Current Apostolic Statistics: Part One—Updated Data for President Oaks, President Nelson, and Longest-Serving Apostolic Groups

Hello again, everyone! While I continue to welcome comments on any previous posts (particularly any feedback any of you have on the latest version of my list of potential cities for which a temple might be announced next month in General Conference, or the coverage I have provided and will yet provide about the Rome Italy Temple dedication), it is time once again to bring you all updated information on the latest apostolic statistics. This data will again be published in two posts.

Although I sincerely hope most of you will find this information interesting and enlightening, there may be some of you who are not interested in the data I will be presenting. Consequently, I will not in any way be offended or bothered if any of you skip over this post and the next one. This first post, as has been the case for previous updates, will address President Dallin H. Oaks’ tenure as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, then shift to explore where Church President Russell M. Nelson currently stands in terms of his age and tenure length among his prophetic predecessors. That will be followed by some observations about the tenure lengths of our current First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and all currently-living ordained apostles as a group.

The more specific data about upcoming apostolic birthdays, the long-form and decimal ages of our 15 current apostles, and details about nonagenarians will then follow in a second post, which will be published a few minutes after this one is. My last such update was posted on January 27 of this year, and since I have made a tradition on this blog of sharing these updates every 6 weeks, I will be planning on posting my next such update on Sunday April 21 (two weeks after General Conference, and one week following the dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple).

The data in this update is current as of today (Sunday March 10). There is a lot to get to, so let’s jump right in. President Oaks has now served as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for a period of 1 year, 1 month, and 24 days, and he has not moved up among the other Quorum Presidents since my last update. I mentioned previously that his first tenure milestone for this year is coming up on April 9, 2019, at which time he will have served longer as Quorum President than Franklin D. Richards, thus becoming the 24^th longest-serving Quorum President in Church history.

His next two milestones will, as noted when I provided an overview of projects for this blog for this year, be observed on July 7 and 9 of this year. I will provide more specifics on those with my fourth overall update this year (which I am planning on posting on June 2 of this year). As mentioned previously, the length of President Oaks’ service will depend not only on his health and life length, but, of course, the health and life length of President Nelson will factor into that as well.  Insofar as I have been able to ascertain, none of our 15 current apostles is experiencing any kind of age- or health-related limitations. While the lifespan and length of apostolic tenure for all of these men is in the Lord’s hands, I am reasonably certain it will be several years before the next apostolic death.

And speaking of President Nelson, since he was ordained and set apart as Church President on the same day he set apart President Oaks as Quorum President, his tenure has spanned 1 year, 1 month and 24 days as well. He is also now 94 years, 6 months, and 1 day old. He will observe his only 2019 tenure-length and age-length milestones two days apart on July 3 and 5 respectively with subsequent milestones more spread out in the years following that. And again, I will be detailing those more specifically closer to the time when they will be reached.

In the meantime, as also noted previously, the current First Presidency will only be joining the list of longest continuously serving First Presidencies in Church history on Saturday April 20, 2024, so I will be outlining their future milestones on that list closer to the time.  As for the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the current members will mark 3 years together on March 31, 2021, at which point they will join the list of the longest-serving Quorums of the Twelve Apostles in Church history. I will likewise be providing updates on those future milestones closer to that time.

Interestingly enough, less than two months prior to that, the 15 apostles will make the list of the longest-serving such group (the exact date is February 8, 2021). With that said, I want to conclude this portion of the update. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are in accordance with the established guidelines.

Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post (which will be the second half of this update that published here within the next few minutes), I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

BREAKING NEWS: President Nelson and Other Church Leaders Meet with Pope Francis

Hello again, everyone! As part of his visit to Rome Italy to dedicate the temple this weekend, President Nelson sought for and was given the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis, the pontiff of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who hails from Argentina, was surprised and grateful when President Nelson greeted him in Spanish. The meeting was meant to last around 15-20 minutes, but the Pope extended it to around 35 minutes or so. President Nelson was joined in that meeting by President M. Russell Ballard, Elder Massimo De Feo, the Church's first Italian general authority, Elder Alessandro Dini Ciacci, an Italian area seventy, and President Nelson's executive secretary.

President Nelson and the pope exchanged gifts and shared common beliefs and values, particularly talking about their mutual concern for the youth and children of the world. President Nelson also highlighted the partnership that has existed in various parts of the world between the Church and Catholic charitable organizations. The pope and President Nelson invited each other to visit whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself in the future. You can read more about the visit between Pope Francis and President Nelson's delegation in the Church News, via the Newsroom and in the the Deseret News. The latter article particularly highlights the cooperative efforts of the Church and the Catholic Church.

I will continue to be on the lookout for further updates on this weekend's dedicatory events. In the meantime, I did want to note one other thing: I have spoken before about my belief that the Church will have at least 200 temples operating by or before the Church's bicentennial anniversary (which will, as noted, be occurring on Saturday April 6, 2030). This article, published by the Church News in January of this year, noted the Church was well on track to do that, whether or not an official goal is made to do so.

When the first dedicatory sessions are held for the Rome Italy Temple tomorrow, that will mean that the Church would just need to complete 38 of the temples in various other phases of construction by or before the aforementioned bicentennial. As of tomorrow, there will be roughly 11.07 years remaining until that bicentennial, so as long as the Church completes around 3.43 temples per year within that time, it should easily be doable, especially since the Church already has 4 other temples scheduled to be dedicated before the October General Conference.

