Updated Estimates for Known Temple Events

Hello again, everyone! Based on new information I have received, I have once again revisited my more specific estimates for known temple events which will be occurring within the next several years. So I wanted to post those now. I'd just like to mention that I have utilized a wide variety of sources which I have available, and that I would anticipate several other temple events being announced in the not-too-distant future. With that said, the updates 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. Given that this dedication will now be held over three days rather than the previously-announced 8-day period, there may be only 2-3 of our 15 apostles participating in this event. That said, it would not surprise me in any way if this dedication was either the start or conclusion of another leg of President Nelson’s ongoing Global Ministry Tour.

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 all that still needed to be done on the construction process.

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.

Mid-October: Rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple; Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal Temple (166^th operating temple)

Note: On February 22, 2019, I received new information which indicated that the Lisbon Portugal Temple, which has continued to progress ahead of schedule, may be dedicated sooner than anticipated. Meanwhile, I also learned that the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple could be rededicated at around this time, and I anticipate that will be done privately. And while the dedication & rededication of these temples could be seen as interchangeable, based on the more consistent progress we have seen relating to the Lisbon Portugal Temple, I have listed that one first.

November: Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (167^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.

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.

Mid-November: Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple

Note: New information received on February 22, 2019 indicates that the Frankfurt Germany Temple could be rededicated at around this time. If I find information which leads me to conclude that this rededication could be held ahead of this time, I will gladly move it up.

December: Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (168^th operating temple)

Note: The Arequipa Peru Temple has progressed swiftly. A member living in Peru has confirmed that the cornerstone reads “Erected 2019”, which seems to imply that the temple will be dedicated before the end of this year. If construction for this temple stays ahead of schedule as it currently seems to be, then I could see a need to move up the estimate I have offered here, and I will be sure to do so.

                                                                                                                                                           

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. As noted above, the groundbreakings have been confirmed for the Pocatello Idaho, Yigo Guam, 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.

Mid-to-late May: Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple

June or 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 3.9 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.

Miscellaneous Church News Reported; Angel Moroni Installed Atop Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple

Hello again, everyone! I wanted to post again now to share some additional Church news stories and the one temple development which have been reported in recent days. So let's get right into all of that. First, while I was working on writing this post, the latest edition of "This Week on Social" was published on the Church News website. That article focuses on posts which were mostly directed to young adults (both single and married), but also some directed to those going through severe trials in their lives. That latest edition featured posts from President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the following other members of that Quorum: Elders Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, Gary E. Stevenson, and Ulisses Soares, and also Sisters Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President and her Second Counselor, Reyna I. Aburto.
 
Next, a couple of articles have been published relating to missionary work. One of the new mission presidents who has been called to serve is Scott Featherstone, who will preside over the Washington Vancouver Mission, alongside his wife Lori. He is the son of Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, a General Authority Seventy who passed away last May. Three of soon-to-be President Featherstone's sons are deaf, and three others are not. Their inspiring family story is highlighted in this article.

And in view of the change announced last week by the First Presidency (that full-time missionaries can call or text their families weekly on preparation day as inspired to do so), the Church News requested reactions from those who had been able to communicate with their missionaries, then shared 17 of the best responses. It sounds as though some missionaries have determined that a weekly call might be too distracting, so many of those responding are letting their missionaries set the frequency of their direct contact. There was even one respondent who noted that their missionary was close enough to finishing that they determined a call would be too distracting.

Meanwhile, missionaries in Mexico heard about the First Presidency announcement directly from Elder Quentin L. Cook during his recent visit to the Church's Mexico Area. That was one of many highlights during his recent visit to the Mexico Area, which also saw him conducting the annual review of that area, and included visits with the Saints in Mexico City, Merida, and Cancun. He also met with youth and young adults, and spoke at a gathering of religious, political, and educational leaders on the subject of religious freedom.

Elder Cook was accompanied by his wife, Mary; Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Senior President of the Seventy, and his wife Kathy; Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric and his wife, Carol; and the members of the Mexico Area Presidency and their spouses: Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela and his wife, Silvia; Elder Rafael E. Pino and his wife, Patricia; and Elder John C. Pingree Jr. and his wife, Anne.

Turning now to other Church news, another former General Authority has passed away. Elder V. Dallas Merrell, who served from 1992-1997, died yesterday at age 83. The Church News provided this artcile in tribute to his life. He had one opportunity to speak during General Conference and bore powerful witness of the Savior.

And the Church News provided a look at two developments relating to the sisters of the Church. In the March 2019 Ensign, an article written by a BYU-Provo Professor of Church History and Doctrine (who taught one of the religious classes I took during my brief time at BYU) highlights the essential connection between the women of the Church and the priesthood. You can also read that article. Meanwhile, some adjustments have been made to the available garment styles for the women of the Church as well.

At BYU-Hawaii on Tuesday, Elder Erich W. Kopischke gave 3 suggestions for how Latter-day Saints can stay cheerful amidst trials. Additional missionary news includes the earlier reported death of a missionary serving in the Dominican Republic, and 29 experiences shared by members of the Church relating to learning a language for their missionary service.

There may be other Church News stories which have not been focused on here, and you can review any others I missed on the Church News website  In the meantime, I wanted to pass along one other article, this one from the official Church website. After retiring from his position as a full-time organist for the Tabernacle Choir last April, Brother Clay Christiansen recently reflected on the highlights of his 35-year career in that position. He had long been a favorite of mine, and the article in question was published as his friends and colleagues prepare to honor his prestigious career.

With that said, I will end this post by sharing the latest temple update I have. It was reported earlier that the angel Moroni statue was installed atop the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple today, and that the work of cladding the temple's exterior in stone has been completed. It may be a few more months or so before we know how likely it is that this temple will be dedicated prior to the end of this year, but I will keep my eyes open for word on that.

In a similar manner, I will be sure to continue to monitor any and all other Church news and temple updates and bring you all word of those here as I become aware of 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.

President M. Russell Ballard Marks His First 2019 Nonagenarian Milestone

Hello again, everyone! I wanted to post again now to pass along word of another apostolic milestone that is occurring today. President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is observing his first 2019 nonagenarian milestone. With today being February 20, President Ballard has now lived as long as President Thomas S. Monson did (90 years, 4 months, and 12 days). And barring anything unexpected, President Ballard will still be alive tomorrow.

Therefore, President Monson has now become the 18th oldest apostle, and President Ballard now ranks as the 17th oldest apostle. Just by way of a general note, my next major apostolic update will be the complete two-part report detailing the latest age & tenure statistics, and that will be posted on March 10, 18 days from now. I also continue to monitor any and all Church news and temple developments, and will bring word of those to you all here as I receive it.

In the meantime, 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.