PRELIMANARY NOTE: Since the last time I posted an update to this timeline, a groundbreaking has been announced for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, and the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple has likely been announced. I also learned that it is possible that up to three other groundbreakings could still be scheduled before the end of this year. What is not so clear is how likely any of them might be to actually happen. As soon as I get news on any or all of these possibilities, I will pass that along. Additionally, in mid-to-late July, I found information that changed my thinking on the order in which the announced temples might have a groundbreaking. I am also in the midst of further study on the subject of whether or not any temples scheduled for renovation might be expanded. That process is ongoing. And in view of the 80 or so temples that may, according to Elder Larry Y. Wilson, be announced within the next 15 years, we are entering an unprecedented era of temple developments. All of those will be reported on both my temple construction progress updates and on subsequent versions of this timeline. Stay tuned for that.
2017—Events already scheduled:
Sometime in the near future (perhaps within the next two months): Work is anticipated to begin in earnest on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple
NOTE: As of July 2, 2017, we only know that building permits are being acquired for this temple. Because that’s not a lot to go on, I will reiterate my feelings that full-scale construction may not begin until sometime within the next two months. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye on things, and will pass along any updates in this regard as they come to my attention. Until more is known, I prefer to be more conservative in this estimate.
Saturday August 12: Tucson Arizona Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday August 13: Tucson Arizona Temple Dedication (157th operating temple)
NOTE: Since President Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, it is highly probable that he will return to dedicate the temple. I have looked but have not been able to find which of our apostles might have ties to Arizona in general, and the city of Tucson in particular. If any of you know any, let me know. We are sure to see at least one apostle attend, possibly two (if a senior member of the Twelve is asked to preside). As far as other possible attendees, I had been projecting that Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who will preside over this area until the assignments change on August 1, 2017, would be there. But with the news that Elder Juan A. Uceda will now supervise that area, he might be the one to attend. More to come on this as I find out more. Either way, this dedication is now just over a week away.
Monday August 21: President Monson’s 90th birthday
NOTE: The Church announced on May 23 that President Monson would no longer attend meetings at Church headquarters nor take an active role in decisions. He will still make any major ones that require his approval and consent, but is delegating everything else to his counselors and the other 12 apostles. While it appears unlikely that a formal celebration will be held for the prophet who has followed in his predecessor’s footsteps in taking us from 124 operating temples to 182 in various stages, I have felt it important to note it on this timeline. Saturday September 23 and 30 and Sunday October 1: 187th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Larry Y. Wilson to the effect that there are 80 or so potential temple sites under consideration right now that may have an official announcement within the next 15 years, it is very possible that the Church will start announcing temples more regularly, both during each General Conference and perhaps in between as well. It therefore seems very likely that the next several years will be full of temple-related events. As always, I will pass along information and updates as I receive them.
Friday September 29: Memphis Tennessee and Tokyo Japan Temple Renovation Closures
NOTE: With this date having been confirmed for the renovation closure of these temples, a completion estimate may be hard to pin down. But new information I received in late June and early July indicated that the Memphis renovation will include a change of the temples interior and exterior appearance. While it is unknown if that means an expansion of this temple, it seems safe to estimate a completion of between 17-20 months. Additionally, the Tokyo Temple is older, but its’ renovation may not take as long as I thought, primarily because there is no expansion planned, because it is comparatively smaller, and because it only involves upgrading and replacing electrical and mechanical systems. That new information will be reflected in my estimates for the temples that will be provided later on in this timeline.
Saturday October 14: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: The Church has confirmed this as the official date for the closure of this temple. While it is unclear whether or not the renovation process will include any kind of expansion, it seems safe to offer an initial estimate of 15 months for the completion of this one. More information will be provided, along with any adjustment of this line of thinking, as more becomes known. For the moment, that 15 month estimate will be used to determine a change in the completion estimate, which will be given later on in this timeline and will undergo further adjustments once more information is available.
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11 (excluding the Sundays of October 22 and 29 and November 5): Meridian Idaho Temple Open House
Saturday October 28: Groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
NOTE: I learned in early July that this temple would be significantly smaller, and I adjusted my estimate for its construction and completion to 2 years and 7 months (1.5 years shorter than the only other Caribbean temple). Then on Thursday July 13, 2017, the First Presidency announced this groundbreaking would take place 2.5 months later. About a week later, I learned that this temple will be somewhat comparable to the size of the Kinshasa DR Congo temple, which also impacts the completion estimate. For now, this all seems like a safe conclusion to make. Any adjustments will be made as needed once more is known.
