Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello again to you all. I am grateful for the opportunity I have today to post an update on temple construction progress. Much has taken place in that regard. The most impressive thing to me is that the Arequipa Peru Temple is making amazing progress after construction began in earnest last month. I am always excited and gratified to share such news with you all, and I hope that some few of you might find it useful and helpful. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 5/10/17)

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 155 temples in operation; 1 other has construction completed and open house tours underway; 3 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 of those 155 operating temples is scheduled for rededication following the completion of its renovation and currently has open house tours underway; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending)

ADDITIONAL NOTE: With two groundbreakings having already taken place this year, we could see several others by this time next year. For all of the announced temples that have not yet had a groundbreaking, I offer my best-guess estimate for when that might happen. As for this year, we may or may not see any other groundbreakings, or, if we do, there will only be one or two. The next two or three years promise to be full in terms of temple-related events.

Construction completed; open house underway:

156. Paris France Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 13 (excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2017.

Dedication scheduled:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Landscaping nearing completion; interior finish work underway; accepting reservations for public open house beginning Monday May 15, 2017 (open house will last three weeks (between the Saturdays of June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installation adjustments being made to art glass; interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Planting trees and flowers on grounds; interior paint and millwork installation underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: As previously observed, an earlier report I posted had mentioned that this temple’s exterior floodlighting was being installed. But that was only mentioned on some pages of the LDS Church Temples website and not others, so it wasn’t consistent enough to remain in this update.

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Steel roof trusses nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls sheathed with rigid foam insulation; stone cladding underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two 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: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Concrete shuttering going up for upper walls; concrete support columns being poured for missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two 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.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting temple tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Supporting columns poured for temple foundation; structural framing for upper level of meetinghouse continues; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Excavating for the foundation; 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, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime within the next two months. That construction is anticipated to last 20 months (1.67 years). As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe (mid-2019), either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 20 (Sundays excluded); rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

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

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. With that and the fact that this temple is set to reopen in 2019, this seems to be a safe initial estimate.

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

NOTE: As noted above, US temple renovations are completed sooner than they are elsewhere. But it is also true that temples that simultaneously close for renovation are rarely completed within the same time frame. Therefore, this seems to be a better estimate.

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

NOTE: Renovations for temples outside the United States always take longer. With that in mind, it seems reasonable to surmise that we will not see a rededication for this temple until after the Washington DC Temple is rededicated.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As this temple was the most recent among this scheduled renovation group to be dedicated, and as it is another that is projected to have a rededication during 2019, the time-frame above seems most likely for that to happen. It would not surprise me at all to see the Oakland California temple rededicated before this one. Time will tell.

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

NOTE: The renovation for this temple, the oldest of those scheduled for a renovation, is anticipated to be completed in 2019 sometime. The timeframe indicated above therefore seems reasonable, as is also the assumption that this temple will be rededication before the Paraguayan one.

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

NOTE: This temple, the last one currently scheduled for renovation, is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. Because we know that US temple renovations are completed more quickly, it is relatively safe to assume that the rededication of this temple will happen sometime prior to that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: With two groundbreakings having taken place so far this year, it is hoped that we might see other announced temples reach that milestone as well before the end of this year. However, wanting to be as conservative as I am able to be in this estimate, I have only listed one for now. If anything crosses my radar, I will be happy to make another change.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: While the site announcement is pending, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who serves as the president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area, has said that the site will be announced later this year and that a groundbreaking would be anticipated sometime shortly thereafter. It is therefore not impossible to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking sometime between mid-and-late 2017. That said, it has also been customary for site confirmations to precede a groundbreaking by roughly a year, so I could see this groundbreaking happening sometime next year. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will adjust my predictions as necessary.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

NOTE: On Sunday March 12, while presiding at a stake conference for the area in which the first Haitian temple will be built, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially confirmed that, just as members in the area had speculated, the plot of land behind an existing meetinghouse on the Route de Freres (French for “The Route of Brothers”) had been purchased as the official site for this temple. Since site confirmations generally precede groundbreakings by roughly a year, it is more than likely that a groundbreaking could be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement.

