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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! I have made some minor but significant changes to my temple construction progress report. Even though the Winnipeg temple is anticipated to be completed within 20 months or so from whenever construction formally begins, until it is underway, I have felt it wise to adjust the numbering on a few temples. Once that happens, I will make any subsequent changes that may be needed. I have also adjusted the wording on the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple. Hope you enjoy reading these updates. I welcome any feedback about this. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Here is that report.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 7/25/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those under construction or announced are dedicated. Of those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 other will be dedicated next month (after the traditional July recess for the General Authorities); 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are in various stages of construction; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and earnest work will hopefully start on that within the next month or so); 1 has a groundbreaking scheduled (set for later this year); 2 are undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated next year); another 4 have a renovation closure date set for later this year, with 5 others set to close early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

NOTE ON FUTURE TEMPLES: Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the Executive Director of the Temple Department, indicated in a recent interview that the Church has around 85 temple sites that are under active consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years or so. If that is true, then that would take the number of temples in any phase to just under 270 by 2032. And if that is true, then whether or not the Church makes it an official goal to do so, it is more than likely that there could be a minimum of 200 temples dedicated by or before the Church’s 200th anniversary on April 6, 2030, whether or not the Church makes that an official goal. All it would take to do so is 18 more being announced, and each of them, along with the 26 either under construction or announced, to be completed within the next 12 years and 9 months, which is doable if 3 or 4 are dedicated per year between now and then. As there are 3 others scheduled for dedication before the end of this year, with 5 set for next year, and up to 5 the year following, the Church seems to be on track for that. Subsequent versions of this report will continue to share developments as they occur.

Preparing for dedication:
157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Preparing for dedication, which is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; sod laid and trees planted; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Installing art glass; laying sod; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
                                                      
Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior and exterior work progressing; installing art glass windows; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Exterior brickwork completed; attaching purlins to roof trusses and strengthening truss connectors; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on the south wall; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; installing basement stairs; laying brick at missionary housing; top of elevator shaft poured; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding nearly complete on north and south walls; progressing around base of steeple; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  
165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Tower base walls poured; scaffolding removed; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Preparing to pour footings for foundation; surrounding property being cleared and graded; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: In the midst of other changes that have been needed for this report, I also took another look at the question of whether this temple or the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple might be finished first. In doing so, I discovered that until formal construction begins in Winnipeg and that process verifies that Winnipeg will be finished first, it would be wiser to reverse them again.
167.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; preparing meetinghouse for exterior cladding; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: Until construction is officially underway on the Winnipeg Manitoba temple, I have felt it wise to renumber this temple. As soon as that happens and once more is known about its progress, I will reorder this temple again.
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Foundation walls poured; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: As with the Lisbon temple, I have reordered this temple until construction is officially underway on the Winnipeg temple. Based on how quickly that temple might progress, I will make any future adjustments that are needed.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):
169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: Until construction officially commences on this temple, it has felt like a good idea to change its number. Once work is actually underway, I will change the number to match its estimated completion. I still am convinced that this temple will not be dedicated until after the dedication of the Rio temple, but time will tell.

Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; dedication may follow sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: The First Presidency made the groundbreaking announcement for this temple on July 13, 2017, noting that Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, who presides over the Caribbean area, will preside at this groundbreaking. In the interim, I found out that this temple will be much smaller than its other Caribbean counterpart, so it seems reasonable to assume that this temple could have a dedication prior to the end of 2020. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I receive them.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: Though this temple’s renovation has been ongoing since its closure in February 2016, and while the rededication had been anticipated at some point during 2017, as the renovation process has continued, those estimates have been altered again and again, until this most recent revision of that time-frame. This event could happen at any point in the middle of the year, or it could be pushed back again. More information will come as more is known.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: This temple, closed since September of 2015, was also anticipated to be completed and rededicated at some point prior to the end of 2017. As with the Jordan River temple, that completion estimate has been pushed back repeatedly. Until more is known, it is anyone’s guess when this rededication might happen. I will pass along any updates as I receive them.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While this temple is a comparatively smaller one (from the Hinckley era), I also learned on July 5 that this renovation will be altering both the exterior and interior appearance of the temple. Those plans may or may not involve an expansion. The opinions on what will happen in that regard are so different that it will take time to settle the question. Once more is known, I will pass that along.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: This temple, constructed as part of President Kimball’s smaller temple design, is anticipated to be rededicated sometime in 2020. If the news release about this renovation is any indication, no expansion is in the works. Adjustments will be made as the process gets underway. For now, I wanted to also note that the stated purpose for this renovation is primarily to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring the temple up-to-code. With that in mind, I also learned in early July that the completion of this temple will most likely be sooner than I originally thought, as it is comparatively smaller.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: In an earlier version of this report, I had indicated that an expansion of this temple didn’t seem likely, as information available to me at that time pointed to the current temple taking up the entire area of the lot. On July 18, I learned I might be getting this temple and Memphis confused. I am trying to iron all of that out, and will pass along whatever I find out. Until more is known, I will not be altering my completion estimate.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As noted in previous versions of this report, I had the closure date for this temple off by a month. I regret that misinformation. In the meantime, I did some study on whether or not this temple might be expanded. On July 16, I found that this temple may have room to expand. Whether or not expansion will happen, until more is known, I have felt it wiser to stick to my completion estimate.