So the average number needing to be completed per year will thus be going down considerably within the next two months, and that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. It is also worth noting that the Church is anticipated to go from 162 dedicated temples by this time tomorrow to at least 176 temples by sometime in mid-2021. 14 temple dedications in around a two year period is tremendous to think about.

With that said, I do continue to monitor all Church news and temple developments, and will do my level best to bring word of those to you all as I receive it. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

BREAKING TEMPLE NEWS: President Nelson Will Preside at the Rome italy Temple Dedication

Hello again, everyone! While I don't know currently if President Nelson will be in Italy for the entire 3 days of the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple, this article reports he will oversee at least the first session. I also anticipate that we will see several other apostles in attendance during those 3 days as well. I will monitor this development and post more details as I learn of them.

That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Updated Estimates for Known Temple Events

Hello again, everyone! Having shared the updated sections of my temple construction progress report in my last post, I wanted to share my updated estimates for known temple events in this post. Those updated estimates follow below. So as to not disturb the flow of that information, I will end here and now as I always do:

That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

2019:

Sunday March 10-Tuesday March 12: Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (162^nd operating temple; confirmed)

Note: The First Presidency announced the amended dedication dates for this temple on November 8, 2018. When the dedication information for this temple was first announced, it was set to be held over an 8-day period. Now that that has been shortened to 3 days, I don’t know what that might mean in terms of the number of apostles participating. But I do anticipate that President Nelson may likely preside over at least the first one or two sessions, if not others, and that there may be more apostolic and general leadership participation for this event than has been typical for recent temple dedications.

Saturday March 16: Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple (confirmed)

Note: On February 1, 2019, the First Presidency announced the groundbreaking information for this temple. Given that it will be similar in size to The Gila Valley Arizona temple, I am venturing a general completion estimate of mid-to-late 2022. As more is known about that process, I will make any necessary alterations to that estimate as they are needed.

Saturday & Sunday April 6 & 7: 189^th General Conference

Note: Because 19 temples were announced in 2018 (which may have been President Nelson’s way of starting slowly), and because one of his major focuses during his first year as Church President has been highlighting the importance of temples, I’m sure we will see several new temples announced during this General Conference.

Sunday April 14: Dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (163^rd operating temple; confirmed)

Note: In view of the facts that the dedication of this temple will occur after the April General Conference, and that following the April 2018 General Conference, President Nelson began his Global Ministry Tour, I could see President Nelson doing another leg of his tour in conjunction with this temple’s dedication, whether that tour starts or ends with this dedication, or whether this dedication is held sometime in the mid-point of that tour.

Saturday May 4: Groundbreakings for the Yigo Guam, Praia Cabo Verde, and San Juan Puerto Rico Temples

Note: On January 12, 2019, the First Presidency released the artist’s rendering for the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple. Five days later (on January 17), the groundbreaking for that temple was set to be held on May 4, with Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, President of the Church's Caribbean Area, presiding at that ceremony. Then on Febuary 1, 2019, the First Presidency released the artist’s rendering for the Yigo Guam Temple and announced that its’ groundbreaking ceremony would also occur on May 4, and that Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, President of the Church's Asia Area, would preside at that event. On February 8, 2019, the artist’s rendering for the Praia Cabo Verde Temple was released, and its’ groundbreaking was set to occur on May 4 as well, under the direction of Elder Paul V. Johnson, who serves as President of the Church's Europe Area. The time in Guam is ahead of that in Cabo Verde, which is ahead of the time in Puerto Rico, so I am listing them in that order. Since the construction for each of those temples is anticipated to take 2 years, I am estimating that all of them will be dedicated in early-to-mid 2021.

Sunday May 5: Private rededication of the Memphis Tennessee Temple (confirmed)

Note: On January 16, 2019, the First Presidency announced the private rededication of this temple would take place in a single session on this date, that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland would preside at the rededication, and that no open house or youth devotional would be held prior to this event.

Saturday May 11: Groundbreaking for the Quito Ecuador Temple (confirmed)

Note: The First Presidency announced on March 7, 2019 that this temple would have a groundbreaking on this day. Elder Enrique R. Falabella, who presides over the South America Northwest Area, will preside at this event. Construction on this temple is anticipated to take between 2-3 years.

Sunday May 19: Private rededication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple (confirmed)

Note: On January 16, 2019, the private rededication for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple was also announced. President Henry B. Eyring will preside at the single-session rededication, which will not be preceded by an open house or youth devotional.

Sunday June 2: Dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (165^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On January 10, 2018, the First Presidency announced this temple’s dedication. In an unusual (but not unexpected) move, that dedication has been scheduled to occur two weeks prior to the rededication of the Oakland California Temple. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a dedication has been set to occur prior to a rededication which has previously been announced. Usually, a temple’s rededication has been set to occur prior to a previously-announced temple dedication. As noted on other temples, President Nelson could preside at this event himself, or he could delegate one of his counselors or a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to do so.

