Additional News Stories Reported on Mormon Newsroom

Hello again, everyone! Mormon Newsroom has published two additional news stories that are worth mentioning on this blog. In the first one, a report is given of how Relief Society General President Sister Jean B. Bingham participated in the National Day of Prayer that was observed at the White House. The full text of the prayer she offered can be found here.

The other story relates to the ministry of one member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As most of you might recall, following his return to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was given several assignments, one of which was to assume oversight of the Church's Europe and Europe East areas. In a previous post, I referenced how Elder and Sister Uchtdorf had visited the Rome Italy Temple site during a recent trip to Europe. Mormon Newsroom shared this report regarding some thoughts Elder Uchtdorf shared with the Saints in Russia during his trip, and with the Mormon Newsroom staff following his return about the temple that has been announced for Russia.

Both articles are well worth your time, and I commend them to you all. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. 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.

Additional New Temple Presidents Called; Article Published About New General Authority Seventy Jack N. Gerard

Hello again, everyone! This post will be for the purpose of reporting some major developments that have been shared in the Church News. First of all, it appears that the Church News is currently testing a new beta version of their website. From my preliminary examination of it, it will be much easier to navigate.

The other two developments piggyback on the first. On their beta site, the Church News has published an article introducing Elder Jack N. Gerard. And in another article, the calls of several additional presidents for currently operating temples, including the recently rededicated Houston Texas Temple.

The updated list of temple presidents called this year follows below. So as not to disturb the flow of that list, I will end here as I always do. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. 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.

New presidents have been called for the following temples:

1.      Manaus Brazil

2.      Boise Idaho

3.      Denver Colorado

4.      The Hague Netherlands

5.      Oquirrh Mountain Utah

6.      Helsinki Finland

7.      The Gila Valley Arizona

8.      Brigham City Utah

9.      Stockholm Sweden

10.  Palmyra New York

11.  Accra Ghana

12.  Papeete Tahiti

13.  Sao Paulo Brazil

14.  San Jose Costa Rica

15.  Albuquerque New Mexico

16.  Provo City Center

17.  Recife Brazil

18.  Cardston Alberta

19.  Payson Utah

20.  Porto Alegre Brazil

21.  Brisbane Australia

22.  Kansas City Missouri

23.  Oaxaca Mexico

24.  Regina Saskatchewan

25.  Cebu City Philippines

26.  Boston Massachusetts

27.  Colonia Juarez Chihuahua Mexico

28.  Billings Montana

29.  Houston Texas

30.  Sydney Australia

The first presidents will likely be announced for the following new temples:

1.      Concepcion Chile

2.      Barranquilla Colombia

3.      Rome Italy

4.      Kinshasa DR Congo

5.      Fortaleza Brazil

6.      Port-au-Prince Haiti

New presidents may also be announced for the following temples:

1.      Atlanta Georgia

2.      Bountiful Utah

3.      Buenos Aires Argentina

4.      Cordoba Argentina

5.      Draper Utah

6.      Fukuoka Japan

7.      Guatemala City Guatemala

8.      Helsinki Finland

9.      Hermosillo Sonora Mexico

10.  Indianapolis Indiana

11.  Laie Hawaii

12.  Las Vegas Nevada

13.  Manti Utah

14.  Montevideo Uruguay

15.  Monticello Utah

16.  Redlands California

17.  Sacramento California

18.  St. Louis Missouri

19.  Taipei Taiwan

20.  Tegucigalpa Honduras

21.  Tijuana Mexico

22.  Trujillo Peru

23.  Vancouver British Columbia

24.  Veracruz Mexico

25.  Villahermosa Mexico

26.  Washington D. C. Temple (Note: The Church may opt to wait on calling a new president for this temple until 2020 when it is rededicated)

Updated Estimates for Known Temple Events

Hello again, everyone! As I promised, I have taken time to reevaluate the estimates I have offered for known temple events in the near future. The alterations to those estimates, as shown below, represent the results of that additional research and the subsequent adjustments I have made.

Of course, depending on what is reported in the future in terms of either progress or the lack thereof on temples going forward, these estimates may need to be completely revisited again in the future. That is a given occupational hazard of trying to gauge such things.

The revised estimates follow below. So as not to disturb their flow, I will end here as I always do. That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. 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.

Future estimates for known temple events

2018:

Anytime between now and the end of June: Full-scale construction anticipated to begin for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple

Note: According to a Church member living in Canada, full-scale construction was anticipated to begin on this temple (which had a groundbreaking in early December 2016) at some point during April 2018. With April having come and gone with no developments in that regard, a few sources I have available have noted that full-scale efforts are likely to begin within the next two months, but hopefully sooner rather than later.

