Updated estimates for future temple-related events

Hello, everyone! While there has been no notable progress reported on temples since I last posted about that subject yesterday, I have taken time to reassess and reevaluate when and how soon we might see future temple-related events. I wanted to share those thoughts with you all today. Again, I hope it is clearly understood, accepted, and appreciated that any developments are subject to the Lord's will and any local conditions and factors that may affect or impede that sequence of events. As with anything else I post, I welcome feedback on these adjustments. In the coming days, I hope to be able to post an updated version of my estimated timeline for temple-related events. Until then, thank you for the privilege of your time. May the Lord be with each of you until my next post.

Temple Construction Progress (current as of 9/15/17)

NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority, of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260 or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating temples by or before the bicentennial (200^th ) anniversary of the restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030. With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and to complete the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4 temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.56 years between now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3 years at minimum, it appears to be very doable. 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: The Church has 182 temples in various phases (operating, undergoing renovation (which counts as operating), under construction (new ones not yet dedicated) or announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending). There are 157 operating temples, with 1 that has had construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various phases of construction and 1 more that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to begin ASAP (hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been, are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set closer to the time). The remaining 12 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).

Construction completed, preparing for open house:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration underway; open house reservations will start being accepted beginning Monday September 25, 2017, and will be available for the three week period spanning Saturday October 21 and Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Finish work underway on interior; cultural celebration kick-off meeting held; open house reservations will start being accepted beginning Monday October 2, 2017, and will be available for the duration of the open house, which is set to run for 22 days (roughly 3.15 weeks) between Friday October 27 and Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

NOTE: With the open house set to begin in roughly 1.41 months, it seems apparent that construction is concluding. How close that is to actually being the case remains to be seen. But if the finish work on the interior is the last thing that needs to be completed, then the construction could be concluded by this time next week. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as I learn of them.

Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end of next year (2018)):

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.

NOTE: In view of the already-announced rededication for the Jordan River Temple (which is set for May 20), and because this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple, it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the annual July recess of the General Authorities. I have set a more specific estimate for the time-frame of this event for early-to-mid June. And if what happened this year is any precedent for what might occur next year, perhaps the exact date might be two weeks from that rededication, which would put the exact date of this dedication as Sunday June 3. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates I might make to this estimate.

161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; west side nearly finished; hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Barring anything unexpected, this temple will almost surely be dedicated shortly after the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple. If, as anticipated, that rededication takes place in early August, then this temple’s rededication could follow, and I have felt to venture an exact date of August 19, but I could also see that event pushed back to either August 26 or September 2. If something happens to change my thinking on this, I will pass that along.

162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof sheathing completed; steeple framework installed; landscaping palm trees secured; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: In view of all that is currently unknown about the timing of this temple’s completion, while I would hope that this event will be closer to the earlier side of this estimate than the latter part of it, I have revised my estimate for this event to either happen on September 16 or 23, or, if not on either of those weeks, then I could see it occurring after General Conference, on either October 21 or 28. As with anything else, I will post any updates that may be needed to this theory as I become aware of their necessity.

163.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: This temple, as already noted, has been subjected to numerous delays in terms of its completion. Once thought that this temple would be one of the first three to be dedicated in 2018, will more than likely be the last one dedicated this year. In terms of a potential specific date for this event, I would venture that it could happen on either November 4, 11 or 18. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate.

Under construction, completion anticipated during 2019:  

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

NOTE: While it was once thought that this temple could be either the second-to-last or the last one dedicated in 2018, new information points to the notion that it is more likely to occur in the early months of 2019. If I were to pinpoint a more specific range for this event, I might put it at roughly around late February or early March. Since I also hope that this temple will make more rapid progress than currently believed, if anything happens within the next year or so that opens up the chance of this dedication occurring in 2018, I will be sure to keep my eyes open and pass that along.