Sunday October 29: Asuncion Paraguay Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: While previous versions of this timeline had listed this temple’s closure for September 29, double-checking the Church’s page for this temple confirmed the actual information. I apologize for this unintentional error on my part. And as this temple is the newest of the bunch that are scheduled for renovation, unless an expansion of any kind is planned, it seems unlikely that one will happen. More information will come once more is known. Until that time, a 15-month estimate seems fair for this temple’s completion.
Saturday November 18: Meridian Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday November 19: Meridian Idaho Temple Dedication (158th operating temple)
NOTE: Since Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, it is not hard to believe that he might return for the dedication. What is not so clear is whether or not he will preside. To me, it would make more sense if a more senior apostle or member of the First Presidency presides, and Elder Bednar is the accompanying apostle. I could also see the First Presidency having other apostles in attendance instead of Elder Bednar. That said, I know that previous precedent indicates that if an apostle or his wife has ties to a temple, that apostle will be in attendance and/or preside at such an event. Nothing is out of the question at this point. As always, more information will be coming as more is known, including any updates to this theory.
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18: Cedar City Utah Temple Open House
Saturday December 9: Cedar City Utah Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday December 10: Cedar City Utah Temple Dedication (159th operating temple)
NOTE: With this dedication being for a Utah temple, it is almost certain that there will be many participants. I could see either Presidents Eyring or Uchtdorf presiding there, but I could also see them delegating that task to a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (and it appears that, of those six, the two most likely are either Elder M. Russell Ballard (who seems to have a supervisory role over the Utah areas) or Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who was born in St. George, which I have heard is considered somewhat of a “sister” to Cedar City (but by virtue of those two being the largest localities in Southern Utah rather than by virtue of being in close proximity.)) It is also not hard to believe that, among the General Authorities invited to attend will be Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Senior President of the Seventy, who presided at this temple’s groundbreaking, and possibly Elder Craig C. Christensen, who will by then have gone from being the 4th (and therefore the middle) most senior member to being Elder Clayton’s new seatmate as a result of the changes to that Presidency that will have been effective for about four months by this time.
2018
NOTE: On June 21, I was advised of changes to the
estimated completion time-frame of the new temples that will be dedicated next
year. Those changes will be reflected in this section. Additionally, on June
27, the Church announced renovation closures for three other temples next year.
Then, in early July, new information came to my attention that changed my
thinking on the order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking. Additionally,
the First Presidency announced on August 3 the dates for the open house and
dedication dates of the Jordan River Utah Temple. All of that new information
will be reflected in this section, and, in light of these developments,
obviously future dedications and rededications will be included at a later
point on this timeline.
Event announced
and dates confirmed (or else easy to project based on prevailing patterns of
the past):
Saturday March
17-Saturday April 28: Jordan River Utah Temple Open House
NOTE: This open house was announced on August 3, 2017. Open
house tours will run every day, with the exceptions of Saturday March 24 & 31
(for General Conference), and the Sundays of March 18, 25, April 1 (General
Conference), 8, 15, and 22. This open house is set to run so long because it is
a Utah temple and a well-loved icon in that community, and because of the
significance of this temple. The cultural celebration and dedication will be
listed later on in this timeline.
Saturday March 24
& 31 & Sunday April 1: 188th Annual General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Additionally, the
fact that the above-mentioned temple open house will not be held on these dates
lends credibility to the idea that General Conference will be held then. Getting
back to the note on this conference though, temple announcements are always
possible during General Conference, and given Elder Wilson’s statement
referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements during this
conference.
Saturday May 19:
Cultural Celebration for the Jordan River Utah Temple
Sunday May 20:
Rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple
NOTE: This temple has been undergoing renovation since
February 2015. Originally anticipated to be completed sometime in 2017, the
completion estimate was gradually pushed back. The First Presidency announced
the open house, cultural celebration, and rededication dates for this temple on
August 3, 2017. I had been thinking and asserting that this rededication would
happen prior to the annual July recess of the General Authorities during 2018.
