Hello, all! Just posting today to do my second update this year on the latest apostolic age milestones. In this post, I will review the tenure milestones President Nelson will reach as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 2017, where he sits in terms of age among the other nonagenarian apostles and those he will surpass among that group this year, the 2017 age and tenure milestones that Church President Thomas S. Monson will reach this year, and where the apostles are age-wise as of today. I will be throwing out a lot of facts, figures, and dates in this post, so hopefully none of you will get confused and it will be enjoyable to all.
Before I discuss all of that, I do want to note one thing: President Nelson's future milestones as Quorum President are subject to however long President Monson lives and serves as Church President. For the last two or three years, President Monson's health has been iffy, and the report has been that he is feeling the effects of advanced age However, he (President Monson) was reportedly able to summon enough strength to deliver a tribute at Elder Glen L. Rudd's funeral of a considerable and extensive length. Whether he forced himself to be well enough to do so remains to be seen. I prefer to see it as a very good indicator that President Monson's health has sorted itself out for the moment. More on that will be reported here as I learn of it.
As of today, President Nelson has been the Quorum President for just over 18 months, having served for 1 year, 6 months, and 5 days. As some of you may recall, he jumped two spots in terms of his service length just around the celebration of the Christmas season. He will jump several spots again this year. Assuming President Monson lasts throughout 2017, by the end of it, President Nelson will have lived to become the 16th longest serving Quorum President (he now holds the 21st spot.)
For those curious about the specifics, he will reach the 20th spot on Friday May 5 (less than four months from now), passing up Brigham Young Jr.'s first tenure. Note that the latest milestone he observed was passing Brigham Young Jr.'s second tenure. The son of our second Church President served two nonconsecutive terms as Quorum President because he served around 6th Church President Joseph F. Smith taking his spot as Quorum President for about a week before his ascension to the Presidency. Young would have been the Acting President for his first tenure, if that practice had been in place at that time.)
President Nelson jumps to the 19th spot less than a month later on Sunday June 4, taking the spot currently held by George Albert Smith. He will become the 18th longest serving Quorum President on Sunday July 9, surpassing Heber J. Grant. He takes the 17th spot, now held by Anthon H. Lund, on Wednesday October 11. And he will reach the #16 spot, which is currently held by Harold B. Lee, on the same day Amy and I will celebrate 7 years of marriage on Monday December 18. As you can see, it will be quite a year in terms of Quorum Presidential milestones.
In the meantime, if President Nelson lives through this entire year, he will jump three spots in terms of his rank as a nonagenarian apostle. He currently ranks as the 10th oldest of our 17 nonagenarians, being 92 years, 3 months, and 30 days old as of today. On Wednesday July 5, he will take the #9 spot now held by Elder L. Tom Perry. Though Elder Richard R. Lyman was excommunicated and lost his apostleship, history still notes him as living long enough to become the 8th oldest nonagenarian apostle. President Nelson will surpass Elder Lyman on Wednesday October 18. About two months later, President Nelson will achieve the distinction of becoming the 7th oldest apostle, taking the spot which is currently held by Charles W. Penrose. President Nelson appears by all reports to be well on track to become the oldest living apostle, which will happen on Monday August 8, 2022. What a banner year it will be for President Nelson!
In the meantime, President Monson, as noted above, seems to be doing better. Time will tell for sure, and I will do my best to keep up on that and report things as they develop. His tenure as prophet, which as of today has lasted 8 years, 11 months, and 5 days, leaves him as the 9th longest serving prophet. In the meantime he is the 7th oldest prophet of this dispensation, as today he is 89 years, 4 months, and 18 days old. His one and only milestone this year is in tenure length. He will become the 8th longest serving Church president, surpassing Wilford Woodruff, on Friday June 30. In the meantime, one age-related milestone will be marked this year for President Monson. He will join the ranks of the 17 other nonagenarian apostles 7 months and 13 days from now, on Monday August 21.
Now, just a word about the apostles overall. The next apostolic birthday takes place later this month when Elder D. Todd Christofferson will celebrate his 72nd. The next one before a three-month break will be that for Elder Ronald A. Rasband, who will turn 66 on February 6.