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: The timing on the dedication of this temple will largely depend on how soon the Durban temple is completed. If it happens that that event is marked prior to the end of 2018, then that would put this event earlier than anticipated. Until more is known, I have felt a preliminary estimate of late April or early May would be appropriate. I will be sure to note any changes to this thinking.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Crews preparing to pour exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: With so much unknown about what will happen in the next year and a half, and knowing that there may be several temples that are currently scheduled for renovation that could and possibly will have a rededication within the first half of 2019, I would venture that the dedication of this temple will happen in early-to-mid August. As with everything else, I will update this estimate as often as it may need to be updated in the 22 months between now and then.

167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Structural framing for main floor underway; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: With what is known about the progress this temple has made and is expected to make within the next two years or so, and with the knowledge that many of the temples currently scheduled for renovation will likely have their rededication set for the first 8 or 9 months of 2019, I am estimating that this temple will be dedicated sometime during late October or early November. I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate as I am able to make them between now and then.

Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:

168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2020.

NOTE: While my study has verified that this temple’s dedication is more likely to occur in the early months of 2020 than prior to the end of 2019, what is not as clear is how quickly during early 2020 that dedication might occur. Until more is known, I am venturing an estimate of late February or early March, which would allow this dedication to take place during the Peruvian fall season.

Construction pending:

169. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans being slightly modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the first or second quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: In view of the recent announcement that full-scale work would not begin on this temple until sometime within the first six months of 2018, it seems to be a safe assumption that there is little, if any, chance that this temple could be completed by the end of 2019. With the 20-month estimate that has been given for the construction process of this temple, I have felt that a dedication could follow by late February or early March 2020. As the next 9 months come and go, and as we see what happens during that time, any alterations that are necessary will be made to this estimate.

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.

NOTE: This temple is anticipated to be comparable in size and design to the Kinshasa DR Congo Temple, which will have taken around 2.58 years by the time it is dedicated. If this temple takes around that same length of time, then its dedication could follow just before the general authorities take their July recess in 2020. Until more is known, I want to be more conservative, so I will, at least for the moment, estimate this temple’s dedication will take place sometime during early-to-mid August 2020. As always, as progress is made on this temple, I will pass along any updates to this theory.

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; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE:  As I have previously noted, this temple will likely be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple, but prior to the dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple. Until more is known, I am setting that estimate for Sunday August 5 or 12. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to this estimate.

Renovations Scheduled (official closure dates announced):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Saturday September 30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, this temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section on the Church’s website. And as we also know, this renovation will change the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be wise, which will put the subsequent rededication of this temple in either late April or early May. As this process gets underway and moves forward, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this adjustment.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday October 2, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: As previously noted, the stated purpose for the renovation of this considerably smaller temple from the Kimball era will be to update electrical and mechanical systems. It does not therefore appear as though an expansion or enlargement is part of that plan. Therefore, a 30-month estimate for this temple’s renovation seems more than reasonable, which would then put its subsequent rededication sometime in late April or early May. As this process gets underway and unfolds, I will be sure to pass along any changes to this estimate.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 15, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While it is true that this temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15 months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of reasoning.

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

NOTE: The interesting thing about this temple’s renovation plans is that any mention of it closing on the date specified (or even at all in 2017) has been removed. Probably just a technical glitch. In the meantime, unless an expansion of this temple is planned (which is unlikely at this point), a 15-month estimate seems reasonable for this temple’s completion, which would put the dedication sometime during mid-March 2019. That will likely change as this process continues, but for now, it seems safe.

68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January 10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: I have previously mentioned the comment I received from a member contact in North Carolina regarding the Saints in that area having been advised that this temple’s renovation plans would not involve an expansion of any kind. Between that and the timelines specified above within which new temples may be dedicated, I would venture a prediction that this temple’s rededication may take place in early-to-mid June 2019. That is an adjustment from the time-frame I suggested previously, but it seems to be a sound conclusion.