Saturday June 8: Groundbreaking for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple

Note: On March 7, 2019, the groundbreaking for this temple was also announced. Since this temple is also being built within the South America Northwest Area, Elder Falabella will preside over this as well. And based on the fact that the design of this temple reminds me of the Mesa Arizona Temple, I am anticipating a 3-4 year construction process for this temple.

Sunday June 16: Rededication of the Oakland California Temple (confirmed)

Note: This temple’s rededication was announced on December 18, 2018. As noted above, the dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple, announced almost a month later, has been set to occur before this temple’s rededication.

Monday July 8: Hong Kong China Temple Renovation Closure

Note: On January 30, 2019, the First Presidency announced the renovation closure for this temple, with the plans to be detailed more fully at a later time. I am anticipating that that process will take between 2-4 years.

August: Private rededication for the Raleigh North Carolina Temple

Note: While I once felt certain that both this temple and the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple could take place during this time, new information received in late February led me to rethink that, and I now believe that this temple’s renovation may wrap up during early summer, with a rededication taking place sometime during the early-to-middle part of this month.

Sunday September 1: Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple (165^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On November 14, 2018, the First Presidency announced the open house and dedication information for this temple. Then, on January 18, 2019, the dedication was pushed back to this date in view of delays in the construction process.

Sunday September 15: Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal Temple (166^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On February 22, 2019, I received new information which indicated that the Lisbon Portugal Temple, which has continued to progress ahead of schedule, would likely be dedicated sooner than anticipated. As a result, in late February-early March, I moved this temple ahead of the Durban South Africa Temple on my temple construction progress report. Then, on March 4, 2019, the First Presidency announced the open house and dedication information for this temple.

Saturday & Sunday October 5 & 6: 189^th Semiannual General Conference:

Note: Depending on what is done by this time to clear the existing backlog of announced temples, it seems more likely than not that several new temples will be announced during this weekend.

Sunday October 20: Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple (confirmed)

Note: New information received on February 22, 2019 indicated that the Frankfurt Germany Temple was anticipated to be dedicated in October. Then, on March 5, 2019, the First Presidency officially announced that this temple would be rededicated on this date. I am anticipating that the First Presidency will ask Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, the third most-senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the sixth most senior apostle overall, to represent them in rededicating this temple.

Monday November 4: St. George Utah Temple Renovation Closure (confirmed)

Note: This temple’s renovation was announced on January 25, 2019. Given the fact that seismic and systemic updates are anticipated to occur, I have set a preliminary general completion estimate of mid-to-late 2022.

Early-to-mid November: Rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple

Note: On February 22, 2019, I also learned that the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple could be rededicated at some point in October. But in view of the March 5, 2019 announcement of the rededication for the Frankfurt Germany Temple, I have pushed my estimate for this temple’s rededication (which will likely be done privately) to this period of time.

Mid-to-late November: Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (167^th operating temple)

Note: The Arequipa Peru Temple has been ahead of schedule for a while now, and a Church member living in Peru spotted the cornerstone engraving, which reads: “Erected 2019”. With that in mind, I feel reasonably confident that this temple will be dedicated at around this time, and that this temple could thus likely be dedicated before the Durban South Africa Temple dedication occurs.

December: Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (168^th operating temple)

Note: On February 22, 2019, I received information which indicated that, due to a current blackout in South Africa, depending on how long that lasts, the temple in Durban might experience a delay towards its’ completion. Until I know one way or another whether or not that is true, I have moved my estimate to this point. If I find evidence in the future that no such delays will occur, I can and will move this temple up on this list again.

                                                                                                                                                           

Final note on 2019: Given what I have heard about 2019, it seems more likely than not that several temples will have a groundbreaking at some point during that year. With groundbreakings held in January for both the Urdaneta Philippines and Bangkok Thailand Temples, groundbreakings have also been confirmed for the Pocatello Idaho, Yigo Guam, Praia Cabo Verde, and San Juan Puerto Rico Temples. I am also anticipating that groundbreakings may be held for the Saratoga Springs Utah, Lima Peru Los Olivos, Brasilia Brazil, the Nairobi Kenya, Harare Zimbabwe, and Greater Manila Philippines Temples, most (if not all) of which could have a groundbreaking this year. But in view of the unexpected announcement of the groundbreakings for 3 of the temples President Nelson announced last year, we could also see other temples have a groundbreaking by that time as well.

2020:

Mid-January: Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (169^th operating temple)

Mid-March: Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple

Saturday & Sunday April 4 & 5: 190^th Annual General Conference

Note: Barring anything unexpected, I would anticipate several new temples being announced during this weekend.

June: Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple

Early-to-mid August: Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (170^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 3 & 4: 190^th Semiannual General Conference

Note: Temple announcements are always possible, so it is not hard to believe that a few could be announced during this General Conference.

Mid-September: Rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple

Mid-November: Dedication of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple (171^st operating temple)

Note: At the groundbreaking for this temple (which occurred on November 8, 2018), Elder Neil L. Andersen, who presided at this event and gave his remarks in French, noted that construction of the temple was anticipated to take around two years. For that reason, I am moving my previous estimate for this temple’s dedication up to this point.

Mid-December: Rededication of the Washington DC Temple

Final note on 2020: Some of the announced temples that will have a groundbreaking between now and the end of 2019 could potentially be dedicated during this year. And several other announced temples (I currently have 7 on my radar) could have a groundbreaking during 2020 as well.