With that said, what follows are the latest apostolic age averages. As of today, the average age of the members of the First Presidency is 83.05. President Eyring is closest to that average, having reached today the age of 83.61. President Monson is above that average, standing at the age of 89.38 years. And rounding out the First Presidency as its youngest member is President Ucthdorf at 76.17 years.
As of today, the ages of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stand thusly: President Nelson is 92.33. Elder Oaks is 84.41. Elder Ballard, just younger than President Monson, is 88.25. Elder Hales, who is 12 days younger than Elder Oaks, is 84.38. The youngest and most senior of our apostles born in 1940 is Elder Holland, who marked 76.1 years as of today. Elder Bednar, the third youngest apostle, is 64.57. Elder Cook, the oldest of the three apostles born in 1940, is 76.33 years. Elder Christofferson, who as I mentioned, is preparing to mark his 72nd birthday in just 16 days, is 71.96 years old. Elder Andersen stands at 65.42 years. Elder Rasband, whose 66th birthday will be less than 2 weeks (13 days exactly) following Elder Christofferson's 72nd, is now 65.92 years. Elder Stevenson, the youngest of our 15 apostles, is now 61.42 years. And Elder Renlund, our second youngest apostle who is separated in age from Elder Bednar by less than five months, is 64.15 years.
With those ages, we arrive at the fact that the average age for the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is 74.6 years, with that average splitting the quorum directly in half, with Jeffrey R. Holland being the youngest of the oldest half and Elder Christofferson being the oldest of the youngest half. In the meantime, the average age of the 15 apostles overall stands, as of today, at 76.29 years. 7 of those 15 are older than that average, and 8 are younger. Those closest to that average include Elder Cook on the older side and President Uchtdorf on the younger side.
Hope this post has been interesting and informative to you all. Thanks for reading and, if you feel so inclined, commenting on this. I hope that I will have the opportunity for many more such updates this year, even though I can't promise all of them will be this extensive. I appreciate you all.
On this blog, I, James Stokes, share insights and analysis covering the latest news and developments reported about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My specific emphasis and focus is on the ministry of our current apostles, General Conference, and up-to-date temple information. This site is neither officially owned, operated, or endorsed by the Church, and I, as the autthor thereof, am solely responsible for this content.
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Sunday, January 8, 2017
Newest Apostolic Age Milestones
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Funeral Services Held Today for Elder Bruce D. Porter
Hello, all! As anticipated, funeral services were held today for
General Authority Seventy Elder Bruce D. Porter. Also as anticipated, the
Deseret News gave a report on that commemoration of his life. But what was not
expected was the difference between the report of the services honoring Elder
Rudd yesterday and the same today for Elder Porter. Rather than listing
specific General Authority attendees, as was done in the article about Elder
Rudd the article about Elder Porter only vaguely made mention of those in
attendance. I am sure those specifics may be added given time, if they become
available, but for now, the article is not clear in that regard.
That being said,
the General Authorities of the Church appear to have been well represented in
terms of the number of them in attendance, even though specific attendees were
not known. President Eyring represented the First Presidency. 75% (9 members)
of the Quorum of the Twelve were also in attendance, as were four members (a
clear majority) of the Presidency of the Seventy and many other unnamed General
Authorities and general officers of the Church.
The most weird
thing about the article reporting the services, in my opinion, was the fact
that the article, written earlier today, was nowhere to be found on the main
LDS Church News website. I only found it by running a search for it. Also, it
is indicated in the article that the article itself was put together as press
time approached and that a more full report would be contained in the next
print edition of the Church News (though it indicated that the full report
would be available instantly on the Church News website). For now, if any of
you would like to read the version to which I am referring, click
here. I will post the more complete report as soon as I am able to find it.
Well, with how
very busy it has been at work today, it's time for me to go home. Depending on
what I might learn in terms of other Church news and developments, I may be
posting again as needed once I get there. Thanks, as always, for your kind
readership and attention. Any and all comments continue to be welcome and
appreciated.