Temples that have a renovation closure announced, but no official date made known yet:
68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in January 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: On July 16, while studying scheduled renovations, I learned two things: this temple is on a large enough plot of land that expansion may be possible and even feasible. That said, the Saints in North Carolina (according to one of my contacts) were told that an expansion is not in the renovation plans for this temple. It is possible but perhaps unlikely. More to come once more is known, including any change of the completion estimate.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: My study on this temple (which I conducted on July 16) indicates that there may be room on this temple lot to expand the edifice. The question is whether or not the Church will choose to do so. I will keep an eye on developments and pass things along as I learn of them. For now, the question cannot be settled.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This renovation and the one below were announced in February of 2017. In the interim, the Church has scheduled 7 other renovations around those two. This temple is older, so the renovation will likely take longer. But I am not ruling out other possibilities. We also know that the primary purpose of this renovation is to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems and bring them up to code. So I don’t think expansion is in the plans for this temple.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: This is another older temple where the purpose of the renovation is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up to code. An expansion doesn’t seem likely. It is a larger temple, so the renovation will likely take longer. That reinforces the idea that the completion timeframe above will be spot on.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: The purpose of this renovation is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up to code. This temple has been renovated before, which reinforces the idea that there may be less to update here than for Washington DC. Until more is known, it is my feeling that this temple will likely be rededicated first.

