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.
Temple
Construction Progress (current as of 7/6/18)
Note about future temple construction: I have previously referenced the statement made by
Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the Temple Department Executive Director,
to the effect that 80 temples were on a list of locations that would be
considered for an official announcement within the 15 years following that
statement. And although we may not know whether or not those 80 locations have
been announced by late April 2032, it seems reasonable to believe that the
Church could (and likely will) have 200 operating temples by or before Saturday
April 6, 2030 (which will mark the Church’s bicentennial anniversary). In order
to do so, the Church would just need to complete the 30 temples in various
phases, and announce and complete 11 others in the 11.75
years between now and then, which could be done if 3.49 temples are dedicated each year. Although this
year will see only 2 temple dedications, there are 5 or 6 anticipated in 2019,
and at least 3 that we know of so far the following year. So I am confident the
Church will have at least 200 in operation by that time, whether or not an
official goal is made to do so.
Current temple status: The Church has 189 temples in various phases. There are 159 in operation, with 3 others that have a dedication
scheduled, and an additional 8 that
are in various phases of construction. In terms of temples undergoing
renovations, 10 temples recently
closed for renovation, and 1 more
will close later this year. The remaining 19 are announced (with either a site announcement or
groundbreaking pending).
Dedication
Scheduled:
160. Concepcion Chile Temple: Picture updates posted on
Facebook on June 27, 2018 (open house set to begin in
just over two months); dedication scheduled to occur on Sunday October 28, 2018.
161. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Video showing panoramic footage shared on June 10, 2018; dedication
scheduled to occur on Sunday December 9,
2018.
162. Rome Italy Temple: Updated
picture posted on Facebook on July 5, 2018; dedication scheduled to
occur from Sunday March 10-Sunday March
17, 2019.
Under construction, completion estimated
during 2019:
163. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Temple
exterior nearing completion; white paint coat added to entry; completion estimated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
Note: The status of this temple is similar (if not
identical) to that of the Barranquilla Colombia Temple in late April 2018. And
since that temple had had a dedication announced two months prior to that, it
is not a stretch to believe that this temple could have a dedication announced
within the next couple of months, with the dedication perhaps set to occur
within the first six months of 2019. What will be interesting to see is whether
or not that might be scheduled to occur just before the already-scheduled
dedication for the Rome Italy Temple, or between April and June. I will keep an
eye out for information in this regard and will be sure to pass updates along
once I receive them.
164. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Scaffolding
removed from steeple on July 5, 2018; completion estimated sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
Note:
Although I have not been able to find any updates on the status of this temple,
the progress shown in the video mentioned above shows that progress continues
at a very steady rate. It therefore seems likely that this temple could (and
probably will) be dedicated sometime between April and June.
165. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Completion
estimated sometime during mid-2019.
Note: While I have not been able to find an update
on the status of this temple in the recent past, I am assuming that progress
has continued at a steady rate, and that this temple could be dedicated in
either June or early-to-mid August.
166. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Photographic
close-ups of meetinghouse and temple posted to Facebook on July 5, 2018
(including a look at the glazing window bars); completion estimated
sometime during mid-2019.
Note: The video mentioned above shows significant
progress made on this temple, although I do not know the specifics of to what
extent that occurred. If all continues to go well with this temple’s
construction progress, I could easily see a dedication occurring anywhere from
September-November.
167. Durban South Africa Temple: Roof
tiles being laid; completion estimated sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
Note: Although the extent of the progress on this
temple is not currently known, if all goes well, I could see a dedication
occurring anywhere from October-December.
Temples estimated to be completed
sometime during 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Picture
of exterior façade posted to Facebook on July 5, 2018; completion
estimated sometime during early 2020.
Note: Despite the fact that not much is known about
this temple’s current status, I feel safe in projecting that the dedication for
this temple could occur anywhere from January-April.
169. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Completion estimated
sometime during early 2020.
Note: Although it has been a while since we last
had an update on the status of this temple, it seems entirely likely that we
might see its’ dedication between February-May.
170. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Site
work continues; completion estimated sometime during early-to-mid
2020.
Note: When this temple’s groundbreaking was
announced in late 2016, the news release from the Church noted that the
construction process was anticipated to span a 20-month period. If the redesign
process has not changed that estimate in any way, then construction could
conclude in February or March, with an open house and dedication following
sometime around April or May. Depending on the progress (or the lack thereof)
between now and then, this estimate will be adjusted as that becomes necessary.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication estimated
sometime during 2019):
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; completion estimated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
Note:
Although there has not been an update on this temple’s status for a while, it
is entirely possible (if not highly likely) that it could be rededicated either
in January or February of next year, or else in April, following the dedication
of the Rome Italy Temple.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Closed for renovation; updated picture posted to Facebook on July 5, 2018; rededication
estimated sometime during mid-2019.
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Closed for renovation; exterior cladding underway; rededication estimated
sometime during mid-2019.
Note:
While the extent of the progress on this temple is unclear, I see no reason to
doubt that its’ rededication could occur in either September or October. Once
more information is available, I may adjust my thinking in this regard.
68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Closed for renovation; applying
vapor barrier to exterior; rededication estimated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
Note:
If this temple continues to make steady progress, it feels logical to assume
that it could be rededicated in either October or November. If any updates are
needed to that assumption, I will make them as more information is obtained.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Closed for renovation; picture
updates posted on Facebook on June 27, 2018; rededication estimated sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
Note: Although no new information has been provided
for this temple in the recent past, it is not difficult to believe that it
could be rededicated in either November or December.
Undergoing renovation (rededication
estimated sometime during late 2019-early 2020)
13. Oakland California Temple: Closed for renovation;
scaffolding in place around temple exterior; rededication estimated sometime
during late 2019-early 2020.
Note: Since this temple is older and has not been
renovated previously, I am estimating that it could be rededicated sometime
during December 2019-February 2020.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication
estimated sometime during 2020):
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Closed for renovation;
construction of new annex building and interior renovations are underway; rededication
estimated sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
Note: If this temple continues to make consistent
progress, then we could see a rededication occur sometime during April-June,
though that may be pushed back to August if delays occur.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Closed for renovation; temple demolition progressing; rededication may take
place sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
Note:
On May 10, 2018, the Church released details of the renovation plans for this
temple. Exactly three weeks later, the Church released additional details of
plans to redevelop the area around the temple. Bearing in mind that this temple
has been renovated before, and that it is a somewhat older temple, its’
rededication could occur sometime during either June, August, or September.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Closed for renovation; picture update posted to Facebook on July 5, 2018; rededication
may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
Note:
This temple is an older temple being renovated for the first time. With that in
mind, it is not too difficult to believe that it could be rededicated at any
point during October-December. If an update to that estimate is needed, I will
reevaluate.
Renovation process stalled; full-scale
work pending:
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Closed for renovation; full-scale
efforts pending; completion anticipated in mid-2020.
Note: Until full-scale renovation efforts are
underway, it has felt wiser to be conservative in my estimate. With that in
mind, this temple could be rededicated anytime during June-September. If new
information indicates that this process has started, that would necessitate an adjustment
to this estimate.
Renovation Scheduled (closure date confirmed):
11. Hamilton New Zealand Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on
Monday July 23, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2021.
Note
on announced temples: Although I have previously indicated that I was no longer
comfortable or confident enough to venture general or even more specific
time-frames for the groundbreakings of these temples, recent developments have
made it easier to surmise how soon such events might happen, so, on May 31,
2018, I again added those estimates. As part of that process, I have once again
altered, where new information necessitated, the order in which these temples
are listed. That said, the timing of such events has always been up to the
Lord, who reveals His will in that regard to His prophets. Whether or not the
groundbreakings occur within the windows indicated here, I will embrace those
whenever they actually take place.