(Added from home
about 75 minutes later) Click
here for the more extensive report I referenced above. Still no
specific list of attendees from the various leadership groups mentioned in the
article. But perhaps the numbers mentioned above are more indicative of Elder
Porter's scope of influence than an actual list of participants would be. Hope
this additional information is helpful to you.
(Still later) We
have yet another source available to us in regard to Elder Porter's funeral
services. This
article from the Mormon Newsroom on lds.org, goes into greater detail
than that which has been provided by the Church News. Still no official list of
participants, but another amazing read nonetheless. Another great report of the
events commemorating the life of this amazing spiritual giant. Stay tuned for
more on all Church news and developments as I hear of them. Thanks again.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Important and Significant Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello. I am posting today for a very exciting reason. When I made my first check of the LDS Church Temples website, I was initially very disappointed to see that no progress has been noted on temples now under construction. But those disappointed feelings faded away very quickly when I looked at the information about announced temples.
Just between the last time I checked the site and now, there has been sufficient reason enough to warrant noting that a groundbreaking announcement is anticipated soon for the Arequipa Peru Temple. That was great to hear.
The one question in my mind, which I am trying to get resolved in the best possible way, is whether the site announcement and groundbreaking ceremony for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple may take place before the groundbreaking in Arequipa. Since it is difficult to tell, I would welcome any thoughts in that direction. For the moment, my line of thinking is that since the Arequipa groundbreaking appears to be more imminent than the unfolding of events in Harare. it is Arequipa that should be listed first. I will change that in the posted report below. Feel free to let me know your thoughts and feelings on this matter. If it comes to a point where I need to change it again, I am more than willing to do that. Just let me know what you think, if you feel inclined to do so.
Here's my updated report:
Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 1/5/17)
Current Temple Status: 155 operating; 1 scheduled
for dedication; 11 under construction; 1 scheduled
for rededication; 2 undergoing renovation; 10 announced. NOTE: There is a more than likely possibility for several announced
temples to have a groundbreaking announced during 2017. Two are very close to
that so far this year, and there may be many more before too much longer.
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Construction preparation phase; awaiting groundbreaking
announcement.
172. Bangkok
Thailand Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
Just between the last time I checked the site and now, there has been sufficient reason enough to warrant noting that a groundbreaking announcement is anticipated soon for the Arequipa Peru Temple. That was great to hear.
The one question in my mind, which I am trying to get resolved in the best possible way, is whether the site announcement and groundbreaking ceremony for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple may take place before the groundbreaking in Arequipa. Since it is difficult to tell, I would welcome any thoughts in that direction. For the moment, my line of thinking is that since the Arequipa groundbreaking appears to be more imminent than the unfolding of events in Harare. it is Arequipa that should be listed first. I will change that in the posted report below. Feel free to let me know your thoughts and feelings on this matter. If it comes to a point where I need to change it again, I am more than willing to do that. Just let me know what you think, if you feel inclined to do so.
Here's my updated report:
Temple Construction Progress Report (current as of 1/5/17)
Dedication
scheduled:
156. Paris France Temple: Exterior lighting system
operating; interior work underway; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday
May 21, 2017.
Under
Construction:
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Light fixtures hung;
interior trim underway; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Fencing progressing;
entrance plaza created; landscaping areas defined; hanging
drywall; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring walkways; erecting
fencing; installing art glass windows; hanging drywall; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work
progressing; completion anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo
Temple: Building the exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
162. Concepcion Chile Temple: Attaching building wrap to
exterior walls; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Pouring temple
foundation; setting rebar for missionary housing walls; palm trees planted
along entrance road; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring walls for
steeple base; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018
and early 2019.
165. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday
December 3, 2016; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018 and
early 2019.
166. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Second floor exterior walls
poured; completion
anticipated sometime during 2019.
167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Excavation underway for
temple and utility building; structural framing going up for
meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during 2019.
Scheduled
for rededication:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish
work underway; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.
Undergoing
Renovation:
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication anticipated sometime between late 2017 and early 2018.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; some
exterior stone removed; foundation exposed; old meetinghouse razed;
rededication anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
Announced:
169. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement
anticipated in early 2017, with the groundbreaking anticipated to take place
shortly following the site announcement.
170. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Governmental approval phase; preliminary environmental license
issued in November 2016; groundbreaking pending.
171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval
phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Stalled in planning
and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
174. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
175. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
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.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress
report.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Journalist's gripe against the Church's Public Affairs Department Is Not Justified
On the LDS Church Growth blog, some discussion was had regarding a gripe made recently by a journalist regarding how the LDS Church Public Affairs Department responded to some questions he had about the Tabernacle Choir's agreement to perform at the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. One comment made on the LDS Church Growth blog was to the effect that the Public Affairs Department should be more transparent regarding the information they share about the public actions of the Church and its associated entities.
Since I had before offered my opinion on the Choir's decision (which I believe is fully justified), I was sickened by reading the journalist's rant about the unjust way his concerns had been dealt with. In his rant, he cited James 1:5-6 as being the reason Joseph Smith sought wisdom at the hands of the Lord, saying that while the Lord is willing to give wisdom to those that ask for it, his concerns and questions had not been dealt with in the same spirit.
I couldn't disagree more on that point, and I will explain my reasoning for saying that in a minute. First, if you haven't seen the rant in question yet, you can find it here. When I read his rant, the first thought that came to my mind is this: While it is absolutely true that Joseph was given wisdom when he lacked it primarily because he asked, there was another side to that. He additionally had studied the matter out in his mind before he asked, and he had done research enough to give him doubt as to the truthfulness of any Church then in existence. A big part of obtaining wisdom when one asks for it is doing the research to know what questions to ask. Had the journalist bothered to do so, his questions would have been addressed without him having to ask the Church public affairs department to do his research for him.
Now that you understand more about my line of reasoning in my approach to all of this, I wanted to share my personal response to the journalist's questions. This response was posted on the same comment thread as the link to this rant. And I am only in a position to venture any answer to these questions because I have made the subjects of the Church's political neutrality and the Choir's past experiences singing for presidents and presidents-elect a matter of extensive study, prayer, and observation. That said, for what it may be worth, these are the answers I felt to provide on the LDS Church Growth blog in response to the questions posed by the journalist.
1. The Choir is a volunteer unpaid organization, and as such, any events at which they appear are entirely voluntary and no participant receives any compensation of any kind for their participation.
2. The Choir has accepted any and all invitations extended to participate in any event that involves a current or future US President. By nature of the Church's devotion to political neutrality, no candidate receivesspecial support, consideration or rejection of such invitations for any reason. If that were not the case, the Church could not maintain its professed political neutrality. Their actions would clearly set the lie to their words, and that's the last thing the Church wants or needs.
3. The only opportunities the Choir ever seeks or books as an entity is their appearances at special venues, such as during tours or for special events. They would never presume to seek an opportunity to perform forany government leader (especially one who clearly sees the Church and its members and practices through a very darkened lens) but willingly respond when invited to do so. That being said, the Church and Choir may have taken this opportunity as a way to see if the Church's image could be improved in the eyes of the President-elect.
4. Again, in the Church in general and with the Choir in particular, except where noted above for special events at particular venues, opportunities are never sought after nor declined. If it is true that the Choir has not for a while performed at an event for a Democratic President, it is because such an opportunity was never extended.
Anyways, that's how I chose to respond to the attempts of this journalist to take issue with the answers provided him by the Church Public Affairs Department. I welcome any comments, whether in agreement or contention with what I have said here. However, I would encourage us all to be respectful of other people's right to their own opinion. Even if that opinion is not shared, any uncivil, rude, or contentious comments will be promptly deleted after they are made. Thanks for letting me weigh in on this.
Since I had before offered my opinion on the Choir's decision (which I believe is fully justified), I was sickened by reading the journalist's rant about the unjust way his concerns had been dealt with. In his rant, he cited James 1:5-6 as being the reason Joseph Smith sought wisdom at the hands of the Lord, saying that while the Lord is willing to give wisdom to those that ask for it, his concerns and questions had not been dealt with in the same spirit.