2021:

Saturday & Sunday April 3 & 4: 191^st Annual General Conference

Note: Depending on what happens between now (early December 2018) and the dates for this General Conference, I could easily see several new temples announced.

Mid-March: Dedication of the Yigo Guam Temple (172^nd operating temple

Mid-to-late April: Dedication of the Praia Cabo Verde Temple (173^rd operating temple)

Late April-early May: Dedication of the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple (174^th operating temple)

Mid-to-late May: Rededication of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple

June: Dedication of the Quito Ecuador Temple (175^th operating temple)

Mid-September: Dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (176^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 2 & 3: 191^st Semiannual General Conference

Note: I am hoping that by the time this particular General Conference weekend rolls around, the temple construction program of the Church will have progressed to the point where some temples will continue to be announced every six months.

Mid-November: Rededication of the Hong Kong China Temple

Note: This is just a projected estimate, based on what is currently known. As more information is revealed, this estimate could be pushed forward or back as needed.

Mid-December: Rededication of the St. George Utah Temple

Note: What I shared above about the probable timing of the rededication for the Hong Kong China Temple also applies here: As more information is made available, and as the renovation process proceeds, I will be sure to make any adjustments to this estimate that might be needed.

Final note on 2021: If, as anticipated, several more temples are announced in 2019 and 2020, and any which have not yet had a groundbreaking have that occur within that same time period, that in turn will multiply the number of known temple events which will likely occur in 2021 and the years beyond. As more is learned about future temple renovations, that will also have an impact on the number of future events.

2022:

Saturday & Sunday April 2 & 3: 192^nd Annual General Conference

Note: Since the face of the Church’s temple construction program will likely look entirely different by this time, I would anticipate the announcement of several new temples.

June: Dedication of the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple (177^th operating temple)

Mid-August: Dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple (178^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 1 & 2: 192^nd Semiannual General Conference

Note:  As noted above (for the 2022 April General Conference), by this time, it is more likely than not that the face of the Church’s temple construction program will be looking entirely different. With that in mind, it seems more likely than not that other temples could be announced during this General Conference.

Mid-November: Dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple (179^th operating temple)

Note: Because this temple is significantly larger than temples which have been built in recent years, delays in that construction process are more likely than not. It is also worth noting that the official number for this temple is almost certain to change as other temples have a groundbreaking and construction and are potentially completed before this one is.

Final note: As noted a few different times here, within the 3.9 years or so between now and the end of 2022, the face of the Church’s temple construction program will likely look very different. We currently have a Church President who has clearly prioritized bringing the temples to the people, and the fact that he announced 19 new temples within his first year as such verifies that beyond doubt. I also am equally certain he will do all he can to clear the existing backlog of announced temples. With that in mind, there will likely be many more temple events to add to this list in the future. I am committed to bringing updates in that regard to you all as I receive them.

Updated Sections of My Temple Construction Progress Report

Hello again, everyone! In light of the unexpected announcement made earlier today (about the groundbreakings being set for the Quito Ecuador and Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple), I had to revisit three sections of my temple construction progress report. So I wanted to pass along those updates, consisting of the following sections: Groundbreaking scheduled, groundbreaking anticipated, and  announced temples.

Those updates follow below. So as not to disturb the flow of that information, I will end here and now as I always do: That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Groundbreaking scheduled:

174. Pocatello Idaho Temple: Youth service project held March 5, 2019; preparing for groundbreaking, which is scheduled for Saturday March 16, 2019; completion estimated sometime during mid-to-late 2022.

175. Yigo Guam Temple: Yigo chapel closed on February 24, 2019 in preparation for demolition; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday May 4, 2019; completion estimated sometime during early-to-mid 2021.

176. Praia Cabo Verde Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking, which is scheduled for Saturday May 4, 2019; completion estimated sometime during early-to-mid-2021.

177. San Juan Puerto Rico Temple: Trujillo Alto Ward chapel closed on January 20, 2019 in preparation for demolition; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday May 4, 2019; completion estimated sometime during early-to-mid 2021.

178. Quito Ecuador Temple: Preparing for groundbreaking, which is scheduled for Saturday May 11, 2019; completion estimated sometime during mid-2021.

179. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Existing institute building and meetinghouse closed on January 27, 2019 in preparation for demolition; groundbreaking scheduled for Saturday June 8, 2019; completion estimated sometime during early-to-mid 2022.

Groundbreaking anticipated:

180. Saratoga Springs Utah Temple: Government approval phase; awaiting official site confirmation and release of artist’s rendering; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2019.

181. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; property fence installed around temple site; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2019.

182. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking could occur in mid-to-late 2019.

183. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site confirmation; groundbreaking could occur in mid-to-late 2019.

Note: The Church of Jesus Christ Temples site noted in mid-February 2019 that a site had been procured for this temple. But during President Nelson’s visit to Nairobi in April 2018, a public affairs representative had noted that this temple would be smaller, and that a dedication for it was anticipated to occur sometime in 2021. So it seems reasonable to assume that a groundbreaking could occur within the next 12 months, but hopefully sooner, if all goes well.

184. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; President Nelson visited potential site on April 17, 2018; groundbreaking anticipated in late 2019.