Announced
temples:
171. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approvals;
artist’s rendering released on March 19, 2018; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
Note:
With the site identified and the release of the artist’s rendering, a
groundbreaking for this temple may just be a matter of time. And since this
November marks the 52nd anniversary of Thailand’s being dedicated
for the preaching of the gospel, November may just be the month in which this
groundbreaking occurs.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Site clearing activities underway;
artist’s rendering anticipated to be released in the near future; groundbreaking
may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
Note:
On July 6, 2018, the LDS Church Temples Facebook page reported the developments
noted above, and with that in mind, an artist’s rendering may be released and a
groundbreaking ceremony may be set at some point in the very near future. What
is unclear for the moment is how soon that might occur. While I would
anticipate that the Bangkok Thailand Temple, which is further along in the
process for now, might have a groundbreaking first, I am certain a
groundbreaking ceremony will be held for this temple by the end of this year.
As more is known, I will be able to offer a more precise estimate.
173. Saratoga Springs
Utah Temple: Planning and approval; designs underway; awaiting official site
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
Note: Although a site confirmation is pending for this temple,
because designs are currently underway, and because this is a Utah County
temple (since temples in Utah always progress more swiftly than other temples
elsewhere within the US), on May 31, 2018, I moved this temple up on this list.
Then, on July 6, 2018, as a result of the developments relating to the Urdaneta
Philippines temple, I moved this one down and adjusted my general estimate for
its’ groundbreaking. I am not ruling out the prospect that the Church could
hold a groundbreaking for this temple before the end of 2018, so if I feel a
need to move this temple again in the near future, I will do so.
174. Lima Peru Los
Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official
site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
Note:
In March 2017, the contractor for this temple indicated that a year of
pre-planning would be needed for this temple site before a groundbreaking could
be held. While it is unclear when that year began (or if that year has already
passed), it seems safe to assume that the groundbreaking for this temple could
occur within the next year, if not sooner.
175. Pocatello Idaho Temple: Planning and approval;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during mid-2019.
Note:
Although the citizens of Pocatello have speculated about two or more potential
locations for this temple, one of those locations has emerged as being the most
likely prospect. If the Church confirms that at any point in the near future,
since this temple is going to be built within the “Mormon corridor”, a
groundbreaking could occur sooner rather than later.
176. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during mid-2019.
Note:
Although an official site confirmation is pending, President Nelson visited a
probable location during his world tour in April 2018. If that site location is
officially confirmed in the near future, then a groundbreaking could easily
follow within the next 15 months or less.
177. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning and approval;
awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.
Note:
During President Nelson’s recent visit to Kenya, a national newspaper noted
that the site for this temple had been selected, and that because this temple
was anticipated to be a smaller one, its’ dedication might occur sometime
during 2021. With that in mind, it is not hard to believe that an official site
announcement and groundbreaking could occur within the next 15-18 months.
178. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning and approval;
site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
Note:
Although a site inspection occurred one year ago for this temple, the
prospective groundbreaking timeframes offered for the temples above
necessitates a change in my previously-offered thoughts about the imminence of
that groundbreaking. While I would hope that the Brazilian Saints would not
have to wait another 1.5 years for this temple’s groundbreaking, until more is
known, it seems wiser to be conservative in this estimate.
179. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning and
approval; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
Note:
Although this temple may also be further along in its’ progress towards a
groundbreaking than other temples above it, in view of the factors noted on the
others above this one, it has seemed wiser to be more conservative in my
estimate for this temple’s future groundbreaking. Additionally, since getting
the Urdaneta Philippines Temple underway may be more of a priority for the
Church, this one may only have a groundbreaking within the next 16-19 months.
180. Layton Utah Temple: Announced April 1, 2018; awaiting
official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2019-early 2020.
Note:
While I would anticipate that, for this temple in Utah, its’ construction will
likely get underway sooner than other temples on this list, and while that
could happen sooner than indicated above if the Church confirms that the land
that was bought in Layton two days before the temple was announced in that
city, it has seemed wiser to be more conservative in my estimate for this
temple’s potential groundbreaking. I will be delighted to move it up on this
list if I see a good enough reason to do so.
181. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning and
approval; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2020.
