Stokes Sounds Off

Search This Blog

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Additional Church News Items

This will be a minor Church news update. Following the violent attacks in Virginia by white supremacists, the Church issued this statement advocating tolerance and love. That wasn't surprising at all. In the wake of violent incidents of the past, the Church has always been among the first to express sympathy and support for the victims of such tragedies, and to encourage all Americans, Church members or not, to use disasters like this to unite in our support for one another.

Additionally, Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke at Cambridge University to the local chapter of BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law Society on the subject of religious freedom. As I have previously noted in other blog posts, I am glad to see that the Church is taking more opportunities to emphasize the important role of religious freedom. Elder Christofferson's remarks continue those ongoing efforts. You can read a summary of what he said here or the full transcript of his remarks here.

It was good to read about those updates. As always, this has been a very busy day in terms of Church news and happenings. It will be interesting to see what the Lord has in store for His Church during this next week. If the first 13 days of this month have been any indication, the final 18 will be jam-packed with so many other important news items and events. For my part, I will continue to keep an eye out for such things, and to pass on such updates as I am able to once that information crosses my radar.

In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! In addition to the dedication of the Tucson Arizona Temple today, progress has also been reported on the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo and Fortaleza Brazil Temples. Additionally, I took the opportunity to rework my note about potential future temples. In light of all of these developments, I have felt it wise to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report. The report follows below. Enjoy! In the meantime, any comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. I hope each of you are having an edifying and inspirational Sabbath Day. Until my next post, I also thank you for your interest and support and wish each and every one of you all the best. Thanks again.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 8/13/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As I have noted in many previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department stated that 80 potential temple sites are currently under active consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While many of those temples make it to a subsequent announcement, it is certain that a few of them could either be eliminated or replaced, with others added. If we take Elder Wilson at his word, that means that by sometime in 2032 (likely the end of that year), the Church could have at least 260 temples in any phase of construction. That being the case, it seems very safe to assume that the Church could easily have 200 operating temples either by or before the 200th anniversary of the Church’s restoration and reestablishment (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030). That will be easily doable if the Church dedicates 43 temples (the 25 currently in any phase and 18 new ones announced) in the 12.65 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and will pass such news along as I hear of it.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: 157 operating temples; 2 more have construction wrapping up prior to their dedications later this year; 9 others are in various construction phases; 1 had a groundbreaking last year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future; 1 has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under three months; 1 temple has a rededication scheduled; 1 other is 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 for those 5 will be set closer to the time); the remaining 12* are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending). TOTAL: 182 temples in any stage.
*NOTE: Though this number had been italicized in previous versions of this report, I determined to put it in bold on August 6, 2017 because the number of announced temples is definite information, though it is always subject to change in the future based on other temple announcements or whenever groundbreakings will be set.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; landscaping progressing; 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; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Attaching roof deck; site grading of grounds underway; concrete poured for baptismal font; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
162. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on tower and east and west walls; decorative fence installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Durban South Africa Temple: East soffit temple wall poured; laying brick at temple and missionary housing; utility work continues; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: In studying this temple’s potential completion time-frame, I have become convinced that the dedication for it will take place closer to the end of 2018 than the beginning of 2019. If my thinking on that theory changes, I will pass it along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  
165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
168. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Foundation walls and columns nearing completion; cladding the meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):
167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: As noted above on both the Arequipa Peru and Lisbon Portugal Temples, changing the completion estimate for this temple in turn necessitated changing the numbering again. Until something comes along to change my thinking again, I have felt it is warranted.

Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

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.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

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. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: This temple is the oldest of those currently announced that has not progressed at all beyond an announcement. Due to some local opposition and governmental red-tape that caused delays, the estimate for when and how soon a site announcement and groundbreaking might happen in the near future has been pushed back again and again. Now that those delays are over, the only question is how soon things might happen. I have heard from some who say we could see both a site announcement and groundbreaking before the end of this year. But since that is looking less likely now, it has felt wiser to push the estimate back into next year. And I also wanted to note that on August 6, 2017, I switched this temple and the Harare Zimbabwe Temple because this one is farther along in its status (planning and approval) than that one (which is merely in planning).
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: In spite of the statement by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (made last year) that a site announcement and groundbreaking would happen in short order once 2017 began, there has been no change in this temple’s status. It has felt wise to push the groundbreaking estimate to 2018. And since the status on this temple (planning phase) is behind that of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (planning and approval phase), I have made what I feel is a necessary adjustment in my thoughts. Once more is known, I will continue to adjust as it may be needed in the near future.
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,do so ocodo 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.