Note: Although the site visited by President Nelson in April 2018 has not been confirmed as the official location for the temple, Elder Andersen, in a November meeting with Zimbabwe’s Vice President, noted that the Church hoped to break ground for that temple in the late months of 2019. So I have no doubt that will be able to occur.

185. Salta Argentina Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.

Note: The site has already been confirmed for this temple.

186. Mendoza Argentina Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking could occur in late 2019-early 2020.

187. Puebla Mexico Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could occur in early 2020.

Note: A Church member living in Mexico reports that the area presidency is scouting that city for temple locations, and that construction could begin in the early months of 2020.

Announced Temples (for which more information is needed before I provide a groundbreaking estimate):

188. Layton Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Note: A potential site has already been identified (though not yet confirmed) for this temple.

189. Richmond Virginia Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Note: A potential site has already been identified (though not yet confirmed).

190. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Note: On March 7, 2019, based on the unexpected timing whereby groundbreakings were announced for the Quito Ecuador and Lima Peru Los Olivos Temples, and given the anticipated timing for the groundbreaking of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple, the Belem Brazil Temple is the only other one announced in April 2016 that has not yet had a groundbreaking. And since President Nelson has given some priority to the “oldest” among the announced temples, I am hoping the Lord will similarly surprise us with word on this temple’s site and groundbreaking in the not-too-distant future.

191. Managua Nicaragua Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Note: I found out several years ago that the Church had held land in reserve for a temple in this city for a while now, so I hope that means a site confirmation will occur sooner rather than later.

192. Bengaluru India Temple: Planning and approval phase; announced April 1, 2018; awaiting official site announcement; President Nelson toured potential locations on April 19, 2018.

193. Auckland New Zealand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

Note: I found out several years ago that the Church had held land in reserve for a temple in this city for a while now (with that fact confirmed by a Church member living in that area), so I hope that means a site confirmation will occur sooner rather than later.

194. Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could occur in mid-2020.

Note: A potential site has already been identified (though not yet confirmed) for this temple.

195. Washington County Utah Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official city (and site) announcement.

196. Salvador Brazil Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

197. Lagos Nigeria Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

198. Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

199. Davao Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

200. Yuba City, California Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.

201. Russia Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official city (and site) announcement.

BREAKING TEMPLE NEWS: Groundbreakings Announced for Quito Ecuador and Lima Peru Los Olivos Temples

Hello again, everyone! Breaking temple news has just been reported via the Church of Jesus Christ Newsroom. Groundbreaking ceremonies have been set to occur for the Quito Ecuador and Lima Peru Los Olivos Temples. Since both temples are within the boundaries of the South America Northwest Area, the president of that area, Elder Enrique R. Falabella will preside over both ceremonies.

The Quito Ecuador Temple groundbreaking will be held on Saturday May 11, and the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple will have its' groundbreaking on Saturday June 8. Construction on the Quito temple will likely take around 2-3 years, while the construction process for the Los Olivos Temple may take 3-4 years to complete. I am grateful that both of these temples will have groundbreaking ceremonies before the end of the first half of 2019, and this will bring the total number of temple groundbreakings within that time to 8, which will seriously help the existing backlog to be diminished.

I do continue to monitor all Church news and temple developments, and will pass word of those along to you all as I receive it. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines.

Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Updated Specific Estimates for Known Temple Events

Hello again, everyone! I have taken time as I promised to do in order to update the specific estimates I am tracking for known temple events. A lot has changed since I last posted this. While I don't know whether or not these estimates are anywhere close to the time periods whereby they will actually take place, I have taken what I know and analyzed that against what I don't know at present, and the results may speak for themselves in the future as to whether or not I am correct in such theories.

A disclaimer here, whether it goes without saying or not: I do not in any way, shape or form have access to the kind of special information which would enable me to state point-blank that the sequence of these events will transpire as I have suggested they will or not. My estimates are only my best-researched efforts to analyze what's available, account for anything unexpected, and adjust as more information is made available. Only a First Presidency announcement will confirm whether or not any or all of these estimates are inspired, or anywhere close.

And I should also mention that I am anticipating some more temple news being announced at any point between now and General Conference. If the information I have is correct, the renovation process on the Raleigh North Carolina Temple may be wrapping up before the end of June, which means a rededication (which I am assuming will be a private one, similar to what was announced in mid-January for the Memphis Tennessee and Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temples.

Additionally, I am likewise anticipating that the First Presidency could (and likely will) announce at least one more temple groundbreaking that will be set to occur prior to the July 2019 month-long recess for Church leadership. The main ones on which I am keeping my eyes for information in the near future are the Saratoga Springs Utah, Lima Peru Los Olivos, or Brasilia Brazil Temples. And I am not ruling out surprise groundbreaking announcements in the near future either.

After all, if anyone had told me around 4 months ago (in early November 2018) that the Church would be scheduling the groundbreaking ceremonies for 6 of the announced temples to occur before the first Sunday in May, and that 3 of those would be for temples announced during the October 2018 General Conference, I would have dismissed that as impossible. I honestly don't know at this point whether or not any other temples will have their groundbreakings occur within the roughly 16.5 weeks remaining between now and the end of June, but surely at least one or two of these three will have the announcement of the groundbreaking plans made by or before June 30.