It is nice to have that confirmed. Barring anything unexpected, this
rededication will be among the first temple-related events for 2018. It is
unusual to have this event announced nine months before it happens, but it was
likely necessary due to the history of this temple, and the inquiries that have
been made about it.
Saturday September
29 & Saturday & Sunday October 6 & 7: 188th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events already
announced, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed:
January: Raleigh
North Carolina Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: Given the scheduling of past renovations, the
closure of this temple could take place prior to the end of 2017. Until more is
known, a more exact date is almost impossible to pin down. As with everything
else, more will come once more is known. For the moment, we do know that this
temple is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2019, and I will give an estimate
for the completion of this temple later on in this timeline. What we don’t know
is whether or not this renovation will include an expansion. If the report of
members in the area are any indication, that might not be part of the plan.
Until more is known, that is an update from what I had previously reported.
February: Baton
Rouge Louisiana and Oakland California Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: While the exact dates and lengths of these
renovations are not known, we know that Baton Rouge is a newer temple, while
Oakland is older. We also found out about the Oakland renovation earlier this
year, while news of Baton Rouge’s only came in late June. Additionally, the
Oakland renovation will only reportedly involve replacing electrical and
mechanical systems. Baton Rouge may or may not be expanded. But that aside, I
do think that Baton Rouge may be completed well in advance of Oakland, even if
the renovations start at around that same time. And once more is known about
specific closure dates for either or both of these renovations, I will pass
that along. But for now, I wanted to note that those closures may be set for the
final days of January. Either way, these closures mean a future rededication
will need to be set, for which I offer my best-guess theories later on in this
timeline.
March: Washington
DC Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: This renovation closure may be set for some time during
February or March. The one difference to note about this renovation is that it
is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. And, as with any other
future temple-related event, I will be offering my best educated guess for the
timeframe of that rededication, which, of course, will be subject to change as
more information comes my way. I will be sure to continue to provide any
updates on that front.
May: Mesa Arizona
Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: This temple is the 7th operating temple
to be dedicated in this dispensation and to still be in use today. While I had
originally thought (and had even asserted) that this older temple would be the
last of that bunch to be finished and dedicated, subsequent study has corrected
that initial assertion. Given that this is the second renovation for this
temple, and given the Church’s statement that the renovation would be completed
in 2020, with the research I have done on the subject, my estimate for its
completion and rededication needed to be adjusted. I will share the results of
that additional study later on in this timeline.
Events that are
not yet scheduled but are anticipated to happen during this year (whether or
not around the time-frames indicated here):
Early-to-mid June
(possibly June 3 or 10): Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (160th
operating temple)
NOTE: This temple is another example of one that
progresses slowly but steadily. Among the first that President Monson announced
during his presidency (in October 2008), it had a groundbreaking ceremony over
which President Monson presided two years later. As the construction progress
has run into several delays in the nearly seven years since then, there have
been several other temples that have had both a groundbreaking and subsequent
dedication while the completion estimate for this temple has been pushed back
time and time again. It is now almost certain that this temple will be the
first new one dedicated in 2018. Until more is known, that is a change from
what I have previously reported. For now, this seems to be a safe assertion. As
more is known, this estimate will more than likely change again.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Sunday August 5 or 12): Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany
Temple
NOTE: This temple renovation began in 2015, and its
rededication was originally anticipated to take place sometime this year. As
the renovation process has unfolded, the completion estimate for this temple
has continued to be adjusted. While the rededication is anticipated to take
place sometime during the middle of 2018, if no major progress is reported on
this temple within the next several months, I could see that estimate being
adjusted again. For the moment, though, this seems to be a reasonable adjusted
projection. Once more is known, adjustments will continue to be made. And if a
dedication is scheduled at around this time, I could definitely see the Church
having the open house conclude by the end of June, exactly what happened for
the Tucson Arizona Temple in 2017. If and when this estimate needs to be
adjusted, I will do so.
Early-to-mid
September (possibly Sunday September 2 or 9): Dedication of the Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (161st operating temple)
NOTE: This temple, which is comparatively smaller, had
been slated for completion within the early months of 2018, but that has been
readjusted repeatedly. I found out on June 21 that the completion of this
temple is now estimated for the middle or latter part of this year. It is hoped
that the dedication will take place closer to the middle than towards the end
of this year. That, of course, will be dependent on what happens over the next
year or so. I am keeping an eye on developments and will change this estimate
as needed once I find out more.