Tucson Arizona Temple Dedicated Today Becomes the 157th in operation

Hello, all! Even though the final dedicatory session for the Tucson Arizona Temple is still in progress right now, I wanted to share the information I found about this event. The cultural celebration, which featured youth from within the district of this new temple, was held last night. I was gratified to hear that, as I had hoped, expected, and projected, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf presided at both that cultural celebration last night, and at the dedication of this temple today.

Accompanying President Uchtdorf from among Church leadership were Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy, and, the following General Authority Seventies of the Church: Elder Larry Y. Wilson (representing the Temple Department in his capacity as executive director), Elder Benjamin De Hoyos who, according to his biography on the Church website, is currently serving as an Assistant Executive Director of the Temple Department, and Elder Kevin R. Duncan, whose current assignment has not been included in that biography (but I am thinking he may either be another Assistant Executive Director of the Temple Department or else has some role in the Family History Department. Either way, his presence there makes sense, as he may be a member of the Temple and Family History Executive Council.

Click here for a summary of the cultural celebration, and here for the Mormon Newsroom report on the dedication. It is exciting to have this temple dedicated. I hope and pray that the Tucson Saints will put this new temple to use and keep it busy. In the meantime, that does it for this blog post. Stay tuned for more in the coming days and weeks as more information becomes available relating to Church or temple news. Any comments continue to be welcome and appreciated.Until my next post, thank you for the privilege of your time. I wish you all the best for a continued safe and happy Sabbath Day.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Cultural Celebration held prior to the dedication of the Tucson Arizona Temple

Hello again, everyone! I am back again with another post. I wanted to note that a cultural celebration was held tonight at 7 PM in honor of and in preparation for tomorrow when the Tucson Arizona Temple will be dedicated. I am still looking for a news story about this event that will indicate which Church leaders have been assigned to attend this weekend's events, and I will pass that information along as soon as I can find out about it. The odd thing is that none of the Church websites or local Tucson news websites that I have found have posted articles about this monumental weekend, which is almost unheard of. I will keep searching tonight and tomorrow until I can find out anything. For now, that does it for this blog post. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until I post again (which will likely be tomorrow, if not before), I wish you all the best.

Minor but significant update reported on the Concepcion Chile Temple

Hello again, everyone! I am back with another post, this one noting the minor but still very significant progress that has been reported today on the Concepcion Chile Temple. While my last report had noted that the cladding on that temple was underway on the east wall, and while it continues there, it is also underway on the tower and the west wall. It was great to read about that development, and I hope that each of you enjoyed reading about it as well. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Until I post again, I wish you all the best.

Happy 85th Birthday to Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Hello, all! Continuing the tradition of posts written to honor our apostles on their birthdays, I am pleased to present this post in tribute of and celebration for the 85th birthday of Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Elder Oaks is one of those whose talks I have grown to appreciate a lot and can relate to. In the Teachings of the Living Prophets Classes that I have had (and I have taken that quite a few times because I have enjoyed it so much), I learned that Elder Oaks always approaches each talk in terms of presenting it as a legal document. That is evidenced by the way he numbers the various points of whatever his subject matter is. With that preliminary note, let's present a brief biography about him.

Elder Oaks was born in 1932, to Dr. Lloyd E. and Stella Harris Oaks. His mother traces her ancestry back to Martin Harris, who, as we know, was one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon. His first name was given in honor of the last name of an artist with whom his mother had worked (as the model) for a statue in Springville Utah. His father, an opthalmologist, died when young Dallin was age 7 from complications of tuberculosis. Being the oldest child of his family, the death of his father gave him some unique opportunities to help his mother and to be an example to his younger siblings, which was one thing of which he has frequently spoken.

After his father died, his mother was able to earn a graduate degree at Columbia University and support her family by working to provide adult education opportunities for those who needed it. She also went on to become the first woman to be part of Provo's City Council, and to serve for a time as assistant mayor. In the meantime, Elder Oaks attended Brigham Young High School, where he played football and became a certified radio engineer. Once he started attending BYU, he took many opportunities to be the radio announcer at high school games. At one of those games, he was introduced to June Dixon, the young lady he began dating a short time later and whom he went on to marry.

He was unable to serve as a full-time missionary because he was a member of the National Guard, and there was a possibility he could have been called up to serve during the Korean War. Dallin and June were married in 1952, and he graduated from BYU two years later with a degree in accounting. He went on to study law at the University of Chicago, graduating with his degree 3 years later.