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

Announced:
171. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: With the recent news that preconstruction for this temple began in March 2017, it is not hard to believe that a groundbreaking could take place in short order once 2018 starts. But as we also know that the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple had its groundbreaking unexpected announced in mid-July (being set for the end of October), that opens up the possibility that this temple could be another that could either have its groundbreaking just before that for Port-au-Prince (as there is a precedent for such things) or within the remaining two months of 2017. If that doesn’t happen, then this temple will likely be the first to have a groundbreaking during 2018.
172. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: Though nothing has happened with this temple since Elder Hamilton stated that a site announcement and groundbreaking would take place in short order at some point prior to the end of 2017, and though that seemed to provide a sufficient reason to downgrade this temple to sometime in 2018 or 2019, in reevaluating things in mid-July, I determined that it would be wiser to move this temple back to this spot. There is an outside chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking at some point during the 4 months or so left in 2017, but that doesn’t seem probable. Anything is possible, though. I will keep an eye out for developments and pass those along as I find out more, along with any other adjustments.
173. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While previous versions of this report had downgraded this temple to being among the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking, the end of delays preventing progress on this temple’s construction mean that a site announcement and groundbreaking may be simply a matter of time. That being the case, as noted in so many previous versions of this report, some have speculated a groundbreaking for this temple may take place prior to the end of 2017. But it seems more likely that it may wait until around this time. As always, with these being no more than my own thoughts based on the facts I have right now, they are subject to change as things develop. I will make any further changes that might be needed as that becomes necessary.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On July 18, 2017, I learned some things that convinced me to take another look at the order in which these announced temples are listed. That more extensive research led me to conclude that this temple may get started closer to the average time in which Utah temples have gone from an announcement to a groundbreaking. So I ran those numbers, which now has me convinced that this temple’s groundbreaking may be sooner than I had originally projected. This change will be reflected on my timeline for future temple-related events.
175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, new information received on July 18, 2017 led to my rethinking this entire section. Particularly, I found out that the site inspection is not indicative of an imminent groundbreaking like I thought it might be. While it is still likely that this temple will have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2018, it will likely be more towards the end of the year than the beginning, contrary to what I had thought and reported. This seems like a safe change for the moment. If the Lord surprises us and sets a groundbreaking for this temple sooner than estimated here, I will move it up on this list at that time.
176. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: This is another temple that has already had a site confirmed, but that will likely not have a groundbreaking as soon as I had thought and asserted that would happen. Having been advised that temples announced in April 2017 might have at least a year between the site announcement and the groundbreaking, this seems to be a safe and sound adjustment.  As always, once the Lord or the leaders of His Church reveal more about any temple, that new information will be reflected on future reports. For now, that is an update from what I have previously reported. And we are also still waiting to see if and when a more official name might be announced for this temple. I will report on all developments as I become aware of them.
177. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah and Arizona generally get started well in advance of their international counterparts, I learned on July 18, 2017 that some temples on this list needed to be moved (some up, and some down). I also learned that Idaho temples have kept to a general average time-frame from announcement to groundbreaking, and by changing the estimate for this temple, it corresponds more fully to that average.
178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As I have considered the media event held last month, I have determined it wiser to assume that a groundbreaking for this temple will happen sooner rather than later. It seems apparent now that this temple will not be the last of those currently announced to have a groundbreaking, as I had originally thought and stated. So it seems wise to make that adjustment. As always, once more information is available, I will go from there.
179. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If member speculation is confirmed within the next year or so (that a building housing Church offices will be reconstructed and repurposed into an edifice housing not just those offices, but also a meetinghouse and the temple as well), then formal construction efforts could begin sooner than indicated here. Until more is known, I am trying to be conservative in my estimates. I would not be surprised in the least if this temple’s groundbreaking happens sooner or later than indicated here.
180. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the massive growth that the Church has experienced in the Ivory Coast, some have speculated that the Ivory Coast could get one or two additional temples within the next 15 years. For this first one, this adjustment feels appropriate. Further adjustments will be made once more is known.
181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Despite the 14-year wait between the announcement and groundbreaking for Ecuador’s first temple, this one for the Ecuadoran capital is not anticipated to have nearly as long a wait. With other adjustments that have been made, this seems appropriate. Further adjustments will be made once more is known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Since we have a site essentially confirmed for the other Brazilian temple above, even though this one was announced a year prior to that one, it is more than likely that we will not see a groundbreaking for this Belem temple until a year or so after the one for Brasilia. If the estimates for all other temples are anywhere close (which they may or may not be), that would make this temple the last of the current bunch to be dedicated. But this is 2 or 3 years out, so changes are always possible within that time depending on what develops between now and then.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements within the last three years have come during the April General Conference. They may happen at any time the First Presidency feels inspired to make them, but that has been the pattern since 2015. Also, as noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 85 or more temple sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). I have been told by many that an official announcement will happen once unit growth and activity in temples within such areas warrants those announcements. If there have been any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.
                                                                                                           
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.
Red text highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Temple developments/approaching milestones/musings

Hello again, all! This is my last post of the day (as I am trying not to be on my computer too late from now on). I wanted to note that minor progress has been reported on the Cedar City Utah Temple. While the last update on that temple noted that art glass was being installed, I learned today that, while that was ongoing, those working on the grounds have begun laying sod. So that temple is just a little closer to completion. The open house for that temple is now just over three months away (as it starts on October 27). As a brief note on another temple, the open house for the new temple in Meridian Idaho is set to begin in just under three months. And we cannot forget, of course, that, as we near the end of July, the dedication of the Tucson Arizona Temple is now just under three weeks away.

Regarding that dedication, I still believe that President Uchtdorf, who broke ground for this temple, may be asked to return to dedicate it. I also believe that he will be accompanied by at least one apostle, perhaps one that has ties to Tucson, but I don't know who that would be. Whoever the presiding apostles might be, it is not hard to believe that they might be accompanied by either Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who is currently presiding over the area of the Church under which Arizona falls, or by Elder Juan A. Uceda, who will take over that assignment from Elder Robbins in 8 days, unless he has already done so.

Whatever might happen in the near future in terms of temple-related developments, you can count on this blog being a source for information about such developments. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments continue to be welcome. Have a great night.