94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February 1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Until more is known, I have felt it safer to assume that the renovation for this temple will not involve or include an expansion of any kind. Therefore, a 15-month estimate seems to be safe for an initial adjusted projection, and, in also taking into account the new temples anticipated to be dedicated around this same time, it is my feeling that this temple’s rededication may only follow round about early-to-mid September 2019, which would be towards the earlier side of this estimate. As this process unfolds, we will know more, and any adjustments can be made as might be needed.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: In view of the Church’s statement that the purpose of this renovation is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems, and because this temple is older and somewhat larger, an initial estimate of 18 months seems warranted for that process. Therefore, it is my feeling that the rededication of this temple will follow in mid-December 2019. Of course, as the process gets underway in six or so months, that will change as more is known.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: With what is currently known about this temple’s renovation (having confirmed the exact date, and also knowing that it is mainly to upgrade and update the mechanical and electrical system), in taking the larger size of this temple into account (which will extend the process), a 32-month estimate seems appropriate. That would put this temple’s rededication sometime around early-to-mid November 2020. As the next year unfolds, more will be known, and any adjustments will be provided.

Temples which have had a renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:

7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.

NOTE: Because the Mesa temple has been renovated once before, it is not anticipated to take as long to complete this renovation (which is being done primarily to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems throughout the temple). Therefore, an initial estimate of 26 months seems appropriate, which would put the estimate for this temple’s rededication somewhere around early-to-mid September 2020. Within the next year, this process will be well underway, and more will be known about any adjustments that may need to be made. Until then, it seems to be a sound adjustment to what I have previously stated.

NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And speaking personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of this as I will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the privilege has always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this regard.

Announced temples that may have a groundbrea/king sometime within the next year (whether or not they happen in this order):

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: If the information I have received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. If that is verified at any point within the next few months, it is not hard to believe that a groundbreaking could follow in early-to-mid March of next year, if not sooner. That said, I could also see the Church identifying a site and having a groundbreaking for this temple sometime after one is held for the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, which is currently the oldest among those announced that have not progressed beyond that point. More to come once more is known.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: While a specific site has not yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017 at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many (myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year or in short order after next year begins. While I won’t change the listed order for these announced temples yet, I did want to note that this one and that one may be interchangeable, especially since there are site photographs for this one, while we are still waiting for a site confirmation for that one. As always, I will pass along any changes to this line of thought as I make it.

173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Despite the statement made by Africa Southeast Area President Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (who stated when this year began that a site announcement and groundbreaking would happen for this temple in short order), with 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change, and I will pass that along as I am able to.

Announced temples that may have a groundbreaking anytime between September 2018 and the end of 2019:

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

NOTE: After running the numbers to find out how long it has taken, on average, for other Utah County temples to go from announcement to groundbreaking, I have felt it wise to change my estimate to early-to-mid September. Obviously, if we do not hear of a site announcement for this temple within the next 9 months or so, that will need to be pushed back. But until more is known, it seems sound.

175. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: While I once believed and asserted that this temple would have a groundbreaking in fairly short order once 2018 began, especially since as site had been confirmed and inspected, in the interim, I have discovered that there is merit in believing that other temples that were announced earlier than this one, although the temple above this one is an exception to that notion. Until more is known, I have felt that a preliminary estimate of late October or early November 2018. As more is known, I will make any adjustments that may be necessary.

176. Alabang Manila Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.

NOTE: As previously noted, the name above is my own speculation, and is subject to change based on whenever anything more official may be announced at Church headquarters, which I think will happen sooner rather than later. I will be just as happy if I find I am wrong on this temple’s name as I would be if I am right. Either way, since a site has been confirmed, I am predicting that a groundbreaking could follow sometime during mid-December 2018. As always, I will continue to pass along any changes to this estimate, and will also pass along the official name for this temple whenever it is announced.

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

NOTE: Even though this temple is in the “Mormon corridor”, where temples have been known to go up very quickly, for this temple’s groundbreaking estimate, I looked at the average time-frame within which other Idaho temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And in that regard, I have become convinced that this temple’s groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid March 2019. I will be sure to post any updates to this theory as I find out more. It will also be easier to estimate once an official site is confirmed. The most likely site (in my opinion) has been annexed into the city of Pocatello, but until it is confirmed or denied that the temple will be built there, it is best to be conservative in this estimate.

178. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As previously noted, Elder Sitati stated during the media event for this temple that the Church generally takes one to two years from a temple’s announcement to have a groundbreaking. In that regard, the general time-frame above seems wise. As to a more specific estimate, I could see it happening in early-to-mid May. As more information comes in about this temple, I will make any needed adjustments.

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

NOTE: If the Church verifies member speculation (that an existing Church office building will be rebuilt, renovated, and repurposed into a multi-purpose Church office, meetinghouse, and temple) at any point in the next year or so, a groundbreaking could easily happen during this time. Until more is known, an estimate of early-to-mid June seems sound. I will pass along any information that changes that.

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

NOTE: While an official site announcement is still pending, we do know that the Church is thriving in the Ivory Coast to such an extent that many are saying that nation may get a second and possibly even a third temple within the next 15-30 years. We will have to see how accurate that is. In the meantime, for this temple, the timing of a future groundbreaking will largely depend on how soon we hear about a potential site location. Wanting to be as conservative as I can, I will say that I could see this groundbreaking potentially happening in early-to-mid August. Until more is known, that is a change from what I have previously posted. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates.

181. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019.

NOTE: While the Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement and groundbreaking for the first temple in that nation, this temple is not anticipated to have nearly as long of a wait. If a site is announced for this temple within the next year, a groundbreaking could happen sooner than anticipated herein. Until more is known, I have felt an estimate of early-to-mid September would be safe for this groundbreaking. I will be sure to pass along any updates to this estimate.

182. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2019.

NOTE: While I would hope with all my heart that this temple will not be the last of the current lot to have a groundbreaking, until more is known, I have felt it wiser to be conservative in my estimates for when it will occur. It is almost certain, however, that the Brasilia Brazil temple, which has already had a site confirmed, will have a groundbreaking before this one, even though that one was announced a year later. Wanting to be as conservative as I can, I will say that I think we could see this temple’s groundbreaking in late October or early November. As the next year passes, I will pass along any adjustments to this line of thinking.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y. Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years. While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from 2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those announcements can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will be announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.

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.

October 2017 General Conference Predictions--Final Version

Hello, everyone! Given that the first session of this October's General Conference will take place just over two weeks from today, I wanted to post the final version of my predictions for that General Conference. Before doing so, I should like to note that while there have been certain patterns of rotation in effect for each General Conference, there have also been some very unpredictable elements every six months. In particular, I am most in doubt about how accurate my predictions for the Women's Session may be. Since we have had changes in the make-up of the Relief Society and Primary General Presidencies, and since I am anticipating that the Young Women General Presidency may be changed next April, it is hard to know who among the women auxiliary leaders may be called upon to speak this time. That said, the rotation that has prevailed for the Young Women General Presidency of late makes me think Sister Oscarson will be asked to represent that presidency this go round. And since Sister Bingham will likely give her official response to her new calling as Relief Society President in the general sessions, that makes me think that we will likely hear from Sister Sharon Eubank. And if the General Young Women's President and the First Counselor in the Relief Socieety General Presidency are speaking, then it would make the most sense if the Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency spoke, which would give Sister Franco her first opportunity to speak since her call. And, barring anything unexpected, since President Eyring spoke in the General Women's Session, it is not hard to believe that President Uchtdorf will do so.

Any other speakers are where they are during this General Conference because that has made sense according to the usual rotational pattern. But I did also want to note that if President Monson and Elder Hales do speak back to back in the Sunday Morning Session, there may be reason to believe another speaker may be called upon that is not listed here, likely another General Authority Seventy.

Aside from these notes, the only thing I wanted to note is that I have changed my list of temples somewhat since I last posted it, and I hope you all enjoy those changes. If you have any feedback for me, please let me know in the comments below. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with each and every one of you until my next post.

October 2017 General Conference Predictions

Speaking Order (Text in brackets indicated what actually happened.)