I couldn't disagree more on that point, and I will explain my reasoning for saying that in a minute. First, if you haven't seen the rant in question yet, you can find it here. When I read his rant, the first thought that came to my mind is this: While it is absolutely true that Joseph was given wisdom when he lacked it primarily because he asked, there was another side to that. He additionally had studied the matter out in his mind before he asked, and he had done research enough to give him doubt as to the truthfulness of any Church then in existence. A big part of obtaining wisdom when one asks for it is doing the research to know what questions to ask. Had the journalist bothered to do so, his questions would have been addressed without him having to ask the Church public affairs department to do his research for him.
Now that you understand more about my line of reasoning in my approach to all of this, I wanted to share my personal response to the journalist's questions. This response was posted on the same comment thread as the link to this rant. And I am only in a position to venture any answer to these questions because I have made the subjects of the Church's political neutrality and the Choir's past experiences singing for presidents and presidents-elect a matter of extensive study, prayer, and observation. That said, for what it may be worth, these are the answers I felt to provide on the LDS Church Growth blog in response to the questions posed by the journalist.
1. The Choir is a volunteer unpaid organization, and as such, any events at which they appear are entirely voluntary and no participant receives any compensation of any kind for their participation.
2. The Choir has accepted any and all invitations extended to participate in any event that involves a current or future US President. By nature of the Church's devotion to political neutrality, no candidate receivesspecial support, consideration or rejection of such invitations for any reason. If that were not the case, the Church could not maintain its professed political neutrality. Their actions would clearly set the lie to their words, and that's the last thing the Church wants or needs.
3. The only opportunities the Choir ever seeks or books as an entity is their appearances at special venues, such as during tours or for special events. They would never presume to seek an opportunity to perform forany government leader (especially one who clearly sees the Church and its members and practices through a very darkened lens) but willingly respond when invited to do so. That being said, the Church and Choir may have taken this opportunity as a way to see if the Church's image could be improved in the eyes of the President-elect.
4. Again, in the Church in general and with the Choir in particular, except where noted above for special events at particular venues, opportunities are never sought after nor declined. If it is true that the Choir has not for a while performed at an event for a Democratic President, it is because such an opportunity was never extended.
Anyways, that's how I chose to respond to the attempts of this journalist to take issue with the answers provided him by the Church Public Affairs Department. I welcome any comments, whether in agreement or contention with what I have said here. However, I would encourage us all to be respectful of other people's right to their own opinion. Even if that opinion is not shared, any uncivil, rude, or contentious comments will be promptly deleted after they are made. Thanks for letting me weigh in on this.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Minor Update to Temple Construction Progress Report--posted mostly for my personal benefit
Hello, all! I have a very good reason for this additional post today. I am posting a minor update to my temple construction progress report. I make a disclaimer right here and now at the outset: This update is mainly for my own personal benefit. While there have been no major developments in temple construction since the first such report I posted this year (was that just yesterday? Don't really remember), I felt it appropriate to reword slightly the way I have termed potential completion dates. I wanted to post a copy of this to my blog while I am at home so that if and when I next have reason to update this report at work, the rewording will be readily available in my blog post history. That said, while this post is primarily for that reason, comments on the way I've reworked this will always be welcome and appreciated. If you have any input of any kind, don't hesitate to let me know.
Temple
Construction Progress Report (current as of 1/4/17)
Current
Temple Status: 155 operating; 1 scheduled for
dedication; 11 under construction; 1 scheduled
for rededication; 2 undergoing renovation; 10 announced;
(NOTE: Up to 3 additional temples may soon have a groundbreaking
announced).
Dedication
scheduled:
156. Paris France Temple: Exterior lighting system
operating; interior work underway; scheduled to be dedicated on Sunday
May 21, 2017.
Under
Construction:
157. Meridian Idaho Temple: Light fixtures hung;
interior trim underway; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.
158. Cedar City Utah Temple: Fencing progressing;
entrance plaza created; landscaping areas defined; hanging
drywall; completion anticipated sometime during late 2017.
159. Tucson Arizona Temple: Pouring walkways; erecting
fencing; installing art glass windows; hanging drywall; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2017.