NOTE: With an end to the delays that prevented construction before now, it has been reported that all that hinders progress now is government approval and a site announcement. Some have speculated that a groundbreaking could happen on this temple later this year, but it seems wiser to adjust that to sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

173. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: Since the site has been confirmed by local leaders, (located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake) that increases the likelihood that a groundbreaking for the temple could be held sooner rather than later, perhaps by mid-2018. If that happens, then it would be the first time in almost 20 years that the Church had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil.

174. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: The site identified by the Church’s Philippines Facebook page (on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City) will more than likely be the official site. For that reason, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by mid-2018. If the groundbreaking takes place during this time, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. As an official name for the second Lima Peru temple was announced within three weeks of the announcement of that temple, an official name for this temple is anticipated at any time in the near future.

175. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: While many sites are reportedly under consideration for this temple, the most likely one is a 10-acre plot of land next to the Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake Center, which was annexed into Pocatello City on April 6, 2017. There are others reportedly under consideration. If a site is confirmed soon, as it will likely be, we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-2018. It would not be impossible to believe that a groundbreaking for this temple could take place before the groundbreaking for the temple above. I am keeping an eye out on things and will adjust this estimate as necessary.

176. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: Though an official site announcement has yet to occur, temples in Utah County always go up fast. As the Church owns several acres of land in Saratoga Springs, any one of those sites could do for the temple. Once a site is confirmed, a groundbreaking will shortly follow. We could see this groundbreaking happen during mid-to-late 2018, and it is my feeling that that event could precede the groundbreaking of the second Manila Philippines Temple, if not also the groundbreaking of the Pocatello Idaho Temple, More to come once more is known.

177. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: Because local speculation is that an existing building that houses Church offices might be renovated and repurposed into a multi-purpose edifice that would house not only Church offices, but a meetinghouse and the temple as well (in similar fashion to what has been done for the Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China temples, it could very well be that we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime in mid-to-late 2018, if the site is confirmed through any means anytime soon. I will be keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will revise my estimate if needed once more is known.

178. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The official name of this second temple for Peru’s capital city (released less than three weeks after it was announced) seems to indicate that it will be built in the Los Olivos district. That being the case, it is not hard to believe that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during early 2019.

179. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

180. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

181. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have at least two temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various a/nd sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. R/ussell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. It will be announced at the right time); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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.

Uzxnderlined 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. 

Area Leadership Assignment Analysis

Hello. As most of you are aware, the Church announced the changes in area leadership that would take place later this year, becoming effective on August 1. I have taken time to analyze those changes and thought I would post the results of that analysis today. I hope this information may prove interesting to some of you. I have also taken the opportunity to check into how these new changes might affect the editors and advisers of the Church magazines.

We are a Church that believes in rotating responsibilities, and that means that assignments are only of a temporary duration. Many who have served for several years outside the United States are returning and assuming assignments at Church headquarters. It is an exciting time to live in, where the changes are at once both subtle and significant.

As previously noted, there will be two changes in the leadership of the Presidency of the Seventy, where Elders Donald L. Hallstrom and Richard J. Maynes will be replaced by Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon, both sustained in 2010. This will mark the first time in Church history where more members of that Presidency have been born outside of the United States than within it, which is significant. It is also the first time in Church history of which I am aware in which we have had just under half (3 total) Presidency members that were called as General Authority Seventies within the last 7 years. I would have to crunch the numbers to verify that, but it is significant.

There has been lots of talk lately about how the Church is no longer a Utah- or US- based institution. The little stone that Daniel envisioned is rolling forward to fill the earth, and the vision that Brother Joseph had about the Church filling the world is fast coming to fruition. These new assignments are a reflection of that.

I am also gratified to see that the Church is continuously changing out assignments to give newer General Authorities a chance to serve in positions of responsibility. Among the changes I have noted is that many GA Seventies who have been called within the last two years are being given a chance to serve in some of these new area assignments.

So, without further ado, here are those changes. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your interest, feedback, and support.

Changes in Area Leadership August 2017

NOTE: Where applicable, I am also noting changes that are likely in the advisers of the Church magazines in view of these assignments, which appear in bold type.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: There is one case, noted in italics below, where the noted changes will likely take place sooner than August 1, in view of Elder Wong’s call as a mission president.

Presidency of the Seventy:

Elders Donald L. Hallstrom (who has been supervising the North America Northwest and North America West Areas) and Richard J. Maynes (who has been supervising the North America Southeast Area) will be released from the Presidency of the Seventy and, as noted, will take other assignments at Church headquarters.

Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon will fill the resulting vacancies in this presidency, with Elder Uceda overseeing the North America Southeast Area (succeeding Elder Maynes) and Elder Kearon overseeing the North America Northwest and North America West Areas (succeeding Elder Hallstrom).

Additionally, in view of his new assignment in the Presidency, Elder Patrick Kearon will be released as President of the Europe Area.

General Authority Seventies:

Marcos A. Aidukaitis released as First Counselor and called as President of the Brazil Area.

Jose L. Alonso released as Second Counselor in the Central America Area Presidency and called as Second Counselor in the Caribbean Area Presidency.

Wilford W. Andersen released as the junior administrator of the Middle East/Africa North Area, and called as the senior administrator (referred to for the first time as Area President.)

Ian S. Ardern called as Second Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency.

W. Mark Bassett released as Second Counselor and called as First Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency.

Craig A. Cardon released as Second Counselor and called as First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency.

Valeri V. Cordon called as Second Counselor in the Central America Area Presidency.

Claudio R. M. Costa released as President of the Brazil Area Presidency.

Joaquin E. Costa called as Second Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency.

Massimo De Feo called as Second Counselor in the Europe Area Presidency.

Kevin R. Duncan released as President of the Central America Area Presidency.

Stanley G. Ellis released as First Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency.

David F. Evans released as Second Counselor and called as First Counselor in the Asia Area Presidency.

NOTE: Elder Evans is succeeding Elder Wong, as noted below. It is therefore likely that we will see this change happen sooner than August, if it has not already taken place.

Robert C. Gay called as President of the Asia North Area Presidency.

Christoffel Golden called as First Counselor in the Europe East Area Presidency.

NOTE: Elder Golden’s new assignment will necessitate his release as an adviser to the Church Magazines.

Paul V. Johnson released as First Counselor in the Europe Area Presidency and called as the Area President.

Larry S. Kacher released as First Counselor in the Europe East Area Presidency and called as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency.

Larry R. Lawrence released as the senior administrator of the Middle East/Africa North Area.

NOTE: It is likely that Elder Lawrence will be granted emeritus status in October, which would also necessitate his release as an adviser to the Church magazines.

Joni L. Koch called as Second Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency.

Hugo E. Martinez released as Second Counselor in the Caribbean Area Presidency.

Peter F. Meurs called as Second Counselor in the Asia Area Presidency.

NOTE: Elder Meurs replaces Elder Evans, who is succeeding Elder Wong, as noted below. It is therefore likely that we will see this change happen sooner than August, if it has not already taken place.

S. Gifford Nielsen released as First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency.

Adrian Ochoa released as First Counselor and called as the President of the Central America Area

S. Mark Palmer released as Second Counselor and called as First Counselor in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency.

Anthony D. Perkins called as the junior administrator of the Middle East/Africa North Area (referred to for the first time as the First Counselor of that area).

Gary B. Sabin released as Second Counselor and called as First Counselor in the Europe Area Presidency.

Vern P. Stanfill released as Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency.

Scott D. Whiting released as President of the Asia North Area.

Chi Hong (Sam) Wong released as First Counselor in the Asia Area Presidency.

NOTE: Elder Wong, who has been asked to serve as president of the Canada Vancouver Mission starting in July, has likely already been released from this assignment to allow him to prepare for this new one.

Jorge F. Zeballos called as First Counselor in the Central America Area Presidency.

Church begins announcing New Temple Presidents

Hello again to you all. The time of year has come when the Church has started to announce the callings of new temple presidents. In addition to the Calgary Alberta Temple, which had a change in president earlier this year for reasons not made public, and three of the four temples that will be dedicated later this year (as the first president of the Paris France Temple was called during the summer of last year), new presidents have been called so far for 23 temples.

I could also see presidents being called for as many as 12 other operating temples. There are three others which will probably be dedicated in the early months of next year that might also have their first presidents announced soon. As I observed from my own six-year service as a temple worker, temple presidents generally usually serve for three years or so. So in that regard, there is one temple whose president has been serving for around 5 years, which is a comparatively longer period of time than temple presidents usually serve.