He spent the early part of his professional career clerking for Chief Justice Earl Warren of the US Supreme Court. After that, he practiced law at Kirkland and Ellis. He left that job in 1961 to become a professor at Chicago Law, While in that capacity, he served as interim dean.  He also served on the foundational board of a a Mormon thought periodical. He was also chairman of the university's disciplinary committee,

He took a leave of absence from the University while serving as legal counsel to the Bill of Rights Committee of the Illinois Constitutional Convention. He left the law school for good in 1971 when he was appointed the new president of BYU, a position he held for nine years. He then went on to serve for five years as chairman of the board of directors for PBS, and eight years as chairman of the board of directors of the Polynesian Cultural Center.

In 1980, he was appointed a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, an office he held for the next four years. He was rumored to have been considered by two US Presidents (Gerald Ford and later Ronald Regan) for a nomination to the US Supreme Court.

However, a surprise change in direction for him came in 1984. President Gordon B. Hinckley, then a counselor to the ailing Church President, Spencer W. Kimball, tracked him down via phone call to let him know that he had been selected to become an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling the second of two vacancies that had risen due to the deaths of Elders LeGrand Richards on January 11, 1983, and Mark E. Petersen exactly one year to the day later. (In fact, it was because of President Kimball's ill health that neither vacancy had been filled for over a year prior to April 1984). Elder Oaks became the junior apostle to Elder Russell M. Nelson, called at the same time.

The difference between Elder Nelson and Elder Oaks is that, in the case of the latter, he was unable to be present at the General Conference in which he was sustained to the apostleship, as he was taking care of judicial obligations for which he was out of town. President Hinckley, in leading the sustaining of these two newest apostles, offered the following explanation:

"With reference to Dallin Oaks, I should like to say that while we nominate and sustain him today, he will not be ordained to the apostleship, nor will he be set apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve, nor will he begin his apostolic service, until after he completes his present judicial commitments, which may require several weeks. He is absent from the city, and necessarily absent from the conference. We excuse him. "

Elder Oaks was ordained an apostle just short of four weeks after being sustained (having been sustained on April 7 and being subsequently ordained to the apostleship on May 3). He had his first opportunity to respond to his apostolic call six months later, speaking on the importance of witnesses, within the context of his new assignment to be a special witness of Jesus Christ.

Over 33 years have passed since his apostolic call. He has filled a wide variety of assignments in his time as an apostle, and has had many opportunities to meet with and speak to Church members in various parts of the world. In 2002, he and Elder Holland were asked to be the first apostles in quite a while to live on-site in two of the Church's geographical areas, with Elder Oaks being based in the Philippines, and Elder Holland being assigned to preside in Chile.

I have an indirect personal connection to Elder Oaks. During the two years he oversaw the Philippines Area (2002-2004), a senior missionary couple by the names of George and Louise Sturt were called as missionaries that served in the area offices. The Sturts have known my family from clear back during the time that they were living in South Africa and there met my mom's family. The Sturts, who because of their kindness to my mom since she came to the United States on a "short vacation" that has now spanned nearly 40 years, are considered to be grandparents to my siblings and me, with their children being adopted aunts and uncles, and their grandchildren being considered our cousins. When my aunt Louise passed away a few years ago after years of failing health, Elder Oaks was one of the very first to offer his condolences to the Sturt family.

But getting back to Elder Oaks, he has known sorrow in his own life. His sweet wife June passed away in 1998. Just over two years later, Elder Oaks married Kristen M. McMain, who has been by his side ever since. In the meantime, since assuming his role in the apostleship 33 years ago, Elder Oaks has gone from being the least senior apostle to now being the second most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the third most senior apostle overall.

During his apostolic ministry, Elder Oaks has had 67 opportunities to speak during General Conference (and he had one additional opportunity to do so prior to his apostolic call). You can review any of those talks on a wide variety of subjects here. In the meantime, with the May 23 announcement about how President Monson has stepped back from an active role presiding over the Church, I am sure that Elder Oaks is a great help to President Nelson and the two counselors in the First Presidency in shouldering the load of moving the Church forward.

Because he received his call to the apostleship at the age of 51 (making him at that time the youngest apostle since Elder Boyd K. Packer was called 14 years earlier at the age of 47. As he has moved up the ranks of the apostleship, he has consistently encouraged us as Latter-day Saints to live what we believe and to adhere to the principles and doctrines of the Church. Some have said that the fact he was so young when called is a clear indicator that he may one day become President of the Church.