160. Rome Italy Temple: Interior work progressing; completion
anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo
Temple: Building the exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
162. Concepcion Chile Temple: Attaching building wrap to
exterior walls; adding landscaping structures; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-2018.
163. Durban South Africa Temple: Pouring temple
foundation; setting rebar for missionary housing walls; palm trees planted
along entrance road; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
164. Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Pouring walls for
steeple base; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018
and early 2019.
165. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday
December 3, 2016; completion anticipated sometime between late 2018 and
early 2019.
166. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Second floor exterior
walls poured; completion
anticipated sometime during 2019.
167. Lisbon Portugal Temple: Excavation underway for temple
and utility building; structural framing going up for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during 2019.
Scheduled
for rededication:
8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Closed for renovation; finish
work underway; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.
Undergoing
Renovation:
20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation;
rededication anticipated sometime between late 2017 and early 2018.
41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; some
exterior stone removed; foundation exposed; old meetinghouse razed;
rededication anticipated sometime between early and mid-2018.
Announced:
168. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction
preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated in early 2017, with
the groundbreaking anticipated to take place shortly following the site
announcement.
169.
Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple:
Governmental approval phase; preliminary environmental license issued in
November 2016; groundbreaking pending.
170. Arequipa Peru Temple: General contractor selected;
groundbreaking pending.
171. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
172. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting official site announcement.
173. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Stalled in
planning and approval phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
174. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
175. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
176. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
177. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement.
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.
Red text denotes changes from the last posted temple progress report.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Face-to-face event with President Eyring and Elder Holland
As I have mentioned before, 2017 is already shaping up to be a most historic year in terms of Church news, and we are only 4 days into this new year. In an announcement made on the Church's website just within the last several hours, the Church notified youth of a scheduled Face-to-Face event with President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
This event is historic for two reasons: it marks the very first such event to involve the participation of a member of the First Presidency. Also, more significant than that is the coincidence that before President Eyring began serving in the First Presidency 10 years ago in October (can it really have been that long? Crazy and wonderful to think about!), he and Elder Holland were seatmates in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with Elder Holland being the more senior of the two.
Elder Holland was the only apostle called during President Howard W. Hunter's short tenure of less than 9 months. And President Eyring was the first apostle called by President Hinckley, who succeeded President Hunter. In responding to this assignment, these former apostolic seatmates focused on what they hoped the event would do in terms of inspiring the youth of the Church to live by the Mutual Theme for this year, which comes from James 1:5-6, the scripture that led Joseph Smith to have his First Vision.
Elder Holland also commented on how much he appreciated sharing this event with President Eyring and noted how much he (President Eyring) cares about and prays for the youth of the Church. This was very inspiring to read about. Click here for all the wonderful details.
Enjoy! Any comments are always welcome and appreciated.
This event is historic for two reasons: it marks the very first such event to involve the participation of a member of the First Presidency. Also, more significant than that is the coincidence that before President Eyring began serving in the First Presidency 10 years ago in October (can it really have been that long? Crazy and wonderful to think about!), he and Elder Holland were seatmates in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with Elder Holland being the more senior of the two.
Elder Holland was the only apostle called during President Howard W. Hunter's short tenure of less than 9 months. And President Eyring was the first apostle called by President Hinckley, who succeeded President Hunter. In responding to this assignment, these former apostolic seatmates focused on what they hoped the event would do in terms of inspiring the youth of the Church to live by the Mutual Theme for this year, which comes from James 1:5-6, the scripture that led Joseph Smith to have his First Vision.
Elder Holland also commented on how much he appreciated sharing this event with President Eyring and noted how much he (President Eyring) cares about and prays for the youth of the Church. This was very inspiring to read about. Click here for all the wonderful details.
Enjoy! Any comments are always welcome and appreciated.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Church News Report on the funeral services for Elder Glen L. Rudd
Well, as I said in posting just yesterday, funeral services were held today for Elder Glen L. Rudd, emeritus general authority. Much to my surprise and delight, in the report of the funeral services, there was a rather long list of those who attended and spoke at that service today. The biggest surprise in terms of those speakers was that President Monson was the keynote speaker. He gave an extensive address reflecting on his long association with Elder Rudd and reflected on the influence Elder Rudd's service had on him personally. Also speaking at the services was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Russell M. Nelson, Bishop Keith B. McMullin, emeritus General Authority who served for years as a member of the Presiding Bishopric; and Elder Rudd's son, Charles, representing the family at the services.