My revised and updated specific estimates for known temple events follows below. So as not to disturb the flow of that information, I will end here and now as I always do: That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Specific Estimates for Known Temple Events in the Near Future

2019:

Sunday March 10-Tuesday March 12: Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (162^nd operating temple; confirmed)

Note: The First Presidency announced the amended dedication dates for this temple on November 8, 2018. When the dedication information for this temple was first announced, it was set to be held over an 8-day period. Now that that has been shortened to 3 days, I don’t know what that might mean in terms of the number of apostles participating. But I do anticipate that President Nelson may likely preside over at least the first one or two sessions, if not others, and that there may be more apostolic and general leadership participation for this event than has been typical for recent temple dedications.

Saturday March 16: Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple (confirmed)

Note: On February 1, 2019, the First Presidency announced the groundbreaking information for this temple. Given that it will be similar in size to The Gila Valley Arizona temple, I am venturing a general completion estimate of mid-to-late 2022. As more is known about that process, I will make any necessary alterations to that estimate as they are needed.

Saturday & Sunday April 6 & 7: 189^th General Conference

Note: Because 19 temples were announced in 2018 (which may have been President Nelson’s way of starting slowly), and because one of his major focuses during his first year as Church President has been highlighting the importance of temples, I’m sure we will see several new temples announced during this General Conference.

Sunday April 14: Dedication of the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (163^rd operating temple; confirmed)

Note: In view of the facts that the dedication of this temple will occur after the April General Conference, and that following the April 2018 General Conference, President Nelson began his Global Ministry Tour, I could see President Nelson doing another leg of his tour in conjunction with this temple’s dedication, whether that tour starts or ends with this dedication, or whether this dedication is held sometime in the mid-point of that tour.

Saturday May 4: Groundbreakings for the Yigo Guam, Praia Cabo Verde, and San Juan Puerto Rico Temples

Note: On January 12, 2019, the First Presidency released the artist’s rendering for the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple. Five days later (on January 17), the groundbreaking for that temple was set to be held on May 4, with Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, President of the Church's Caribbean Area, presiding at that ceremony. Then on Febuary 1, 2019, the First Presidency released the artist’s rendering for the Yigo Guam Temple and announced that its’ groundbreaking ceremony would also occur on May 4, and that Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, President of the Church's Asia Area, would preside at that event. On February 8, 2019, the artist’s rendering for the Praia Cabo Verde Temple was released, and its’ groundbreaking was set to occur on May 4 as well, under the direction of Elder Paul V. Johnson, who serves as President of the Church's Europe Area. The time in Guam is ahead of that in Cabo Verde, which is ahead of the time in Puerto Rico, so I am listing them in that order. Since the construction for each of those temples is anticipated to take 2 years, I am estimating that all of them will be dedicated in early-to-mid 2021.

Sunday May 5: Private rededication of the Memphis Tennessee Temple (confirmed)

Note: On January 16, 2019, the First Presidency announced the private rededication of this temple would take place in a single session on this date, that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland would preside at the rededication, and that no open house or youth devotional would be held prior to this event.

Sunday May 19: Private rededication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple (confirmed)

Note: On January 16, 2019, the private rededication for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple was also announced. President Henry B. Eyring will preside at the single-session rededication, which will not be preceded by an open house or youth devotional.

Sunday June 2: Dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (165^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On January 10, 2018, the First Presidency announced this temple’s dedication. In an unusual (but not unexpected) move, that dedication has been scheduled to occur two weeks prior to the rededication of the Oakland California Temple. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a dedication has been set to occur prior to a rededication which has previously been announced. Usually, a temple’s rededication has been set to occur prior to a previously-announced temple dedication. As noted on other temples, President Nelson could preside at this event himself, or he could delegate one of his counselors or a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to do so.

Sunday June 16: Rededication of the Oakland California Temple (confirmed)

Note: This temple’s rededication was announced on December 18, 2018. As noted above, the dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple, announced almost a month later, has been set to occur before this temple’s rededication.

Monday July 8: Hong Kong China Temple Renovation Closure

Note: On January 30, 2019, the First Presidency announced the renovation closure for this temple, with the plans to be detailed more fully at a later time. I am anticipating that that process will take between 2-4 years.

August: Private rededication for the Raleigh North Carolina Temple

Note: While I once felt certain that both this temple and the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple could take place during this time, new information received in late February led me to rethink that, and I now believe that this temple’s renovation may wrap up during early summer, with a rededication taking place sometime during the early-to-middle part of this month.

Sunday September 1: Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple (165^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On November 14, 2018, the First Presidency announced the open house and dedication information for this temple. Then, on January 18, 2019, the dedication was pushed back to this date in view of delays in the construction process.

Sunday September 15: Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal Temple (166^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: On February 22, 2019, I received new information which indicated that the Lisbon Portugal Temple, which has continued to progress ahead of schedule, would likely be dedicated sooner than anticipated. As a result, in late February-early March, I moved this temple ahead of the Durban South Africa Temple on my temple construction progress report. Then, on March 4, 2019, the First Presidency announced the open house and dedication information for this temple.

Saturday & Sunday October 5 & 6: 189^th Semiannual General Conference:

Note: Depending on what is done by this time to clear the existing backlog of announced temples, it seems more likely than not that several new temples will be announced during this weekend.

