scale construction commencement is still pending on this temple, all that we know at the moment is that construction will take roughly 20 months (1.67 years) once it commences in full, and that this temple is being built to serve just the one stake in Winnipeg for the moment. Until construction starts in earnest, the completion date is hard to pin down. That full-scale construction may have already started, but that is difficult to ascertain. With the information known right now, mid-2019 is a very rough estimate for this temple’s completion. It would not surprise me in the least if this temple is not dedicated until 2020. Adjustments will be made once more is known. For now, this is an update from what I had previously reported.

           

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: On June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that temples in the US, particularly renovations, are usually finished more quickly than their international counterparts or new temples, it is unclear for the moment which temple-related event is most likely to happen first. I am doing my best to analyze these developments and will pass along any updates as soon as I can.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: On June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that renovations are generally completed more quickly than new temples, whether within the US or elsewhere, it is hard at the moment to try and figure out what the actual sequence of events may be for next year. I am analyzing these developments as quickly as possible and will be sure to post with any updates ASAP.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

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

NOTE: As I was recently reminded, a completion estimate for renovations is hard to pin down and may change daily. So until this renovation is underway in 3.5 months, it is anyone’s guess when it might actually be finished. We do know that the closure for this temple comes just over a month before it was anticipated to take place. As previously noted as well, this temple is at the top of the list of planned renovations only because it comes first alphabetically. Based on the knowledge that US temples are renovated much more quickly than their counterparts in other parts of the world, I still feel confident that this temple’s rededication will not take place until after that of the Oakland Temple, which is set for closure sometime in February next year.

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: As mentioned above, until this renovation gets underway in 3.5 months, a completion time-frame will be hard to pin down. Since we do know that US renovations are usually completed well in advance of their international counterparts, there is no doubt in my mind that this rededication will take place during the spring of 2019. That assertion may change once the renovation process starts, but for now, it seems to be a safe prediction to make.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Despite the fact that this temple is the last alphabetically that will close on the second-to-last day in September, because Tokyo time is ahead of both Asuncion and US time, this temple may be the first to close for renovation. Also, I have noted before that a rededication for this temple, which is set to happen sometime during 2020, will likely not happen until after that of the Washington DC Temple, which is set to close in 8 months.

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

NOTE: This temple, the last of those set to close for renovation later this year, is nonetheless a US temple, so it seems safe to assume and to assert that this rededication will happen sometime after that of the Memphis Tennessee Temple, but sometime prior to the rededications of the Oakland California and Asuncion Paraguay Temples. Obviously, that may change once the renovation process commences, but for now, it seems to be a safe assertion.

                                                                                            

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, but no official date made known yet:

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

NOTE: With this closure set to take place next year, until it is underway, it is difficult to pin down even a general time-frame for its completion. But it seems more than likely that the rededication for this temple will transpire well before that of the Asuncion Paraguay temple simply by virtue of it being a temple within the US. Adjustments will be made once more is known.

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

NOTE: As already noted in relation to the other renovations, until this temple begins the renovation process, a probable completion timeframe is very difficult to pin down. But given that US temple renovations are almost always completed prior to their international counterparts, it is not impossible to believe that the rededication for this temple will likely precede that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: While I learned during mid-May that we could have as many as four groundbreakings before the end of this year, very few developments have taken place relating to the announced temples below. And while I always prefer to think and speak optimistically, any thoughts of mine on when these events might happen are always subject to what the Lord and the Brethren feel is best, to say nothing of local attitudes and politics that may also come into play. So while I offer my best guess estimate for such events, they should not be taken as fact unless and until they are verified by subsequent announcements. I hope that is abundantly and clearly understood in the way I have reworded things.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who presides over the Africa Southeast Area, indicated last year that Zimbabwe’s first temple would likely have a site announcement sometime during 2017, with the groundbreaking possibly taking place shortly thereafter. However, nothing has changed since that time. While there is always a chance things could move quickly, as they have for so many other temples, until more is known, I want to be as conservative as possible. So I am adjusting my previous estimate, and will say that we might see a groundbreaking in either late August or early September. I will keep an eye out for any developments and provide updates as I am able to do so.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: With Elder Andersen having confirmed the site purchase for this temple, it is very likely that a groundbreaking could happen before the end of this year. Wanting to be as conservative as possible in my estimates, I will adjust my previous prediction and say that a groundbreaking could happen sometime during either September or October. Once more is known, I will try to provide a better estimate.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could happen sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: With the elimination of the delays that hindered the progress of this temple for so long, there is an equally likely chance that we could see a groundbreaking happen for this temple either late this year or early next year. Until more is known, I will venture a guess that a groundbreaking might happen sometime between mid-November and December. I will update these estimates as I become aware of developments.