Session	Conducting	Speaker
General Women’s	Joy D. Jones	Christina B. Franco
		Sharon Eubank
		Bonnie L. Oscarson
		President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Saturday Morning	President Henry B. Eyring	President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
		Bishop W. Christopher Waddell
		Jean B. Bingham
		Elder David A. Bednar
		Elder Massimo De Feo
		Elder O. Vincent Haleck
		Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Saturday Afternoon	President Dieter F. Uchtdorf	President Henry B. Eyring (Sustaining of Church Officers)
		President Russell M. Nelson
		Elder Dale G. Renlund
		Elder Larry Y. Wilson
		Elder Joni L. Koch
		Elder Ian S. Ardern
		Elder Quentin L. Cook
		Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Saturday Priesthood	President Henry B. Eyring	President Thomas S. Monson
		Elder D. Todd Christofferson
		Elder Patrick Kearon
		President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
		President Henry B. Eyring
Sunday Morning	President Dieter F. Uchtdorf	President Thomas S. Monson
		Elder Robert D. Hales
		Elder Juan A. Uceda
		Neill F. Marriott
		Elder Gary E. Stevenson
		Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella
		Elder Brian K. Taylor
		President Henry B. Eyring
Sunday Afternoon	President Henry B. Eyring	Elder Neil L. Andersen
		Tad R. Callister
		Elder David F. Evans
		Elder M. Russell Ballard
		Elder Taniela B. Wakolo
		Elder Jose L. Alonso
		Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Changes in General Church Leadership

Presidency of the Seventy: Elders Donald L. Hallstrom and Richard J. Maynes released from the presidency, Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon sustained. NOTE: These changes, announced on May 3, became effective on August 1. For that reason, they will likely be ratified by sustaining vote. However, because there has also been a time or two when such changes have not been so ratified, I would not be surprised if this is not noted. Until further notice, I have felt it would be wiser to include the information. RESULT:

General Authority Seventies: Elders Stanley G. Ellis, Larry R. Lawrence, and W. Craig Zwick released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status. NOTE: Elder Ellis turned 70 in January this year, just as Elder Zwick did in June, and Elder Lawrence did in August, so it would make sense if these men were released and granted emeritus status. RESULT:

Area Seventies: Releases and sustainings. NOTE: It has been customary for most changes in area seventies to take place in April, when President Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining vote, and for only a few to take place in October, when President Eyring leads out in the sustaining. Since we are talking about an October General Conference, it would make sense if only a few changes happened this go-round. RESULT:

Temple Predictions:

3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:

ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I first narrowed down then expanded, then revised these selections again. I am again listing them by the geographical area of the Church under which they fall and then by likelihood within each of those areas. As always, these are nothing more than my own thoughts, backed up by either research or the opinions of others I have trusted in this matter. The Lord decides where He needs His temples to be built, and those decisions are manifested to those authorized to receive such revelation (the prophet, or, in our current situation, those authorized to represent him in so determining).

Africa Southeast: Antananarivo Madagascar; Maputo Mozambique; Lubumbashi DR Congo; Cape Town South Africa

Africa West: Benin City/Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone; Yamoussoukro Ivory Coast; Monrovia Liberia

Asia: Phomn Penh Cambodia; Jakarta Indonesia; Taichung Taiwan; Ulaanbaatar Mongolia; Singapore; Hyderabad/Rajahmundry India

Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador

Caribbean: San Juan Puerto Rico

Central America: Managua Nicaragua; San Pedro Sula Honduras; Guatemala City Guatemala (2^nd temple)

Europe: Praia Cape Verde; Budapest Hungary; Vienna Austria; Edinburgh Scotland

Mexico: Puebla; Queretaro

North America Central: Missoula Montana; Green Bay Wisconsin; Rapid City South Dakota

North America Northeast: Richmond Virginia

North America Northwest: Salem Oregon

North America Southeast: Bentonville Arkansas

North America Southwest: Fort Worth Texas; Flagstaff Arizona; Henderson Nevada

Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Pago Pago American Samoa; Neiafu Vava'u Tonga 

Philippines: Davao/Cagayan de Oro

South America Northwest: Maracaibo Venezuela; Santa Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos Peru

South America South: Valparaiso Chile; Neuquen Argentina

Utah North: Layton Utah

Utah Salt Lake: Tooele Utah

Utah South: Heber City Utah

Notes about potential temple sites:

1.         For the Africa Southeast Area, the two possibilities listed seem to be the most likely ones. With the growth of the Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a second temple seems imminent, even without knowing how the one that will be dedicated in Kinshasa will affect any potential future temples. While Elder Neil L. Andersen proposed a temple for the Kasai region, Lubumbashi seems more likely. As always, I will pass any new information along as I become aware of it.