And there are other temples that have had presidents in place for several years as well, but in those cases, their active service time was interrupted at some point by a renovation. I was elated to find that the new president of the Mount Timpanogos Temple has been a counselor in the temple presidency for several years, and also happened to be someone I knew personally who had been in my parents' ward. He is a very good man whom I respect a lot. That was great to learn about. It made my day. I enjoy following the calling of new presidents, and I hope that some of you will find this list of mine to be informative and interesting. If any of you have any feedback, please let me know.

Here is that list of new presidents:

Operating Temples whose president was changed earlier this year:

1.      Calgary Alberta (president changed sometime during March for an undisclosed reason, likely because the previous president died or became incapacitated)

General Note #1: The president of the Tokyo Japan Temple died during his active service in late April of this year. The Church will no doubt be calling one of his counselors as the new president within the next few days to ensure that the work of the temple presidency can move forward uninterrupted.

New Temples whose presidents will begin serving later this year:

1.      Paris France (President announced in 2016; will begin formal service on May 21)

2.      Cedar City Utah (President  announced in March; will begin service on December 10)

3.      Tucson Arizona (President announced in March; will begin formal service on August 13)

4.      Meridian Idaho (President announced in April; will begin formal service in November 19)

General Note #2: The presidents of the Freiberg Germany Temple (closed for renovation in 2014 and rededicated last year) and Idaho Falls Idaho Temple (closed for renovation in 2015 and scheduled for rededication in June of this year) started serving in 2014, months before their closures. If not for that, both would be marking the completion of their third years of active service later this year. As it is, they only actively served for a few months maximum. Therefore, it is possible that the Church may retain him for a couple more years. I could see them calling a new president, but it doesn’t seem probable.

General Note #3: Other operating temples, as has already been announced, will be getting a new president later this year as well, and if those changes take place as they did during my six-year service in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, the new presidents will start their service on the first Monday or Tuesday of November, which fall this year on the 6^th and 7^th. Those temples that will have a new president this year include the following:

1.      Apia Samoa

2.      Logan Utah

3.      Vernal Utah

4.      Toronto Ontario

5.      Snowflake Arizona

6.      Phoenix Arizona

7.      Salt Lake

8.      Bern Switzerland

9.      Quetzaltenango Guatemala

10.  Louisville Kentucky

11.  San Diego California

12.  Mount Timpanogos Utah

13.  Madrid Spain

14.  Bogota Colombia

15.  Edmonton Alberta

16.  Newport Beach California

17.  Adelaide Australia

18.  Kona Hawaii

19.  Caracas Venezuela

20.  Bismarck North Dakota

21.  Mesa Arizona

22.  Columbia South Carolina

23.  Ogden Utah

Temple presidents generally serve for around three years. With that in mind, I feel confident in predicti.ng that the following temples may also have a new president announced:

1.      Asuncion Paraguay

NOTE: The current president has served since 2014, which means that this year would mark time for a charge. But this temple will close for renovation in October, one month before usual changes are made. As a subsequent rededication of this temple is anticipated sometime in 2019, it is more than likely that the Church will hold off on naming a new president until that time.

2.      Baton Rouge Louisiana

3.      Buenos Aires Argentina

4.      NOTE: The current president has been serving since this temple’s rededication in 2012. As that is well beyond the standard 3 years of service, it seems reasonable to assume that there will be such a change this year.

5.      Fort Lauderdale Florida

6.      Guayaquil Ecuador

7.      Los Angeles California

8.      Lubbock Texas

9.      Manila Philippines

10.  Oakland California

11.  San Salvador El Salvador

12.  Washington DC

NOTE: Though this temple president will have marked three years of service later this year, the temple will close for renovation next March. With that in mind, I could see the Church calling a new president this year for a few months prior to that renovation, or holding off on calling anyone until after the renovation is completed sometime during 2020.

Temples that will most likely be dedicated during the early or middle part of next year and might therefore have their first presidents announced at some point during the fall of this year (since the first president of the Paris France Temple had its’ first: president called during summer 2016):

1.      Rome Italy

2.      Kinshasa DR Congo

3.      Barranquilla Colombia

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The current president of the Jordan River Utah Temple has been serving in that capacity since 2014, which would have made his release possible this year, but as it has been undergoing renovations since 2016, he has had less than two years of active service. It is therefore highly probable that he will retain his presidency until sometime during 2020, which would be two years of additional active service following the rededication, for the total standard service period of three years. The current president of the Frankfurt Germany temple has a slightly different but similar situation, as he started serving in 2013, and had roughly two years of active service prior to that temple’s renovation closure in 2015. We could therefore see a change in that temple presidency sometime within the next two years or so. Time will tell. In both cases, the Church might always decide to make those changes sooner, but that seems unlikely. As far as I have been able to ascertain, every other temple president whose active service has been interrupted by a temple renovation has subsequently gone on to fill the remainder of his three-year term.