Sunday October 20: Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple (confirmed)

Note: New information received on February 22, 2019 indicated that the Frankfurt Germany Temple was anticipated to be dedicated in October. Then, on March 5, 2019, the First Presidency officially announced that this temple would be rededicated on this date. I am anticipating that the First Presidency will ask Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, the third most-senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the sixth most senior apostle overall, to represent them in rededicating this temple.

Monday November 4: St. George Utah Temple Renovation Closure (confirmed)

Note: This temple’s renovation was announced on January 25, 2019. Given the fact that seismic and systemic updates are anticipated to occur, I have set a preliminary general completion estimate of mid-to-late 2022.

Early-to-mid November: Rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple

Note: On February 22, 2019, I also learned that the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple could be rededicated at some point in October. But in view of the March 5, 2019 announcement of the rededication for the Frankfurt Germany Temple, I have pushed my estimate for this temple’s rededication (which will likely be done privately) to this period of time.

Mid-to-late November: Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (167^th operating temple)

Note: The Arequipa Peru Temple has been ahead of schedule for a while now, and a Church member living in Peru spotted the cornerstone engraving, which reads: “Erected 2019”. With that in mind, I feel reasonably confident that this temple will be dedicated at around this time, and that this temple could thus likely be dedicated before the Durban South Africa Temple dedication occurs.

December: Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (168^th operating temple)

Note: On February 22, 2019, I received information which indicated that, due to a current blackout in South Africa, depending on how long that lasts, the temple in Durban might experience a delay towards its’ completion. Until I know one way or another whether or not that is true, I have moved my estimate to this point. If I find evidence in the future that no such delays will occur, I can and will move this temple up on this list again.

                                                                                                                                                           

Final note on 2019: Given what I have heard about 2019, it seems more likely than not that several temples will have a groundbreaking at some point during that year. With groundbreakings held in January for both the Urdaneta Philippines and Bangkok Thailand Temples, groundbreakings have also been confirmed for the Pocatello Idaho, Yigo Guam, Praia Cabo Verde, and San Juan Puerto Rico Temples. I am also anticipating that groundbreakings may be held for the Saratoga Springs Utah, Lima Peru Los Olivos, Brasilia Brazil, the Nairobi Kenya, Harare Zimbabwe, and Greater Manila Philippines Temples, most (if not all) of which could have a groundbreaking this year. But in view of the unexpected announcement of the groundbreakings for 3 of the temples President Nelson announced last year, we could also see other temples have a groundbreaking by that time as well.

2020:

Mid-January: Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (169^th operating temple)

Mid-March: Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple

Saturday & Sunday April 4 & 5: 190^th Annual General Conference

Note: Barring anything unexpected, I would anticipate several new temples being announced during this weekend.

June: Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple

Early-to-mid August: Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (170^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 3 & 4: 190^th Semiannual General Conference

Note: Temple announcements are always possible, so it is not hard to believe that a few could be announced during this General Conference.

Mid-September: Rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple

Mid-November: Dedication of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple (171^st operating temple)

Note: At the groundbreaking for this temple (which occurred on November 8, 2018), Elder Neil L. Andersen, who presided at this event and gave his remarks in French, noted that construction of the temple was anticipated to take around two years. For that reason, I am moving my previous estimate for this temple’s dedication up to this point.

Mid-December: Rededication of the Washington DC Temple

Final note on 2020: Some of the announced temples that will have a groundbreaking between now and the end of 2019 could potentially be dedicated during this year. And several other announced temples (I currently have 7 on my radar) could have a groundbreaking during 2020 as well.

2021:

Saturday & Sunday April 3 & 4: 191^st Annual General Conference

Note: Depending on what happens between now (early December 2018) and the dates for this General Conference, I could easily see several new temples announced.

Mid-March: Dedication of the Yigo Guam Temple (172^nd operating temple

Mid-to-late April: Dedication of the Praia Cabo Verde Temple (173^rd operating temple)

Late April-early May: Dedication of the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple (174^th operating temple)

Mid-to-late May: Rededication of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple

June: Dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (175^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 2 & 3: 191^st Semiannual General Conference

Note: I am hoping that by the time this particular General Conference weekend rolls around, the temple construction program of the Church will have progressed to the point where some temples will continue to be announced every six months.

Mid-November: Rededication of the Hong Kong China Temple

Note: This is just a projected estimate, based on what is currently known. As more information is revealed, this estimate could be pushed forward or back as needed.

Mid-December: Rededication of the St. George Utah Temple

Note: What I shared above about the probable timing of the rededication for the Hong Kong China Temple also applies here: As more information is made available, and as the renovation process proceeds, I will be sure to make any adjustments to this estimate that might be needed.

Final note on 2021: If, as anticipated, several more temples are announced in 2019 and 2020, and any which have not yet had a groundbreaking have that occur within that same time period, that in turn will multiply the number of known temple events which will likely occur in 2021 and the years beyond. As more is learned about future temple renovations, that will also have an impact on the number of future events.

2022:

Saturday & Sunday April 2 & 3: 192^nd Annual General Conference

Note: Since the face of the Church’s temple construction program will likely look entirely different by this time, I would anticipate the announcement of several new temples.