While it is clear to me that the Lord controls the process of prophetic succession, I could see that happening, but I could also see why it wouldn't. Elder Oaks's age makes him just shy of 5 years younger than President Monson and just under 8 years younger than President Nelson. There seems to be an equal chance of both President Nelson and Elder Oaks becoming Church President, just one of them, or neither of them. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I am grateful to have been able to take the opportunity to share more about Elder Oaks. I testify that his apostolic call, along with the calls of all other apostles, has indeed been divinely directed and inspired, as has how and when Elder Oaks has moved up in the ranks of apostolic seniority. Speaking personally, I hope Elder Oaks has had a wonderful birthday, and I hope to see him continue to live and inspire us for many years to come.

That does it for the birthday tribute to this good man. Comments continue to be welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until I come back with my next post, I wish you all the best.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! Because Church News has slowed down in the past several days, I have not had anything to post about since Wednesday. But today, after my return from a doctor's appointment a couple of hours away from home, I did my initial check of the Church websites. I found out that the status of many temples has been updated.

I would also like to note that the cultural celebration for the Tucson Arizona Temple will be held in roughly 24 hours, with the dedication following the next day. It is still unknown which of our Church leaders will be present at that event. Once more is known on that front, I will pass it along.

As for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, we are still waiting for full-scale construction to begin I don't know this for certain, but despite the groundbreaking taking place last December, the government and citizenry for that Canadian city may have found a reason to stall progress there, which is not at all uncommon. I hope every day that that will change. For now, it looks like I was very justified to assume and to assert that the completion of that temple will take place closer to the end of 2019 than the middle of it.

That aside, the latest version of my temple construction progress report follows.
Anyone is welcome to comment. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, (which,  barring any unexpected Church or temple news updates between now and then, will be written sometime later today or tomorrow and will be composed in honor of Elder Oaks' 85th birthday), I wish you all the best.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 8/11/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: Elder Larry Y. Wilson has stated that 80 potential sites are under consideration for the Church to build temples on over the next 15 years. As I have been reminded more frequently of late, until temples are actually dedicated on any of these sites, the only constant thing will be the changes made as the processes unfold. Having noted that, if the Church only announced ½ of those 80 sites (which would make 40 new temples), that would put the total number of temples in any phase over 220 by sometime during 2032. And if that were to happen, it is not unreasonable or impossible to believe that the Church could have 200 completed, dedicated, and in operation by the time the Church marked its bicentennial on Saturday April 6, 2030. Whatever developments do take place, whether in the near or distant future, you can count on me to bring you the latest.

CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: 156 operating temples; 1 other will be dedicated on Sunday; 2 more have construction wrapping up prior to their dedications later this year; 9 others are in various construction phases; 1 had a groundbreaking last year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future; 1 has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under three months; 1 temple has a rededication scheduled; 1 other is 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 for those 5 will be set closer to the time); the remaining 12* are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending). TOTAL: 182 temples in any stage.
*NOTE: Though this number had been italicized in previous versions of this report, I determined to put it in bold on August 6, 2017 because the number of announced temples is definite information, though it is always subject to change in the future based on other temple announcements or whenever groundbreakings will be set.

Preparing for dedication:                                                                                                                
157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Preparing for dedication, which is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.
NOTE: Since President Dieter F. Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, and since President Henry B. Eyring presided at both the Paris France Temple dedication on May 21 and the rededication of the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple two weeks later, I am predicting that President Uchtdorf will preside at this dedication. If not, then the First Presidency may ask one of the six senior apostles to represent them in doing so.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; landscaping progressing; 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; construction office trailers donated to community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Exterior walls completed; preparing to attach plywood to roof trusses and to pour baptismal font support; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
162. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on the east wall; decorative fence installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Durban South Africa Temple: East soffit temple wall poured; laying brick at temple and missionary housing; utility work continues; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: In studying this temple’s potential completion time-frame, I have become convinced that the dedication for it will take place closer to the end of 2018 than the beginning of 2019. If my thinking on that theory changes, I will pass it along.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:  
165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Interior and roof framing underway for temple and patron housing; structural framing rising for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
168. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Foundation walls and columns nearing completion; cladding the meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: As noted above on the Lisbon Portugal Temple, the altered completion estimate for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple has led me to renumber this one as well. Any subsequent alterations will be made as they are needed.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):
167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: As noted above on both the Arequipa Peru and Lisbon Portugal Temples, changing the completion estimate for this temple in turn necessitated changing the numbering again. Until something comes along to change my thinking again, I have felt it is warranted.

Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday October 28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

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.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

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. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: This temple is the oldest of those currently announced that has not progressed at all beyond an announcement. Due to some local opposition and governmental red-tape that caused delays, the estimate for when and how soon a site announcement and groundbreaking might happen in the near future has been pushed back again and again. Now that those delays are over, the only question is how soon things might happen. I have heard from some who say we could see both a site announcement and groundbreaking before the end of this year. But since that is looking less likely now, it has felt wiser to push the estimate back into next year. And I also wanted to note that on August 6, 2017, I switched this temple and the Harare Zimbabwe Temple because this one is farther along in its status (planning and approval) than that one (which is merely in planning).
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: In spite of the statement by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (made last year) that a site announcement and groundbreaking would happen in short order once 2017 began, there has been no change in this temple’s status. It has felt wise to push the groundbreaking estimate to 2018. And since the status on this temple (planning phase) is behind that of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (planning and approval phase), I have made what I feel is a necessary adjustment in my thoughts. Once more is known, I will continue to adjust as it may be needed in the near future.
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.


Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Elder Neil L. Andersen marks his 66th birthday

As I did a few days ago for Elder Stevenson, I want to present a brief biography of Elder Andersen, including important highlights of his time as a general authority. Born in Logan, Utah in 1951, Elder Andersen served a full-time mission in France.. He obtained a bachelor's degree during his time at BYU-Provo (in economics), and his MBA at Harvard with that same major. During his time at BYU, he met and married his wife, Kathy Sue Anderson, and together they raised four children. 

He spent his professional career working various jobs. At the pinnacle of his career, he was Vice President of the Morton Plant Health Stystem. His Church service involved time as a stake president, mission president (overseeing the France Bordeaux mission) from 1989-1992. Less than a year after his return, he was called to be a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy.

During his time as a Seventy, he served in a wide variety of Church assignments, including as executive director of the church's Audiovisual Department, assistant executive director of the Priesthood Department, and in the presidencies of the following areas: Europe West Utah North, Utah South, North America Southwest, North America Northeast, and the Brazil South Area (during which time he served as the area president).

In 2005, Elder Andersen was called to the Presidency of the Seventy, where he was assigned to preside over the Idaho and North America Southwest areas. He gradually moved up in the ranks of the Presidency of the Seventy until 2008, when Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s call to the Quorum of the Twelve in April and Elder Earl C. Tingey’s release from the Presidency the following August, at which point he became the senior president and was assigned to assist in all areas.

When Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s death in December 2008 resulted in a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Andersen became the second apostle to be call, sustained, and ordained during President Monson’s presidency.

Because Elder Andersen has been a part of general Church leadership since April 1993, and had an increase of his opportunities to speak in General Conference as a result of his subsequent calls to the Presidency of the Seventy (being given the opportunity to speak every 1.5-2 years) and his calling to the apostleship (where he speaks once each conference, the total number of General Conference talks he has given in any capacity add up to 22. To review any or all of those talks, click here.

I am grateful for Elder Andersen's ministry. I hope with all my heart that today went well for him. For now, thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until I post again, all the best. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Additional Church News

Hello, all! I have some happier Church-related newsl pulled from Mormon Newsroom. The Church shared this article regarding the completion of the Ghana MTC renovation & expansion, and this one sharing Church news from various areas of the world, It was great to hear about these updates. Thanks, as always, for the privilege of your time. I will post again soon. Until that time, all the best to each and every one of you.

Added one hour later: This just in: leaders of the women's auxiliaries of the Church (Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President; Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, and Sister Neill F. Marriott, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency) traveled together to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma last Saturday, August 5, for a breakfast with leaders of the government, business, and various religions. The purpose of that gathering was to address the needs of that city to find homes for those in the foster care system.

According to the leaders in attendance at that breakfast, the following faiths were represented at this breakfast: Baptists, Protestants, Jewish, and Mormon. The LDS leaders asked to represent the Church at this event were well chosen. Both Sister Marriott and Sister Bingham have had foster children in their homes, and they and their families love those children as much as they do their own. There was much more to their visit than simply attending this breakfast. You can read more about that subject here. Thanks again to you all for your interest and support, and may God be with you all until my next post.

Elder James J. Hamula, General Authority Seventy, Released and Excommunicated

Hello, all! Sad news today from the LDS Church. Our leaders announced that Elder James J. Hamula, a General Authority Seventy, had been released and excommunicated from the LDS Church. The Church rarely provides public explanations for this course of action, and this instance is no different. For details of what is known about this matter, click here and here. I appreciate that this issue was handled with sensitivity, respect, and in accordance with Church policy. As more becomes known about this in the coming days, I will pass that information along. For now, thanks to you all for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all.