Mid-to-late
October (possibly Sunday October 21 or 28): Dedication of the Barranquilla
Colombia Temple (162nd operating temple)
NOTE: As mentioned above, on June 21, I learned that the
completion estimate of this temple has changed in view of some delays with the
construction process. While a more exact estimate may not be known until closer
to the time, I have felt this dedication could happen at around this time.
Dedications of temples in a General Conference month are not unheard of, and it
is my hope that this could happen in this temple’s case. As with everything
else, once more is known, this estimate can be refined.
Early-to-mid
November (possibly Sunday November 4 or 11): Dedication of the Durban South
Africa Temple (163rd operating temple)
NOTE: For the last year or so, the Concepcion Chile
Temple was anticipated to be completed and dedicated prior to that happening
for this temple. But new information received on June 21 indicates that there
have been delays with the construction of Chile’s next temple. It therefore
seems more likely that this temple will be dedicated first. Again, as
developments unfold and more is known, any updates will be provided.
Mid-December
(possibly Sunday December 9 or 16): Dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple
(164th operating temple)
NOTE: As noted above, I learned on June 21 that the
completion of this temple will likely not happen until after the completion of
the Durban South Africa Temple. I am doing my best to keep informed of ongoing
developments in this regard and will be sure to pass along any updates as I
receive them. In the meantime, given that the First Presidency’s Christmas
devotional has typically taken place on the first Sunday in December, it seems
more likely that a temple dedication would not be held until the next week or
two. There may also be more than a slight possibility that this temple’s
dedication will not happen until early in 2019. Until more is known, I prefer
to think optimistically.
Events that might
happen during 2018 (only my best-guess estimates for such events based on what
is now known about them; will more than likely change once more information
comes to light):
Late April-early May
(possibly Saturday April 28 or May 5): Groundbreaking for the Lima Peru Los
Olivos Temple
NOTE: In early summer 2017, I learned that preconstruction
for this temple had reportedly begun in March 2017. While there has been no
evidence that verifies this, we do know that preconstruction is anticipated to
last a year. Given the precedent set by the unexpected groundbreaking
announcement for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, there is an outside chance
that this temple could have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2017. The
likelihood of that happening remains to be seen. Until more is known, I have
adjusted this estimate.
Early-to-mid June (possibly
Saturday June 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
NOTE: While nothing has happened relating to this temple
since Elder Kevin S. Hamilton stated that a site announcement and
groundbreaking might happen in short order sometime during 2017 that is
becoming increasingly less likely. While it may be difficult to pinpoint an
exact time-frame for this temple’s groundbreaking until more is known, new
information I received in mid-July points to the notion that this
groundbreaking will happen either prior to the end of 2017 or else within the
first half of 2018. Once more is known, I will pass along any additional
information and adjustments. For now, that is a change from what I had
previously thought and reported.
Early-to-mid August
(possibly Saturday August 4 or 11): Groundbreaking for the Urdaneta Philippines
Temple
NOTE: This temple, the oldest of those that have not
progressed beyond an announcement, has been subjected to numerous delays since
it was announced in October 2010. While the widely differing reports of
progress have led me to adjust and readjust repeatedly the timing of this
groundbreaking, in early July 2017, I received new information which pointed to
the idea that this temple could have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2017,
or if not then, then in fairly short order in 2018. If no progress occurs with
this temple within the next nine months, obviously an adjustment will need to
be made. Until more is known, that is a change from what I had previously
reported.
Mid-September (possibly
Saturday September 8 or 15): Groundbreaking for the Saratoga Springs Utah
Temple
NOTE: In view of new information I received in early July
2017, I was led to reevaluate how soon temples announced in April 2017 might
have a groundbreaking. I also did some studying on the average time-frame
within which Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking,
And in light of that study, it has seemed reasonable to move the groundbreaking
estimate for this temple to around this time. Right now, there has not been an
official site announcement. That aside, if a site announcement happens within
the next nine months or so, a groundbreaking could follow sooner or later than
this. I am keeping an eye on things and will make any adjustments as needed.