Anytime in the near future: Full-scale renovation anticipated to begin for the Asuncion Paraguay Temple

Note: This temple closed for renovation on October 29, 2017. Within the six months that have followed, the process was delayed while building permits were being acquired. In mid-to-late April 2018, many sources which I consult for temple information removed any completion estimate. While I hope that the Church’s announced intention to rededicate this temple next year will be able to occur, only time will tell if that will be possible.

Sunday May 20: Jordan River Utah Temple Rededication/Mesa Arizona Temple Renovation Closure (both have been confirmed)

Note: Since the rededication Jordan River Utah Temple is the first public temple event of President Nelson’s administration, it seems to be a given conclusion that he will preside at this event, if only the first one or two sessions. Since this temple is in the Salt Lake Valley, it seems entirely likely that several Church leaders will be in attendance at this event as well. This rededication will also mark the last time (for now) that the Church will have a cultural celebration the night before, as it seems to be the new tradition to have a devotional for youth at that time instead. And although the closure for the Mesa Arizona Temple will likely go into effect at the end of the day on the Friday or Saturday prior to this, this is the official date given by the Church for that closure.

Monday July 23: Hamilton New Zealand Temple Renovation Closure (confirmed)

Sunday October 28: Concepcion Chile Temple Dedication (160^th operating temple; confirmed)

Note: Since this will be the first new temple dedicated during President Nelson’s administration, he could opt to preside at this event himself, or he could delegate that responsibility to either of his counselors, or to one of the senior members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Sunday December 9: Barranquilla Colombia Temple Dedication (161^st operating temple; confirmed)

Note: The note above regarding who might preside at this temple event also applies to this temple, as it is possible that President Nelson, one of his counselors, or a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve could preside at this event.

Final note on 2018: I have heard that we will likely see many groundbreakings for temples that have currently not progressed beyond their announcements. The main ones I am watching in that regard are the Bangkok Thailand, Urdaneta Philippines, Lima Peru Los Olivos, Saratoga Springs Utah, and Harare Zimbabwe Temples. Each of those temples could have a groundbreaking by the end of 2018, and I am not ruling out any of the 14 other announced temples, although the 7 announced in General Conference at the beginning of this month will likely have a bit more of a wait. The Lord could also surprise us by moving ahead any other announced temples. I will be anxious to see what occurs in that regard.

2019:

Sunday March 10-Sunday March 17: Rome Italy Temple Dedication (162^nd operating temple; confirmed)

Note: While the Church officially announced that this temple’s dedication will be held over an 8-day period (one of the longest, if not the very longest, in recent years), the exact number of dedicatory sessions that will be held has not yet been made public. I am assuming that the Church could potentially have 3-6 per day, with one every 2-3 hours, but time will tell. Since the dedicatory sessions will be held for longer than a week, it would make sense if the Church rotates attendance among several different Church leaders, which will likely include all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.

Mid-April: Frankfurt Germany Temple Rededication

Note: While this has yet-to-be confirmed, it would make sense if this temple was rededicated at this time. And, since the Church has periodically assigned senior members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to preside at such events, the First Presidency may opt to ask Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a native German who has presided at previous dedications and rededications as a member of the First Presidency from 2008-2018, to preside at this event in his homeland.     

Late April-early May: Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple Dedication (163^th operating temple)

Note: In view of my need to change other estimates, and in recognition of the fact that we have seen two updates recently on the status of this temple, I have changed my thinking and now concur that this temple will be the next new one dedicated in 2019 following the Rome Italy temple dedication.

Mid-to-late May: Fortaleza Brazil Temple Dedication (164^th operating temple)

Note: Although I had previously shared my thoughts that this temple would likely be dedicated before the temple in Kinshasa, in the last couple of weeks, two significant updates on that temple now lead me to concur with most sources available that the Fortaleza temple will not be dedicated until after a dedication is held for Kinshasa. With that in mind, it seemed reasonable to move the estimate for this temple’s completion to around this time. If the need arises, further alterations can be made in the future.

Early-to-mid June: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Rededication

Note: Although several temples closed for renovation prior to October 14, 2017 (which marked the closure of this temple), it has continued to make fairly consistent progress. And in spite of the fact that this temple’s general completion estimate was pushed back slightly on May 3, 2018, it seems clear to me that we will likely see this temple rededicated at around this time.

Early-to-mid August: Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple Dedication (165^th operating temple)

Note: While this temple’s construction was only anticipated to take 15-18 months, in view of the need to adjust other estimates, it has felt wise to alter this estimate. If this temple makes substantial progress in the near future, I would not have a problem moving this estimate up again.

Mid-to-late August: Memphis Tennessee Temple Rededication

Note: As was the case for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple above, on May 3, 2018, this temple’s general completion estimate was pushed back. With that in mind, it has seemed reasonable to push my more specific estimate for this temple’s rededication to around this time. If sufficient progress is made on this temple in the near future, I will happily readjust my estimate again.