173. 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: I learned in the late hours of June 16 that the contractor for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple indicated that the preconstruction process for this temple began in March 2017. While there has not been any signs that this preconstruction is ongoing, if the contractor is correct, then that would mean construction might not begin until 2018 at earliest. Until more is known, that is an update from what I had previously reported.

174. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the Executive Director of the Temple Department, has indicated this Idahoan temple will be larger, somewhat akin to the size of the Meridian Idaho Temple. Because this temple is being built within the “Mormon corridor”, I have felt that the groundbreaking for this temple might take place sometime next year. If no substantial progress is made in the next little while, I will be bumping this temple again.

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

NOTE: This temple, which is being built within the “Mormon corridor”, has yet to have a site confirmed. All we know at the moment is that the Church owns several acres of land within that community. But it is not impossible to believe that a site could be confirmed within the next little while and a groundbreaking could follow shortly thereafter. Until more is known, this seems to be a safe adjustment.

176. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Unless plans change, the site that local leaders identified for this temple (on an arm of Paranoa Lake) has been confirmed locally, which may be all that is needed. As site confirmations usually precede groundbreakings by about a year, a groundbreaking could happen at around the time indicated above. There is an equally likely chance that this temple will not have a groundbreaking until 2019 or later. Until more is known, that’s an update from what I had previously stated.

177. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: A site has been somewhat confirmed for this temple (the Facebook page for the Philippines Area of the Church says it will be built in the region of Alabang, Muntinlupa City). Until more is known, and until we know if and when a more official name might be announced, it seems wise to revise my estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for any developments and will provide updates as I am able to.

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

NOTE: While there has been some speculation that an existing Church office building could be rebuilt and renovated into a multipurpose edifice that will house Church offices, a meetinghouse, and the temple, unless and until that is confirmed, it is difficult to determine when future progress might happen on this temple. While I would hope we will not have to wait another two years for progress on this temple, until more is known, this seems to be a better estimate.

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

NOTE: If a site is confirmed at any point within the next year or so for this temple, a groundbreaking could happen sooner. Since the Church has really taken off in the Ivory Coast, it seems hard to believe that there would be a four-year wait between the announcement and the groundbreaking. Until more is known, this seems to be a safer estimate.

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

NOTE: Ecuador’s first temple had a 14-year waiting period between its announcement and its groundbreaking. While I would hope that a delay that long will not happen for this temple, it has not progressed beyond being announced. Wanting to be as conservative as possible in my thinking, I still think it is safe to assume that we could see this groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will keep an eye out for any developments and will be sure to pass that along.

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

NOTE: Unless something changes drastically, the temple announced for Brazil’s capital city will likely have a groundbreaking well before this temple, which was announced a year earlier. Until more is known, this seems to be a safer prediction.

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

NOTE: Until more is known about Kenya’s first temple, a groundbreaking may be harder to predict than I thought. It seems safe to assert that this temple will be the last of the current bunch to have such a groundbreaking. Unless developments happen sooner than expected for this temple, that is an update from what I have previously stated.

                                                                                                          

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. I also know that sites have been purchased for future temples in Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana, and 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 other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. There have also been many temples proposed elsewhere by several apostles. Time will tell just how likely any of those sites might be. Until more is known about temples worldwide, that is the latest information I have.

                                                                                                           

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.