Late October or
early November (possibly Saturday October 27 or November 3): Groundbreaking for
the Brasilia Brazil Temple
NOTE: Though this temple was announced in April 2017, it
has already had a site confirmed, and Church engineers have inspected that
site. In early July 2017, I found out that a groundbreaking for this temple
might not be as imminent as I originally believed and asserted. So this
adjustment felt necessary and prudent. As more develops, I will continue to
make further adjustments as needed.
Mid-December
(perhaps Saturday December 8 or 15): Groundbreaking for the Greater Manila
Philippines Temple
NOTE: Since this temple already had a site confirmed, and
since a site confirmation is the longest part of the process, unless things
change, it seems reasonable to believe that a groundbreaking could follow at
around this same time. Additionally, since an official name was announced for
the second temple in the Peruvian capital city 3 weeks after that temple was
announced, and since almost four months have come and gone between the
announcement of this second temple for the Filipino capital city, it is not
unreasonable to assume that an official name may be announced for this temple
before too much longer. That said, I also wanted to note that new information
received in early July 2017 pointed to the idea that this groundbreaking would
likely not be as imminent as I thought, and that other temples might have such
a groundbreaking prior to this one. Until more is known, I have felt it wise to
adjust my thinking on this. I also wanted to note that if the groundbreakings
for both this temple and the one in Urdaneta take place sometime in 2018, it
will be the first time in Church history that two Filipino temples have been
under construction at once.
2019 (NOTE:
With this being two years out, the estimates are slightly more speculative. But
I offer my best estimates based on the facts I currently have.)
Events already
announced or anticipated, though exact dates have yet to be confirmed:
Saturday March 30
and Saturday and Sunday April 6 & 7): 189th Annual General
Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Saturday September
28 and Saturday and Sunday October 5 & 6): 189th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events that are
not yet scheduled but are anticipated at around the times indicated and are
dependent on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Sunday March 3 or 10): Rededication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Temple
NOTE: This temple, set to close on October 14, 2017, will
likely have a renovation lasting around 15 months or so (1.25 years), unless an
expansion of any kind is planned. Until more is known, this is a change from
what I had previously reported and suggested. For now, this seems to be a safe
adjustment
Mid-to-late March
(possibly Sunday March 17 or 24): Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple
NOTE: As noted above (in relation to this temple’s
closure), as the newest of those scheduled for renovation, it may not take long
to renovate unless an expansion is part of the plan (which seems doubtful). Until
more is known, and until the process gets underway, the estimate for this
rededication will likely be subject to change.
Early-to-mid May
(possibly Sunday May 5 or 12): Dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (165th
operating temple)
NOTE: While much is unknown in terms of a more exact
time-frame for this temple’s dedication, we do know that it is anticipated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019. And while Brazil, like the US, observes
Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, it is not a nationally celebrated
holiday. The Church may or may not elect to have a temple dedication on
Mother’s Day, but it remains to be seen whether or not this temple will even be
dedicated at around this time. Once more is known in this regard, I will be
sure to pass that along, and to make any changes that might be needed.
Mid-to-late May
(possibly Sunday May 19 or 26): Rededication of the Memphis Tennessee Temple
NOTE: With what we do know about this temple’s renovation
(that it will be changing the exterior and interior look of the temple), and
with how little is known about the other renovations, I have felt it wise to
adjust my estimate for this rededication to this time. As more is known (and
particularly as the renovation progresses), I will be making any adjustments to
this estimate that might be needed.
Early-to-mid June
(possibly Sunday June 2 or 9): Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (166th
operating temple)
NOTE: Because earnest work has not yet begun on this
temple, I have constantly changed my thinking on whether or not the Rio temple
would be finished before this one. If work begins in earnest at any time within
the next two months, a dedication could follow at around this time. But if it
does not, I will continue to adjust my thinking subsequently as that might be
needed.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Sunday August 4 or 11): Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple (167th operating temple)
NOTE: As noted above, new study on my part has led me to
conclude that the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple will be finished prior to this one,
mainly because this one is significantly larger and has other buildings
involved with this project. So it made sense to me to adjust previous thinking
and, in consequence of that process, adjust the possible time-frame for this
dedication. If I find new information that leads me to revise this estimate, I
will be sure to do so.