Case Study: Could any of the temples scheduled for renovation be expanded

Hello, all! Despite what I thought and stated in my last post, I have put together one more post for today. I have recently become more curious about whether or not an expansion might be possible for any of the comparatively smaller and more modest temples that are scheduled for renovation In doing study on that subject, I was intrigued by my findings. I share them with you now so I can get your thoughts. I look forward to the discussion. Enjoy!

Temples scheduled for renovations:

Memphis Tennessee: 6.35 acre lot (includes adjacent meetinghouse, which, with the parking lot, may account for roughly 75% of that acreage (which, if correct, works out to roughly 4.77 acres); area of the temple itself: 10,700 square feet (which, if my calculations are correct, works out to around 0.24 acres)
Please also note that the design of this temple may be similar, if not identical, to the Asuncion Paraguay, Raleigh North Carolina, and Baton Rouge Louisiana Temples.
Conclusion: If the calculations above are correct (and they might not be), in theory, there might be room for this temple to expand. However, some experts on temple matters with whom I shared this theory noted that there wasn’t much room within the current area on which the temple sits for such an expansion to happen. I am doing some study on this matter to try to figure out how feasible an expansion might be, but for now, it doesn’t seem likely.

Oklahoma City Oklahoma: 1 acre lot (43,560 square feet); area of the temple itself: 10,769 square feet.
Conclusion: Expansion may be a possibility, as there is room within the lot for such an expansion. How likely an expansion might be is another question entirely.

Asuncion Paraguay: 7 acre lot; area of the temple itself: 10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical, to Memphis Tennessee, Raleigh North Carolina and Baton Rouge Louisiana)
Conclusion: Plenty of room for an expansion, so it might be possible

Raleigh North Carolina: 12 acre lot; area of the temple itself: 10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical to Memphis Tennessee, Asuncion Paraguay and Baton Rouge Louisiana)
Conclusion: If member reports are correct, an expansion is not part of the plan for this temple. There is, however, plenty of room on the lot to expand it. I won’t be surprised either way.

Baton Rouge Louisiana: 6.3 acre lot (includes adjoining meeting house, which may account for roughly 75% of that acreage; area of the temple itself: 10,700 square feet (design may be similar, if not identical to Memphis Tennessee, Asuncion Paraguay, and Raleigh North Carolina)
Conclusion: Expansion possible; plenty of room to expand the temple; wouldn’t surprise me either way.


NOTE: For the planned renovations of the Tokyo Japan, Oakland California, Washington DC, and Mesa Arizona Temples, the main purpose seems to be to update electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up-to-date and up-to-code. An expansion of these temples seems unlikely. Most of the others scheduled for renovation seem to have plenty of room to expand. The question is, is an expansion planned for any of them? It seems possible, especially as I was advised a while ago that it may make more sense to expand some of these smaller temples than it would to build others. I will keep an eye out for developments on this front and pass along any updates as I become aware of them.

How temple, mission, and area presidency assignments usually take place each year

I am back again, as promised, with my thoughts and observations about how temple, mission, and area assignment transitions usually take effect. I have had years of study about this process, and have first-hand knowledge of how that works. So here goes. Hope this information is helpful and interesting to you.

As noted in the previous blog post, Elder Duncan, who was set to be released from his assignment as Central America Area President on August 1, participated in the Sunrise Service for Pioneer Day. As that service was held in Salt Lake City eight days prior to August 1, the transitions made in that presidency must have taken place earlier this month. That is not at all unusual. From what I have read and observed, the dates of such changes (July 1 for mission presidents, August 1 for area leadership, and November 1 for temple presidents) are general rather than specific. Often, it is much more practical to effect those transitions when it would not otherwise interfere with the day-to-day operations of the mission, area, or temple.

I have a couple of examples of such transition periods having been more flexible, which I have personally observed. First, during my six year service as a temple worker (from 2006-2012), I observed three different transitions of the temple presidency. I can't say with certainty that it works this way in all operating temples, but at least for those six years, the outgoing presidency of the Mount Timpanogos Temple would serve during the week when October became November, and once that week ended and the first full week of November began, the new presidency would assume responsibility.