Also in attendance were Elders M. Russell Ballard, David A. Bednar, and Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elders L. Whitney Clayton and Donald L. Hallstrom, the two most senior members of the Presidency of the Seventy; and the entire Presiding Bishopric (Gerald Causse, Dean M. Davies, and W. Christopher Waddell).
Click here for more on the funeral services, including the tributes that were given of this spiritual giant.
As I said, the biggest surprise for me personally in reading about funeral proceedings was that President Monson not only attended but also gave a keynote address that sounds like it was of a considerable length. Not sure what to make of this. I am hoping it means that President Monson has to some degree sufficiently recovered from the health difficulties he has been experiencing for the last several years. But time will tell. I will do my level best to keep an eye on the situation and make a further report if and when more is known in that regard.
If he is doing better, it's a very good sign for the Church. We have had prophets many times in the past who have suffered due to age and health later in life. President Monson will be 90 years old this year. Any improvement, no matter how small, has to be a good thing. It will be interesting to see how he is doing round about conference time and to see if he will be able to speak on his regular schedule for longer than he recently has been able to. More to come as soon as I hear anything.
Sounds like Elder Rudd's funeral services today served as a wonderful tribute to the life of a very great man. For what it's worth, that's the latest in Church news and developments.
Also in attendance were Elders M. Russell Ballard, David A. Bednar, and Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elders L. Whitney Clayton and Donald L. Hallstrom, the two most senior members of the Presidency of the Seventy; and the entire Presiding Bishopric (Gerald Causse, Dean M. Davies, and W. Christopher Waddell).
Click here for more on the funeral services, including the tributes that were given of this spiritual giant.
As I said, the biggest surprise for me personally in reading about funeral proceedings was that President Monson not only attended but also gave a keynote address that sounds like it was of a considerable length. Not sure what to make of this. I am hoping it means that President Monson has to some degree sufficiently recovered from the health difficulties he has been experiencing for the last several years. But time will tell. I will do my level best to keep an eye on the situation and make a further report if and when more is known in that regard.
If he is doing better, it's a very good sign for the Church. We have had prophets many times in the past who have suffered due to age and health later in life. President Monson will be 90 years old this year. Any improvement, no matter how small, has to be a good thing. It will be interesting to see how he is doing round about conference time and to see if he will be able to speak on his regular schedule for longer than he recently has been able to. More to come as soon as I hear anything.
Sounds like Elder Rudd's funeral services today served as a wonderful tribute to the life of a very great man. For what it's worth, that's the latest in Church news and developments.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Article from the Deseret News: Notable Church milestone anniversaries happening in 2017
As a self-proclaimed Church history nerd who prides myself on knowing or being able to learn everything I can regarding that subject, I was elated to check KSL's website today and to find there a link to an article published by the Deseret News regarding the significant milestone anniversaries the Church will celebrate at some point this year. FWIW, I share a link to that article. Click here to read more on that. Enjoy! Feedback of any kind continues to be welcome and appreciated. It looks like this will be a very commemorative year just in terms of those milestone anniversaries, let alone in view of any temple or Church growth milestones that might also be observed. As always, thanks so much for your readership and support.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Funeral Services Announced for Elders Glenn L. Rudd and Bruce D. Porter
Hello. This is a post I have been promising for the last several hours. I finally got a chance to get to doing it now. As many of you know, the Church recently lost two spiritually giant leaders, both very well known. I have kept an eye out for future developments in this regard, and today the funeral services were announced for both.
Elder Glen L. Rudd, whose greatness in charitable efforts earned him the nickname "Mr. Welfare", passed away on Friday December 30 at the ripe old age of 98, making him one of the oldest emeritus General Authority to pass away. Though small in stature, he was large of heart. Click here to read the remarkable tribute to this man's monumental life. As he only served as an active general authority for five years, he had just one opportunity to address us in General Conference. His talk can be found here. His funeral will be later today (January 4).