Mid-August: Dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple (176^th operating temple)

Saturday & Sunday October 1 & 2: 192^nd Semiannual General Conference

Note:  As noted above (for the 2022 April General Conference), by this time, it is more likely than not that the face of the Church’s temple construction program will be looking entirely different. With that in mind, it seems more likely than not that other temples could be announced during this General Conference.

Mid-November: Dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple (177^th operating temple)

Note: Because this temple is significantly larger than temples which have been built in recent years, delays in that construction process are more likely than not. It is also worth noting that the official number for this temple is almost certain to change as other temples have a groundbreaking and construction and are potentially completed before this one is.

Final note: As noted a few different times here, within the 3.82 years or so between now and the end of 2022, the face of the Church’s temple construction program will likely look very different. We currently have a Church President who has clearly prioritized bringing the temples to the people, and the fact that he announced 19 new temples within his first year as such verifies that beyond doubt. I also am equally certain he will do all he can to clear the existing backlog of announced temples. With that in mind, there will likely be many more temple events to add to this list in the future. I am committed to bringing updates in that regard to you all as I receive them.

Request for Comment: How Well Can You Navigate This Site on Your Device?

Hello again, everyone! While I do intend to make good on my promise to post later today or tomorrow to provide the updated version of my more specific estimates for known temple events in the near future, I have continued to also try as I can to see what I can do to optimize my blog layout, look, and feel, for the purpose of making it easier for all of you to navigate around this blog successfully on whichever device any of you might be using to access it.

For that reason, and in following the example of President Russell M. Nelson, who said during the April 2018 General Conference that "good inspiration is based upon good information", I wanted to put out this post to request comments from as many of you who feel you can share anything relating to how easy/difficult it is to navigate this site on whichever device you are using. Based on my analysis of the information given to me by each of you who would be willing to so contribute your thoughts, I will then do my level best to implement improvements to the look and feel of this blog as a result.

So, I open the commenting period now. Are there any problems you see on your devices with the layout of this blog, or the accessibility of the information found herein? Is there anything any of you feel I could do to optimize your experiences as those who read and comment on this blog? Are there any general or specific recommendations any of you have on how to make this blog more user-friendly? It is your turn to "sound off" in the comments below, with anything you would like to share in this regard.

I look forward to the feedback I will be receiving from many of you. The insights shared by my readers have become one of my most favorite things on this blog, and I could not carry out the coverage I have provided here without your interest, support, and feedback. If there is anything I can do to improve your experience here, please let me know.

That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

BREAKING CHURCH NEWS: Frankfurt Germany Temple Rededication Set; Church Websites, Tools, and Resources to Be Renamed

Hello again, everyone! I have not one, but two breaking developments to pass along to you all today. First, the First Presidency has announced the open house and dedication information for the Frankfurt Germany Temple. The open house tours will be held between Friday September 13 and Saturday September 28, with the exceptions of the relevant Sundays (September 15 & 22). A youth devotional with senior Church leaders will then be held on Saturday October 19, and the temple will be rededicated in 3 sessions on Sunday October 20. While I cannot say this for certain, it has long been my belief that the Brethren will call upon Elder Uchtdorf, our native German apostle, who has presided at temple dedications and rededications previously, to preside at this rededication. So that's the first development.

The First Presidency also announced today what will be done to rename Church resources, tools, and websites in order to re-emphasize the proper name of the Church, in accordance with President Nelson's August 2018 statement about the correct usage of the proper name of the Church, which he expanded upon in his main address to Church members from the October 2018 General Conference. More details on the changes announced today can be found in the official First Presidency letter on that subject.

I have two big takeaways from these developments. First of all, two temple-related announcements being made on two consecutive days may well become the new normal. And second, President Nelson is sincerely earnest and serious in his expressed hope to correct (not change) the way the name of the Church is used. 1 Nephi 17:3 sums up my feelings on these developments very well:

"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness."

In ancient and modern times, unless the Lord revokes any instruction or commandment previously given, those instructions, commandments, promises, and blessings remain in force as those who love Him adhere to such guidance. With that in mind, I hope all of us will take advantage of these new opportunities to help correct the proper usage of the name of the Church. As we continue to follow the prophet, the Lord will bless us accordingly, full stop.

In the meantime, I do continue to monitor any and all Church news and temple developments, and will bring you all word of such developments here as I receive it. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines.

Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

BREAKING TEMPLE NEWS: Open House & Dedication Dates Announced for Lisbon Portugal Temple

Hello again, everyone! As some of you saw in the comment threads of another post on this blog, the open house and dedication dates have been announced for the Lisbon Portugal Temple. Public open house tours will be held from Saturday August 17 to Saturday August 31, except for the Sundays of August 18 and 25. A youth devotional will be held on Saturday September 14, and the temple will be dedicated in 3 sessions on Sunday September 15. More details on this can be found in the official release from the Church's Newsroom website.

So that temple dedication will be held two weeks after the dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple. And I am grateful that the Lord justified my feeling that the Lisbon Portugal Temple will indeed be dedicated before a dedication occurs for the Durban South Africa Temple. In the coming weeks, I anticipate the announcement of the rededication information for the Raleigh North Carolina Temple, and perhaps an announcement of groundbreaking dates being set for one or more temples within the next couple of months. I will keep my eyes open for any such information, and will be sure to pass word of such developments along to you all as I receive it.

That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time.  If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.