Other transition periods  which I have also observed is at times when new apostles are called or at the death of a Church president. Shortly before the death of Joseph Smith the Prophet, he made the statement that "where I [meaning the president of the Church] is not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." And, as we know, when the first three Church presidents passed away, there were periods of a few years before a new Church president was sustained. As Wilford Woodruff neared the final days of his life, he spoke privately with Lorenzo Snow, who as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, would succeed him. During that conversation, he urged President Snow not to wait to reorganize the First Presidency, but to do so immediately. That advice and counsel, which was confirmed to President Snow by the Savior, who appeared to him in the Salt Lake Temple after President Woodruff's passing, was timely, because if it were not for that, President Snow, who served for only 3 years as Church President before he himself passed away, might not have even become Church President.

As a result of that counsel regarding prophetic succession, given by one prophet to his successor, now new Church presidents are set apart and ordained not long after the funeral proceedings are held to honor the previous Church president. There have been 12 such transitions. Of those 12, the longest time between the death of one president and the setting apart of his successor has been 11 days, with 4 days being the shortest such period. The average time span is somewhere between 6 and 7 days, and it appears that 5 days has been the most common time span, having happened 6 of those 12 times. One article on such transitions that I read at one point noted that, in most of those cases (10 to be exact), those transitions took a week or less. So there is flexibility in that, as there is with any other transition.

But getting back to temples, missions, and areas, transitions for all such assignments are very much flexible in order to allow as seamless a transition as can be done so that the work of each might continue as seamlessly as possible. So such transitions can be made earlier or later.

I apologize for going off on so many tangents. I have been muddling through some health issues that may be having a minor affect on my ability to keep to the point and focus properly on what I am trying to post. Nothing to worry about. Just wanted to note that. I will try to do better to stay on topic.

In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. I appreciate your readership and insightful comments. I hope you all are doing well. I may or may not be doing another post before the end of the day today, but if not today, I will continue to keep an eye out for Church and temple news and will provide updates as I become aware of them. Thanks again.

Church News publishes new articles in celebration of Pioneer Day

In keeping with the Pioneer Day theme which has characterized quite a few of my posts in the last week or so, I wanted to note that the Church News featured three articles about the day's events. This article gives an overview of the parade, which ran for two hours this morning, and for which, as noted in an earlier post on this blog, President Uchtdorf served as the Grand Marshal. This article summarizes remarks made by Elder Kevin R. Duncan at the Church's annual Pioneer Day Sunrise Service. For those who might recall this, Elder Duncan had been serving as the president of the Central America Area, and we learned through both the Church News and the August 2017 Ensign that Elder Duncan was going to be released from his service in that capacity and would be reassigned to Church headquarters as of August 1. His participation in this event, held 8 days before his release went into effect, signals that the transition of that assignment is complete. I will add another blog post a few minutes after this one is posted to share my observations about such assignment transitions. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, this article describes how Primary children and community members celebrated the theme of the main parade: "Visions of New Horizons" as they marched in or observed the youth parade, which is also held each year in Utah. Click here for more on that.

That's it for this post. I will, as noted above, be publishing another post in the next few minutes discussing the things I have observed about assignment transitions in certain Church callings. In the meantime, hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the privilege of your time.


Slight Progress Noted on the Cedar City Utah Temple

Hello, all! I just wanted to note a minor development that was reported today on the Cedar City Utah Temple. While the last posted version of my temple construction progress report only reflected that art glass was being installed on that temple, I found out today that sod is being laid on the temple grounds. As I said, a fairly minor change, but it is a definite sign that this temple is well on its way to completion, which is good, as the open house for that temple gets underway in just under four months. Since July generally sees less significant temple progress, I am anticipating that next week, we will begin hearing more regular updates on that progress. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and always appreciated. Thanks again.

Elder Holland Details Reasons for and Benefits of New Activity Program for Teachers and Priests

Aside from being one of my favorite apostles (as his talks always ring true with what I am going through), Elder Jeffrey R. Holland now fills a dual role as an apostle of the Church and as a member of the National Executive Board for the Boy Scouts of America. And as one who has struck a careful balance between the two positions (though if and when it comes down to it, his apostolic call takes precedence), Elder Holland spoke recently at a sacrament meeting held in conjunction with a Scouting Jamboree held in West Virginia. In that address, he praised the virtues of Scouting and reiterated the Church's commitment to providing Scouting opportunities for those young men aged 11-13.