Note:
This is the last of the three temples announced in April 2015 that may have a
groundbreaking. The Church in the Ivory Coast has seen sufficient enough growth
that a second (and perhaps even a third) temple may be announced to serve the
Saints in this nation, but that may not occur until this temple makes further
progress. We have seen recent developments on other temples in Africa, which
gives me hope that this temple could have a groundbreaking ceremony around the
estimated time noted above, but time will tell how accurate that might prove to
be.
182. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning and approval;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2020.
Note:
While the first Ecuadoran temple had a 14-year wait between its’ announcement
and groundbreaking, with the progress the Church has made in South America
within the last two decades, this temple (to be built in the Ecuadoran capital
city) will likely not see a wait nearly that long. I personally hope that this
groundbreaking will occur sooner than indicated above, but until more
information is available, I have felt a need to be more conservative.
183. Richmond Virginia Temple: Announced April 1, 2018;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2020.
Note:
Although an official site confirmation is pending for this temple, a Virginia
newspaper noted in mid-April 2018 that the Church had procured several acres of
land in Richmond sometime during 2015. If the Church confirms in the near
future that one of those plots will be the official temple site, then a
groundbreaking could easily occur within the next two years, but possibly less,
since temples in the US generally have construction begin well in advance of
their international counterparts.
184. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting
official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
Note:
Although this temple was announced one year before the Brasilia Brazil Temple,
that temple is further along in the approval process and will likely therefore
have its’ groundbreaking before that occurs for this temple. In preparing these
updated thoughts, it occurred to me that the Church may opt to hold off on
beginning construction of this temple until both the Fortaleza and Rio de
Janeiro Temples are dedicated. With that in mind, I have felt that the
groundbreaking could occur at around this time, but I will alter this estimate
as needed once more is known.
185. Managua Nicaragua Temple: Announced April 1, 2018;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during mid-2020.
Note:
Since then-Elder Nelson had publicly proposed this temple in 2012, and
President Nelson himself made the announcement, I would imagine the Lord will
allow him to be very much involved in the process of this temple’s construction
and eventual dedication. With that in mind, I could see a groundbreaking occur
within the next 24-27 months, but hopefully sooner if all goes well.
186. Salta Argentina Temple: Announced April 1, 2018; awaiting
official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2020.
Note:
While the time-frames offered for the temples above this one has resulted in
this temple’s estimate being delayed as well, it would not surprise me if a
groundbreaking for this temple happens sooner than estimated here.
187. Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple: Announced April 1,
2018; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
Note:
While I would anticipate that this temple will likely not have a groundbreaking
until significant progress has been made on both the Urdaneta and greater
Manila area temples, it is not impossible to believe that a groundbreaking
could occur for this newest Filipino temple within the next 2.5-2.75 years, but
perhaps sooner if all goes well.
188. Bengaluru India Temple: Announced April 1, 2018;
awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2021.
Note:
As previously noted, President Nelson had not originally intended to announce a
temple for India during the April 2018 General Conference, but was inspired to
do so the night before that conference began. Although India may have some
political obstacles that would need to be cleared before this temple has a
groundbreaking, I fully anticipate that the Lord could enable a groundbreaking
to occur within the next three years, but possibly sooner.
189. Russia: Announced April 1, 2018; awaiting official
location and site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2021.
Note:
Although both a specific city and a site location for this temple have yet to
be identified, President Nelson did have supervisory responsibility for Eastern
Europe for the last several years he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles. With that in mind, he may have connections that would enable an
acceleration of the process to get this temple built, which is why I am being
conservative in my offered estimate above, but will not in any way be surprised
if the Lord clears all obstacles to allow that to occur sooner than indicated
here.
Key:
Bolded numbers and text denote temples whose numbers already exists (for
renovations), or is certain due to a scheduled dedication, as well as
information that is certain, such as dedication or groundbreaking dates.
Italicized
numbers and text denote
temples whose numbers may change based on the order in which future dedications
and groundbreakings are scheduled.
Underlined
numbers and text denote temples
whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and
groundbreaking.
Changes
since last report are highlighted in red.