2.         Regarding the Africa West Area, the LDS Church growth blog reports that, if current growth trends continue, that area could have 13 temples by the year 2030. Along with that, we know that there are two dedicated and one announced in that area already. And I figured the 4 in the list above might be more likely sooner rather than later. So that means that 7 of the 13 may have been identified. In the Africa West Area, second temples for Ghana and Nigeria seem likely, especially now that all Nigerian cities have been reached by the Church. And Sierra Leone may also get a temple soon simply by virtue of being so far distant from the temple district under which it falls. Additionally, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde come in at #6 and #10 respectively in terms of the top ten countries/dependencies with the strongest LDS presence but without a temple, making them very viable candidates for the future, if not immediately. I have also heard some say that a second and possibly a third Ivory Coast temple may be announced within the next 10-15 years depending on how quickly the first one progresses.

3.         While I was double-checking for additional temple sites, I quickly figured out that Asia could be a great candidate for several new temples, and these are the most likely locations that I could find. While all of them make sense in terms of President Monson’s desire to have every Church member within 200 miles of a temple, I have grouped them by the number of Church units. Additionally, I know that temples have been proposed for New Delhi India (in 1992 by Elder Maxwell) and for Singapore (in 2000 by President Hinckley). Church membership in those countries stand as follows: Cambodia: nearing 14,000; India: just over 13,000; Mongolia: nearing 11,500; Indonesia: nearing 7,300; Singapore: nearing 8,400. According to a statistical profile written by a Church Growth expert, India may not actually get a temple until there is a stronger Church presence to support. For now, it seems that the order I have placed them in may be the most likely order by which they might be announced. On July 28, I added one for Taichung Taiwan, since further research indicates Taiwan may be ready for a second temple. As more information comes to light, I will make any adjustments that might be necessary.

4.         In Brazil, the two cities above seem to be the most imminent possibilities. It would also not surprise me at all if the Church held off on announcing any other Brazilian temples until the two under construction and the other two announced ones are closer to completion. As I have mentioned previously, I had felt prior to General Conference last April that Brazil's next temple would be built in Brasilia, but didn't think it would be announced until the one in Belem made more progress. So more Brazilian temples may be announced soon, but they also might not. Once more is known, I will make any adjustments needed. 

5.         Central America may be needing several new temples, based on what my research shows. Then-Elder Nelson proposed a temple for Managua in 2012, and I recently learned that land has been set aside for such a temple for several years. Additional research done on July 28, 2017 showed that temples could be needed in the other cities listed in the Central America Area, and they are listed in order of likelihood for that to happen.

6.         While I said when posting my last list of possibilities that any new European temples might be put on hold until the Church evaluates how the dedications of the Paris France and Rome Italy Temples and the rededications of the temples in Freiberg and Frankfurt Germany have affected temple attendance for European Saints, in going over the current and future districts, I was reminded that I had heard from several people that Budapest Hungary would be the next European temple. And Vienna Austria makes sense in terms of President Monson's expressed goal to have every member within 200 miles of a temple. Until more information is known, these additions seemed to be sound.

7.      Of the many cities in Mexico, I know Puebla has been widely mentioned as the most likely site for the next temple in that nation. I have also felt at times that Queretaro could be a feasible possibility. If and when I feel I can narrow down or add new options, I will do so. 

8.          In the Pacific, I know that the first two cities have been mentioned to me as having sites purchased, and once Church growth and temple activity from these areas warrant an official announcement for them, it will happen. Of the two, Auckland seems more likely. Further study which I did in late July confirms that the other two locations listed may be possible.