But he also spoke more in depth regarding the reasoning behind and the benefits the Church is hoping for from the newly established guidelines about the activity program for priests and teachers. I fully understood and was on board with the new program and understanding why it is necessary. But the words Elder Holland spoke in this regard may prove reassuring and comforting for any others who may be in doubt about that. To read what he said, click here.

Within the next week or so, the annual July recess of the General Authorities will come to an end. August will mark the Church leadership returning to full-time work on the relevant issues. One thing is certain: whatever develops, you can read about it here on this blog.

For now, thank you for the privilege of your time and for your interest. Any thoughts are welcome. Hope you all are well. I will post again soon. Until then, I wish every one of you all the best.

P. S. The Church News and Events page featured this article from the Young Men General Presidency in which they describe more about how this program is anticipated to work. Enjoy! Thanks again!

Sunday, July 23, 2017

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf will serve as the "Days of '47" KSL Parade Grand Marshal

Hello, all! As any who have read my recent posts know, up until today, the question of who will serve as the Grand Marshal of the "Days of '47" KSL Parade has been somewhat of a question mark. As you also likely know, the annual parade has been held on July 24 in Utah every year since 1849. The first such parade was held two years after the first Church leaders entered the Salt Lake Valley for the first time. Traditionally, a member of the Church's First Presidency has served as the Grand Marshal each year, with First Presidency members rotating that responsibility. In 2014 (prior to scaling down his duties for the first time), President Thomas S. Monson served as Grand Marshal. The next year, it was President Henry B. Eyring that did so.

Then last year, the precedent was broken when Elder M. Russell Ballard, a senior apostle, was asked to take on that role. Elder Ballard was likely given that opportunity because with the health struggles which President Monson and Sister Kathleen Eyring, wife of President Eyring, were experiencing, President Uchtdorf was needed to carry on the responsibilities of the First Presidency. But my favorite local news, KSL, just ran a story about the parade for this year, and President Uchtdorf will serve as Grand Marshal this year. That was exciting to hear about, especially as President Uchtdorf, as a German refugee, has a unique understanding of what it's like to leave his home in view of an unfavorable political and religious climate.

President Uchtdorf has long been a favorite of mine. I have always appreciated the kindness, compassion,and unique perspective he brings to everything he talks about in General Conference. While it is true that President Monson's two counselors were still comparatively junior apostles in 2008 when President Monson selected them to serve at his side (as only Elders Bednar and Cook were more junior), the nine years between now and then has seen them rise in seniority to now being the 7th (President Eyring) and the 8th (President Uchtdorf). Both of them have brought a unique perspective to their service and ministry, and are extraordinarily well qualified to carry on the day-to-day work of the First Presidency, which they have done remarkably well in the two months since the Church announced that President Monson would step away from an active role. And there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that the six who are their senior apostles unequivocally support these two men.

But getting back to the "Days of '47" Parade, no matter where life has taken me personally, I always make sure to watch that parade each year. I am so grateful to live in a state that traces its origins back to pioneers and that marks the celebration of those origins with a state holiday. And, as I do every year, I hope that this Pioneer Day will provide me an opportunity to reflect on those pioneers from all countries, religions, and ethnic origins who have made a difference for those like me who would follow in their footsteps.

On this eve of Pioneer Day, may we all remember such sacrifices and determine for ourselves that we will become pioneers in our own right, and that we will be true to the heritage they left us and expand that legacy to those who will follow us and who will hopefully look at our stories and recognize the difference we have made for them. That this may be true for all of us is my humble prayer in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Minor Update on Durban South Africa Temple

Hello, all! While no significant progress has been made on most of the temples now under construction or undergoing renovation, a minor update was reported on the Durban South Africa Temple. I reported previously that the basement floor walls were poured, and today I learned that the stairs of that basement floor were being installed. But I thought it was sufficiently significant to note. The study of general temple developments continues on an ongoing and frequent basis, and I hope that some few of you might find such updates interesting.  If time and circumstances allow, I will plan on hopefully posting more later this weekend. For now, I just wanted to note that update. Any comments are welcome. Thank you for the privilege of your time.

Friday, July 21, 2017

KUED offers temporary free streaming of documentary about Temple Square

KUED is offering a temporary free streaming of the documentary that it aired last year about the history of Temple Square. This is being done in conjunction with the annual Pioneer Day celebration. You can learn more about the documentary here. Enjoy!