Early-to-mid
September (possibly Sunday September 1 or 8): Rededication of the Raleigh North
Carolina Temple
NOTE: Until this temple’s renovation is underway (and, as
noted above, it is scheduled to start in or around January 2018), an exact
completion estimate is difficult. However, we do know that this temple is among
the newest of those that are scheduled for renovation. With that in mind, it is
not hard to project that the rededication of this temple could happen 1.5 years
after its closure. As the renovation process gets underway next year, and as it
unfolds, any adjustments to this time-frame for this rededication will be made
in later versions of this timeline.
Mid-September
(possibly Sunday September 15 or 22): Rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana
Temple
NOTE: This temple, as noted, is anticipated to close at
some point during February 2018. As the renovation process unfolds, more will
be known about how reasonable this completion estimate might be. Because it is
a newer temple, I can see the renovation lasting roughly 1.5 years. I will keep
an eye out for any and all developments, and will pass any updates along as I
hear of them, along with making any adjustments that may be needed.
Early-to-mid
November (possibly Sunday November 3 or 10): Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal
Temple (168th operating temple)
NOTE: All that is known about this temple’s estimated
completion is that it could be finished in mid-to-late 2019. It seems to be on
schedule, so time will tell whether or not the timeframe proposed above is
accurate. Until more is known, this seems to be a safe prediction. I will pass
along any new information as I receive it, along with any needed adjustments to
this estimates.
Mid-December
(Sunday December 8 or 15): Rededication of the Oakland California Temple
NOTE: This renovation is only set to get underway
sometime within February of 2018. Until that process unfolds, it is hard to
tell how long that process might take. We do know that this is an older temple,
so it is very possible that the renovation process will take longer than anyone
anticipates. Until more is known, this seems to be a sound estimate. I will be
sure to provide any updates as I receive them.
Events that might
happen during 2019 (but for which a confirmation is pending and which might be
sooner or later depending on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Saturday March 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple
NOTE: While it is true that temples within the US have
typically had their construction start and finished well in advance of other
temples, new information I received in early July led me to reconsider how soon
we might see this groundbreaking. While a probable site has been identified, it
has yet to be confirmed. Additionally, putting this groundbreaking at this
point in the timeline makes more sense because it conforms more to the average
time-frame that has prevailed between an announcement and a groundbreaking for
Idaho temples. I will pass along any updates, including any adjustments to this
line of thinking, as I am made aware of them. Just wanted to note that, for
what it’s worth.
Early-to-mid May
(possibly Saturday May 4 or 11): Groundbreaking for the Nairobi Kenya Temple
NOTE: While the media event held for this temple in June
2017 gave me hope that progress was being made on this temple, there have not
been any developments related to this temple since that time. And while a suggestion
given to me in early July led to my rethinking where this temple was in terms
of those that might have a groundbreaking in 2019, further study led me to
conclude that this groundbreaking might be the second for this year. As with
everything else, I will pass along any updates once I receive them.
Early-to-mid June
(possibly Saturday June 1 or 8): Groundbreaking for the Bangkok Thailand Temple
NOTE: If member speculation (which points to the notion
that an existing Church office building will be reconstructed and renovated
into a multi-purpose edifice housing Church offices, a meetinghouse, and the
temple (in the mold of those that already stand in Hong Kong China and
Manhattan New York)) turns out to be correct, then this groundbreaking could
happen sooner or later than this. With what is currently known and the changes
that have become necessary to the groundbreaking estimates for other temples,
this seems to be a safe adjustment. I will keep an eye on things and let you
all know once I know more.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Saturday August 3 or 10): Groundbreaking for the Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple
NOTE: With Church growth in the Ivory Coast, I have heard
from some that there may be a second or even a third Ivory Coast temple
announced within the next 15-20 years. As far as this temple goes, with what is
known and unknown at present, it seems wise to revise my thoughts about the
timing of this groundbreaking. More to come as things develop. In the meantime,
given the changes in the estimates for other temples, I have felt it wise to
move this temple to around this time. If I find anything that changes my
thinking on this, I will provide any updates that might be needed or warranted.