9.          While Church growth in the United States has stagnated somewhat of late, except in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, I have heard at one time or another that each of the temples I listed above could potentially be As part of my efforts to expand my predictions, I decided to include these cities again on this list. Until I know more about US growth, these seem to be sound changes. I also know, as I have previously noted, that land has been set aside in Bentonville Arkansas and Missoula Montana for future temple sites, with an official announcement anticipated once unit growth and activity in the current temple districts warrant that happening.

10.       As a state that is constantly expanding its outreach, Utah has 18 temples either in operation or in various stages of construction. Layton and Tooele have often been mentioned to me by name as possibilities. I added Heber City in late July after a couple of comments led me to do so. Each of these seem likely. I also know that we are still waiting to have the Southwest Salt Lake Valley temple mentioned by President Hinckley announced at some point. Some have said that this temple has been announced already, but the research I have done proves otherwise.

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

RESULT: The following temples were announced, much to my great delight:

Musings on Church growth so far this year/Exploring the Potential for such growth during the remainder of this year

For what they may be worth to any of you, here are some musings I put together regarding Church growth that has happened thus far this year, and how the whole picture of overall Church growth may look by the end of this year. These are no more and no less than my own thoughts, and I hope to always be the first to recognize my own need to open up any line of thought to suggestion, clarification, and correction from you, my readers, as any of you are likely far better qualified to know whether or not I am off-base than I might consider myself to be. With that hope, I wanted to note the fact that there will be 53 Sundays in 2017, I have calculated that 37 of them have come and gone, which totals roughly 70% of all Sundays that will take place this year. Therefore, the 16 Sundays that are left will comprise the remaining 30% of this year.

Thus far, the Church has seen a net increase of 41 stakes this year, which works out to roughly 1.1 stakes created each Sunday. If the Church continues stake creations at the same rate during the remainder of this year, then the Church will have added another 18 stakes or so within the last 16 Sundays that are left this year, for a net increase of 59 stakes total this year. That said, as I have noted elsewhere, August and September are often banner months for new stake creations. This year has been no different. With the six Sundays that have happened thus far in that August/September period, 9 new stakes have been created, which is an average of 1.5 stakes per week. If that follows for the next two weeks, we will have 3 additional new stakes. And if the rate of 1.1 new stakes cited above continues for the remaining 14 Sundays that will then be left in 2017 (for the final third of the year), then the rest of the year will see a net increase of 16 new stakes by the time the last day of 2016 rolls around. That means that we will then have seen a net increase of 78 stakes during 2016, and would bring the total number of stakes at the end of 2017 to 3,385.

In the meantime, the Church has seen a net decrease of 11 districts during this year thus far, which means the Church has lost an average of 0.3 districts per week. If that average continues, then the Church will lose 5 more districts by the end of this year, and will have thus marked a net decrease of 16 districts during 2017, bringing the year-end total number of districts to 540.

The Church has, as always, seen a substantial increase in wards and branches thus far in 2017, having marked a net increase of 32 congregations over the 37 Sundays that have passed, for an average increase of 0.86 per week. If that continues, the Church will add 14 more congregations minimum, which will then bring the total number of those congregations to a year-end net increase of 46, and the total number of congregations at the end of the year to a grand total of 30,350. I have previously mentioned the feedback I got from a few of you to the effect that there are around 100 “sensitive units” counted among the total number given each year in the Church’s statistical report (though not included in most people’s “running totals”), and I have rounded that to a rough 75. With that in mind, it is not hard to estimate the year-end number of wards and branches at being somewhere around 30,425. Time will tell how accurate that might be. I for one am hoping that each of those numbers will be slightly higher at the end of this year.

Again, though I am by no stretch of anyone’s imagination able to be considered a Church growth expert, these are some musings I had on the subject, for what they may be worth to any of you. As with anything else I publish on this blog, I am always open to suggestion and correction as they relate to these musings. So, feel free to comment away! In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all until my next post. Until that time, I wish you all the best.