Mid-September: Lisbon Portugal Temple Dedication (166^th operating temple)

Note: This temple, which has progressed fairly well, may be dedicated at around this time, if it continues to make steady progress. If I see any reason to adjust this estimate in the near future, I will be sure to do so.

Mid-October: Raleigh North Carolina Temple Rededication

Note: On May 3, 2018, this temple’s general completion estimate was pushed back in many sources from which I obtain such information. With that in mind, this adjustment has felt necessary. If this temple makes sufficient progress in the near future, I could see the merits of moving this estimate up. Until that time, this alteration feels reasonable.

Mid-November: Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple Rededication

Note: This temple’s general completion estimate was altered on May 3, 2018 as well. With that in mind, although I hope for the best for this temple, it has felt wiser to be more conservative in this estimate. If I see a need to move this estimate up, I will be happy to do so.

Mid-December Durban South Africa Temple Dedication (167^th operating temple)

Note: This temple has alternated having some occasions when lots of progress has been noted, and having other times when long periods have gone by with no word on any developments. For that reason, it has seemed more reasonable to be conservative in this estimate. I hope to be able to move this estimate up, if all goes well.

Final note on 2019: As with 2018, I have heard that 2019 could potentially be another big year for temple groundbreakings. If that proves to be the case, there will be other temple-related events to add to this list for subsequent years. A lot could change within the next year that will also change the likely prospects for temple groundbreakings in 2019. Closer to the time, I may venture some thoughts for temples likely to have a groundbreaking during 2019. Additionally, although both the Oakland California and Asuncion Paraguay Temples were originally anticipated to be rededicated in 2019, the former is an older temple, which means delays are possible, and the latter is currently stalled in the process of getting its’ renovation started. For that reason, I am pushing back my estimates for the rededications of both to 2020. But I hope that I will be able to move both back into 2019 if all goes well.

2020:

Mid-February: Oakland California Temple Rededication

Note: This temple closed for its’ renovation in February 2018, and was anticipated to be rededicated during 2019. But in view of the progress (and the lack thereof) made on several new temples and others undergoing renovation, it has seemed reasonable to alter this estimate to around this time.

Mid-March: Arequipa Peru Temple Dedication (168^th operating temple)

Note: This temple had originally been estimated to have its’ dedication occur in 2019, but new information indicates that it will likely happen in 2020, and that it may be the first new temple dedicated during that year. If anything happens to change that, its’ future dedication might either be delayed or pushed up.

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

Note: The main reason this temple’s completion estimate was pushed back to early 2020 is because many sources available to me noted that it is going to be bigger than originally believed. With that in mind, it is not hard to believe that a dedication could (and likely will) occur for this temple at around this time, before winter season hits the southern hemisphere.

Mid-May: Asuncion Paraguay Temple Rededication

Note: This temple closed for its’ renovation process in late October 2017. But as of May 3, 2018, it has not had the full-scale process begin. And although the Church originally said that the rededication for this temple would occur in 2019, unless those full-scale efforts begin before winter 2018 begins in the southern hemisphere, that might in turn delay its’ rededication to around this time. That said, if full-scale efforts are able to begin sooner rather than later, I could see the need to move up this more specific estimate.

Early-to-mid August: Tokyo Japan Temple Rededication

Note: Although full-scale efforts have begun on this temple’s renovation since the last time I posted these estimates, it has seemed wiser to be more conservative in this estimate. If I see any reason in the near future to move this estimate back up, I will do so.

Mid-to-late August: Winnipeg Manitoba Temple Dedication (170^th operating temple)

Note: Since full-scale construction is still pending for this temple as of May 3, 2018, I have felt it would be wiser to be more conservative in my estimates. If full-scale efforts are able to begin within the next three months, and if significant progress is made as a result, I could (and likely will) push this estimate up.

Mid-October: Mesa Arizona Temple Rededication

Note: This temple is older, but has been renovated previously, so the renovation process will likely be completed at around this time. If anything happens to delay that process, this estimate would need to be subsequently adjusted as a result.

Mid-December: Washington DC Temple Rededication

Note: This temple has, as of today (April 27, 2018), been closed for almost two months, but has not had any progress reported on that process as of yet. When we add to that the fact that this is an older temple having its’ first renovation, mid-December is a very conservative estimate. If anything delays that process, I would not be surprised to see this temple’s completion pushed back into 2021.

2021:

Mid-to-late April: Hamilton New Zealand Temple Rededication

Note: This temple’s July 2018 renovation closure was the first temple announcement of President Nelson’s prophetic administration. If, as is widely believed, that process involves an expansion of any kind for this temple, depending on how quickly or slowly progress is made, this estimate may need to be adjusted.

                  

Final Note: As noted above, if several temples have a groundbreaking in 2018 and the years that follow, their completion estimates will need to be added to the list above. I continue to monitor all temple-related developments and will pass news of them along as I become aware of them.