Church News article about New General Authority Seventy Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

The Church News this weekend featured an article about newly sustained General Authority Seventy Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella. It was great to read that article and get to know him a bit better. Click here to read that article. Thanks to you all for your interest and support.

First Presidency Announces Area Leadership/Presidency of the Seventy Changes

Earlier today, the Church News put out a report of the changes in area leadership that will be effective as of August 1 of this year. You can read about  those changes here. I will be posting an analysis later today on what these changes mean in terms of new area leadership.

In the meantime, among the reported changes is this interesting tidbit: there will be changes in the Presidency of the Seventy. Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, who is second in seniority in that presidency and has been serving since the April 2009 General Conference when Elder Neil L. Andersen was called to the apostleship, will be released, as well as Elder Richard J. Maynes, who has served in the Presidency of the Seventy since January of 2012, when his call was the result of Steven E. Snow's call from that Presidency to become the Church's new historian and recorder.

Called in place of these two brethren were Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon, who were both sustained as General Authority Seventies at the same time as Elder Gerrit W. Gong. This change marks the first time of which I am aware within which 4 General Authority Seventies born outside the United States have all served together in the Presidency of the Seventy. How wonderful it was to be able to read about that. More coming on general Church news and the specific area leadership changes very soon. Thanks to you all.

Tokyo Japan Temple President Passes Away/Minor Construction Developments Reported

Hello, all! Before sharing some minor updates on temple construction, I wanted to note the report today that the president of the Tokyo Japan Temple died during his active service on April 28, and his funeral services were held earlier today. It is therefore logical to assume that a new president will be called within the next couple of days, and that new president will most likely be one of the counselors of the deceased president. More to come on that once more is known. I am also actively working on a list of temples that have had or will have a new president this year and the long-promised update on the latest apostolic statistics.

For the moment, I wanted to share some minor but still significant updates on temple construction progress, updates which  I have added to my report. While I had reported previously that exterior floodlighting was being installed at the Cedar City Utah  Temple grounds, and while that update was featured on the main and news pages of the LDS Church Temples site, that detail has not subsequently appeared on the construction status page of that site, so I have felt it advisable to restore the status that was most recently reported on that temple, which is that, in addition to trees and flowers being planted on the grounds, interior paint and millwork installation is underway.

Meanwhile, at the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple, steel roof trusses are nearing completion. At this point, it appears that either that temple, or the Barranquilla Colombia Temple could be completed first. A lot will depend on what happens with the construction of both over the next several months.

Also, there has still not been any reports that the construction of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple has started in earnest. Canadian seasons tend to follow those of the US pretty closely, as they are neighboring nations. That said, Canadian winters in some places, Manitoba being one of them, have been historically known to be very bad. So full-scale construction could begin anytime this month or next month. I have been very surprised that no progress has happened with that temple as of yet. I do know that, here in Utah County, winter conditions cleared a while ago. Rain and snow is still possible within the next month or so, but Utah has not seen a bad storm for a while. So I am not sure how much prior winter conditions might still figure in to progress on this temple. But it should start anytime now.

As always, I am trying my best to keep a faithful eye on  all developments, and will pass along news and updates as I find them out. In the meantime, any and all comments are appreciated. Thanks so much, friends, for taking an interest in things about which I "sound off." I know that my efforts to put such posts together would be a lot more difficult if I didn't know that my thoughts were important to so many of you. Readership of my posts continues to be more than I ever could have imagined when I started out. And I always treasure comments that are made, which, more often than not, change the direction of my thought patterns and future posts. I particularly appreciate all of you who have pointed out incorrect information I have posted previously. I always strive to be as accurate as possible, and I thank all of you for helping me continue to do so. Thanks again!

Church News Update, including an article about New General Authority Elder Joni L. Koch

Hello, all! I am posting today with yet another Church News update. There is much to share, so let's get right to it. Comments, as always, are most welcome and always appreciated.