Mid-to-late
October (possibly Saturday October 19 or 26): Groundbreaking for the Quito
Ecuador Temple
NOTE: Unless things develop quickly for this temple, we
may have to wait until around this time for its groundbreaking. Whether or not
this temple has a groundbreaking at around this time, I am not anticipating
that it will experience anywhere near the delays to which the first Ecuadoran
temple was subjected (one of only two in the Church that had a 14+ year wait
between its announcement and its groundbreaking). I could also see this temple
being moved up or down on this timeline depending on what happens in the next
two years or so. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for
developments and will pass along any new information as I receive it. For now,
this is an adjustment and correction to what I had previously been projecting.
Mid-December
(possibly Saturday December 14 or 21): Groundbreaking for the Belem Brazil
Temple
NOTE: While it is almost certain that this Brazilian
temple will not have a groundbreaking until after that of the one for Brasilia
(announced a year later, but progressing more rapidly), what is not so clear is
whether or not this temple will be the last of the current group of those
announced to have a dedication. I am keeping a diligent eye on all announced
temples and will move this temple up or down as things develop. If the current
group of those announced temples all have a groundbreaking by this time, then
the timing of any others will depend on their announcements between now and
then and what the prevailing conditions are relating to such areas. For now,
please note that any subsequent event on this timeline will therefore be a
dedication or rededication. But I would be very much surprised if there are no
other temple announcements by this time.
2020 (NOTE:
With this being three years out, the estimates are slightly more speculative.
But I offer my best thoughts based on the facts I have.)
Events already
announced or anticipated, though exact dates have yet to be confirmed:
Saturday March 28
and Saturday and Sunday April 4 & 5): 190th Annual General
Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Saturday September
26 and Saturday and Sunday October 3 & 4): 190th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events that are
anticipated during this year (although the timing of them will largely depend
on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Sunday March 1 or 8): Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (169th
operating temple)
NOTE: While I had believed and predicted in previous
version of this timeline that the Arequipa Peru Temple would likely be
dedicated prior to the end of 2019 (because I prefer to be optimistic, and also
because work began on this temple on or around April 14, 2017, and with the
estimate I found of 28 months for this construction, that would put its
completion at some point around August of 2019), it seems to be more likely now
that this temple may not be dedicated until early in 2020. Pushing this back
also makes sense because of other dedications and rededications being more
likely to happen in 2019. As more is learned and as it may be needed, subsequent
versions of this timeline will feature further adjustments.
Mid-to-late May
(perhaps Sunday May 19 or 26): Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple
NOTE: This temple’s renovation, as noted, will begin on
September 29, 2017. With so much unknown about that process, it is anyone’s
guess if this rededication will take place at this time. It is almost certain
that the rededication of this temple will be the first such one in 2020. As the
process gets underway, I will pass along any updates or changes to this
estimate.
Early-to-mid June
(perhaps Sunday June 7 or 14): Rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple
NOTE: I was reminded in late July 2017 that this temple’s
renovation would be more to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems
inside. That reminder, combined with the fact that this will be the second
renovation for this temple, made me realize an adjustment to the estimate for
this temple’s rededication was warranted. That said, it is more than likely that
further adjustments will be needed to this estimate as the process unfolds. For
now, that is an update from what I previously reported.
Early-to-mid
August (perhaps Sunday August 2 or 9): Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti
Temple (170th operating temple)
NOTE: As noted above, the First Presidency announced in
July 2017 that a groundbreaking for this temple would take place at the end of
October. Based on the facts that this temple will be smaller than the Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic Temple, I ventured an initial estimate of 2 years and 7
months for this temple. I want to allow as much leeway as I can with this
estimate, so it would not surprise me if the dedication of this temple happens
at around this time.
Early November
(perhaps Sunday November 1 or 8): Rededication of the Washington DC Temple
NOTE: This temple is newer than some but older than others
whose renovation is set. That being said, it is the biggest of those set for
renovation, and as such, will likely take longer than I was originally
anticipating or predicting. So this adjustment feels reasonable and necessary.
As that process unfolds, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments or
updates to this estimate.
FINAL NOTE ON 2020: Since other potential temple
developments in 2020 are conditional on what happens between now and then,
unless another temple has a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2017 and is
slated for completion before the end of 2020, or unless there are other temples
that announced between now and then that have a groundbreaking during this
year, these are the only events currently known. As always, any updates will be
provided as more information comes to my attention.