First, a major Church news item of some significance, at least in my mind. Sister Gerry Avant, who has served so well for so many years as the editor of the weekly-published Church  News, which is more often than not updated several times per day, is retiring after her long career in journalism. Filling the assignment of editor will be Sarah Jane Weaver, another longtime Church News writer who will be the second woman to serve in this capacity. In tribute to Sister Avant's distinguished career in journalism, the Church News ran two articles about her service. This one talks about the length, breadth, and depth of Sister Avant's career and serves as the Church News's send-off to this well-respected woman. This one contains tributes from many people who know her and wanted to express their thoughts  about her distinguished career.

Before moving on, I would like to recount some personal interactions I have had with Sister Avant. On at least a few occasions that I can remember, I had been reading a Church News article when something caught my eye: whether that was incorrect information, or anything else, about which  I had a question. After double-checking the sources I had which confirmed that my thinking was correct, I reached out to Sister Avant about the issue. I remember distinctly at least two times when that happened that I did so. She kindly responded by thanking me for letting her know about the issue, and said that she would ensure that a clarification or correction was printed, which it subsequently was.

One other time, I had similar concerns about material in the Church Almanac, and she again kindly responded by giving me the contact information of the Church News staff member I could correspond with on the matter. And I am pleased to share that she has instilled that same kindness in her staff members. Whenever I have seen and pointed out such  an error, I have been thanked for doing so, and assured that the information would be remedied in a subsequent edition of that Almanac, which it was. Sister Avant is truly a gracious lady with the utmost journalistic integrity, and she will be greatly missed by all of us who  regularly read the Church News. Best of luck in your retirement, Sister Avant, and may the Lord bless you for your  wonderful work!

The Church News also pretty much confirmed my expressed opinion that President Uchtdorf will be the one to dedicate the Paris France Temple next month by running an article about  his lifelong connection to other European Temples and his special affinity for the temples in Rome and Paris. That article can be found here.

This article describes some additional resources the Church has lately made available to those actively serving in the military. It is wonderful to hear of that outreach.

In the meantime, the Church is making it easier for local leaders to stay in contact with them. Except for leaders who do not have access to e-mail, the Church will be communicating with  all other leaders via that method. This article describes how that will be done.

And, as part of the continuing series of articles written by general auxiliary leaders to help strengthen their local counterparts worldwide, Brother Brian K. Ashton  represented the Sunday School General presidency in describing how teacher councils can be most effective in strengthening and supporting teachers. You can find that article here.

Finally, this article provides an introduction to new General Authority Seventy Joni L. Koch. I  love these articles that tell us more about our new leaders.

Hope you enjoyed this update. Thanks for your readership and for any comments you might like to share.

Still Another Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! It has been an exciting day for temple construction, This blog post will serve to provide  an updated version of my report of that progress. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 4/26/17)

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 155 temples in operation; 1 other has construction completed and open house tours underway; 3 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 of those 155 operating temples is scheduled for rededication following the completion of its renovation and currently has open house tours underway; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending. 

ADDITIONAL NOTE: With two groundbreakings having already taken place this year, we could see several others by this time next year. For all of the announced temples that have not yet had a groundbreaking, I offer my best-guess estimate for when that might happen. As for this year, we may or may not see any other groundbreakings, or, if we do, there will only be one or two. The next two or three years promise to be full in terms of temple-related events.

Construction completed; open house underway:

156. Paris France Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 13 (excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2017.

Dedication scheduled:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Monument sign inscription gilded; interior finish work underway; accepting reservations for public open house beginning Monday May 15, 2017 (open house will last three weeks (between the Saturdays of June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installation adjustments being made to art glass; interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Planting trees and flowers on grounds; installation of exterior floodlighting underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: The fact that the installation of exterior floodlighting is underway can be confirmed by the information on the news page of the LDS Church Temples website, though it is not listed on the construction status page.

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Setting steel roof trusses; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Exterior walls sheathed with rigid foam insulation; stone cladding underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two 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: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Upper floor slab poured for temple; ground floor slab poured for missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two 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.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Concrete forms in place for lower tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring footings for temple foundation; structural framing continues for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Leveling and staking the site; 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, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime within the next two months. That construction is anticipated to last 20 months (1.67 years). As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe (mid-2019), either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through Saturday May 20 (Sundays excluded); rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

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

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. With that and the fact that this temple is set to reopen in 2019, this seems to be a safe initial estimate.

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

NOTE: As noted above, US temple renovations are completed sooner than they are elsewhere. But it is also true that temples that simultaneously close for renovation are rarely completed within the same time frame. Therefore, this seems to be a better estimate.

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

NOTE: Renovations for temples outside the United States always take longer. With that in mind, it seems reasonable to surmise that we will not see a rededication for this temple until after the Washington DC Temple is rededicated.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As this temple was the most recent among this scheduled renovation group to be dedicated, and as it is another that is projected to have a rededication during 2019, the time-frame above seems most likely for that to happen. It would not surprise me at all to see the Oakland California temple rededicated before this one. Time will tell.

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

NOTE: The renovation for this temple, the oldest of those scheduled for a renovation, is anticipated to be completed in 2019 sometime. The timeframe indicated above therefore seems reasonable, as is also the assumption that this temple will be rededication before the Paraguayan one.

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

NOTE: This temple, the last one currently scheduled for renovation, is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. Because we know that US temple renovations are completed more quickly, it is relatively safe to assume that the rededication of this temple will happen sometime prior to that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: With two groundbreakings having taken place so far this year, it is hoped that we might see other announced temples reach that milestone as well before the end of this year. However, wanting to be as conservative as I am able to be in this estimate, I have only listed one for now. If anything crosses my radar, I will be happy to make another change.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: While the site announcement is pending, Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who serves as the president of the Church’s Africa Southeast Area, has said that the site will be announced later this year and that a groundbreaking would be anticipated sometime shortly thereafter. It is therefore not impossible to believe that this temple could have a groundbreaking sometime between mid-and-late 2017. That said, it has also been customary for site confirmations to precede a groundbreaking by roughly a year, so I could see this groundbreaking happening sometime next year. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will adjust my predictions as necessary.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

NOTE: On Sunday March 12, while presiding at a stake conference for the area in which the first Haitian temple will be built, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles officially confirmed that, just as members in the area had speculated, the plot of land behind an existing meetinghouse on the Route de Freres (French for “The Route of Brothers”) had been purchased as the official site for this temple. Since site confirmations generally precede groundbreakings by roughly a year, it is more than likely that a groundbreaking could be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement.

NOTE: Given the fact that the delays preventing this temple from progressing seem to be over, there have been reports that a groundbreaking could happen for this temple as soon as later this year. However, the nature of such reports are vague and uncertain enough that it could be pushed back to next year. Speaking optimistically, I would revise my estimate to say that, if progress continues unhindered, a groundbreaking could happen on this temple by early-to-mid 2018.

173. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: As official site confirmations are not now done at the general Church level as much as they used to be previously, it is most likely that the site confirmed by priesthood leaders, which is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake, will be the official site for the temple. This increases the likelihood that a groundbreaking for the temple could be held sooner rather than later, perhaps by mid-2018. If that happens, then it would be the first time in almost 20 years that the Church had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil.

174. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: The Church’s Philippines Facebook page has stated that this temple will be built on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Because this statement essentially constitutes a site confirmation, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by mid-2018, if not before. I will be keeping my eye out for developments as they happen and will revise my estimate as I am able to. If this groundbreaking happens as estimated, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. As indicated in previous versions of this report, a name for the second Lima Peru temple was announced within three weeks after the temple announcement, and it was confirmed today that an official name for this temple is anticipated soon.

175. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: While many sites are reportedly under consideration for this temple, the most likely one is a 10-acre plot of land next to the Pocatello Idaho Highland Stake Center, which was annexed into Pocatello City on April 6, 2017. Another site was reported by an Idaho news network yesterday, though the first seems more likely.  If either site is confirmed anytime soon, we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-2018. Because US temples usually get started and finished so much sooner than temples elsewhere, it would not surprise me in any way if Idaho’s newest temple had a groundbreaking before the Greater Manila Philippines Temple above. The only reason for listing this temple here currently is because it has not yet had a site confirmed. But in my timeline for future temple-related events, I do list a groundbreaking for this temple before that of the temple above.

176. Saratoga Springs Utah: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While an official site has yet to be confirmed for this temple, we do know that the Church owns several acres of land in the community. And we also know that temples in Utah, particularly in Utah County, typically commence construction well before temples elsewhere. This temple is only in this position on this report because a site confirmation has not yet happened. But on my timeline for future temple-related events, I do have this temple’s future groundbreaking happening before that for the second Manila Philippines Temple. Either way, if a site is confirmed soon, we could see this groundbreaking happen during mid-to-late 2018.

177. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: Because local speculation is that an existing building that houses Church offices might be renovated and repurposed into a multi-purpose edifice that would house not only Church offices, but a meetinghouse and the temple as well (in similar fashion to what has been done for the Manhattan New York and Hong Kong China temples, it could very well be that we could see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime in mid-to-late 2018, if the site is confirmed through any means anytime soon. I will be keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will revise my estimate if needed once more is known.

178. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The official name of this second temple for Peru’s capital city (released less than three weeks after it was announced) seems to indicate that it will be built in the Los Olivos district. That being the case, it is not hard to believe that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during early 2019.

179. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

180. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

181. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have at least two temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Announced April 2, 2017; planning phase.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various and sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. It will be announced at the right time); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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.

500th Blog Post: News Article about the Tucson Arizona Temple Open House

Hello. I only realized this just barely, but this is my 500th blog post. And for a blog that has become mostly about temple-related news and developments, although some focus is on other Church-related topics and personal news as well, I could not think of a better topic for this milestone than the planned opening of another Church temple. A local Arizona newspaper carried a story about the open house scheduled in June for the temple in Tucson. Here is that article. I was very excited to read it, and I hope each of you will enjoy it as well.

As I have before mentioned, the Tucson temple is significant for the fact that its open house will conclude two months before the scheduled dedication. As previously noted, the likely reason for this is the annual July recess of the general authorities and particularly of the apostles. While, as have been observed before, plenty of Church-related events have happened during the traditional recess, I can definitely see the appeal of having that distance between the open house and dedication. And it would be awesome if, as I before mentioned, President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for this temple, is asked to come back to Arizona to dedicate it.

We live in a very exciting time in terms of temple-related developments. And I feel incredibly best to be able to post about the latest news. I am also grateful to have so many  of you that have expressed interest in and support for these reports I do. Comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

Yet Another Article about the potential site for Pocatello Idaho Temple

In keeping with the tradition of its impartial reporting on temple developments, the LDS Church Temples site published another article about the Pocatello Idaho Temple which delves further into the subject of where the Church might put that temple. As I have before tried to observe many times, while a potential site has been identified and annexed into Pocatello City, several sites are under consideration, and a final decision is pending. You will find the article in question here.

I also wanted to make something clear, if I have not done so sufficiently already: Even if I have felt confident about when future temple events take place, at the end of the day, my thoughts are simply my own based on research I have done, and are not in any way meant to be taken as an official statement of the Church's intentions. Even if I had the right to speak for the Church, I would not feel comfortable doing so unless and until I could find cold hard research that verified my expressed opinion.

What that means in this particular case is that I can speculate, conjecture, or predict that the first site identified for this temple will be the most likely one, and the a groundbreaking will happen by the middle part of next year, but unless and until the Church verifies any of that, such expressions are merely my own thoughts and feelings and should not in any way be taken as official. While I pride myself on knowing or being able to learn as much as I can about the process by which temple sites are selected, ground is broken, construction takes place, and a subsequent dedication is held, I hope no one gets the idea that my thoughts are endorsed by the Church, or should be taken as above reproach, correction, or clarification. That never has been and probably never will be the case.

All I can do is thoroughly research these things, ask for feedback on my thoughts, make corrections for the future, and clarify things as needed. I am not and never will be infallible. I enjoy learning about such things and sharing them with you all. I am gratified when my thoughts have been verified as being in line with the Lord's will, but I am no less so whenever He proves that I have been mistake, incorrect, or in error. I hope that everyone who reads my posts understands that.

I also hope that you all know how much I value your input and feedback. I hope that my blog can continue to serve as a place where there can be a civil, polite, and kind exchanging of ideas, and that no one feels belittled, intimidated, bullied, overlooked, or disregarded by me or by anyone else for having their own thoughts and opinions. I have just recently written my thoughts about the importance of civility, and that applies even more so when speaking of ongoing Church- and temple-related development. It is largely because the previous comments on this blog have changed the course of dialogue and lines of thought that I have been able to have any degree of success which I have achieved as a blogger, and I am honored that my thoughts are so well respected and received,, and I hope that all of you feel the same way. Thanks for your time.