In the meantime, Elder Bruce D. Porter, who has been a general authority for the better part of my 30 years, became the second actively-serving General Authority to pass away in 2016 when he died from complications of a pulmonary infection at the relatively young age of 64. Click here to read more of his life and his passing. Elder Porter only spoke four times in General Conference, but he gave landmark addresses every time. Click here to review any or all of those. Having read them before, I can readily attest to how good they are. Elder Porter had been serving as president of the Church's Europe East Area when (as I assume, though it hasn't been explicitly stated) he was released in early December in view of his failing health before succumbing to the pulmonary infection that would take him from us far too quickly. He died just the day before Elder Rudd. Elder Porter's funeral services will take place tomorrow (January 5). And it is no doubt out of respect and deference to his memory that no change has been officially announced for the Europe East Area Presidency, even though such changes have reportedly already happened. However, I do anticipate that we may hear about that Area Presidency change, whatever it involves, before the end of this week.
Both funerals will no doubt be well attended. And it is almost certain that a representative from the leading brethren of the Church will be present at both services. Who that might be remains to be seen. While I have always personally mourned the passing of such good leaders, the only funeral I have ever personally attended for a prominent Church leader was that for Elder C. Max Caldwell, who served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and was a close personal friend who graciously and without hesitation accepted my request that he officiate at my wedding ceremony. When I went to Elder Caldwell's funeral, I was fully anticipating a current General Authority being in attendance to "represent the brethren." But the one doing so was another close personal friend from my temple service who had served with Elder Caldwell in the Second Quorum of the Seventy and had been president of the Mount Timpanogos Temple during the time that Elder Caldwell and I were serving there. His name was L. Edward Brown.
Therefore, my personal experience is a witness and reminder to me that the apostles will send anyone they feel inclined to send to represent them at these upcoming services. It will more than likely be someone that is somehow connected to Elder Porter and Elder Rudd personally. And it could be any former or current General Authority that they feel would best represent them. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
Thanks for wading through this. Feel free to comment if you feel so inclined. May God bless the memories of these valiant servants of the Lord.
Elder Glen L. Rudd, whose greatness in charitable efforts earned him the nickname "Mr. Welfare", passed away on Friday December 30 at the ripe old age of 98, making him one of the oldest emeritus General Authority to pass away. Though small in stature, he was large of heart. Click here to read the remarkable tribute to this man's monumental life. As he only served as an active general authority for five years, he had just one opportunity to address us in General Conference. His talk can be found here. His funeral will be later today (January 4).
In the meantime, Elder Bruce D. Porter, who has been a general authority for the better part of my 30 years, became the second actively-serving General Authority to pass away in 2016 when he died from complications of a pulmonary infection at the relatively young age of 64. Click here to read more of his life and his passing. Elder Porter only spoke four times in General Conference, but he gave landmark addresses every time. Click here to review any or all of those. Having read them before, I can readily attest to how good they are. Elder Porter had been serving as president of the Church's Europe East Area when (as I assume, though it hasn't been explicitly stated) he was released in early December in view of his failing health before succumbing to the pulmonary infection that would take him from us far too quickly. He died just the day before Elder Rudd. Elder Porter's funeral services will take place tomorrow (January 5). And it is no doubt out of respect and deference to his memory that no change has been officially announced for the Europe East Area Presidency, even though such changes have reportedly already happened. However, I do anticipate that we may hear about that Area Presidency change, whatever it involves, before the end of this week.
Both funerals will no doubt be well attended. And it is almost certain that a representative from the leading brethren of the Church will be present at both services. Who that might be remains to be seen. While I have always personally mourned the passing of such good leaders, the only funeral I have ever personally attended for a prominent Church leader was that for Elder C. Max Caldwell, who served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy and was a close personal friend who graciously and without hesitation accepted my request that he officiate at my wedding ceremony. When I went to Elder Caldwell's funeral, I was fully anticipating a current General Authority being in attendance to "represent the brethren." But the one doing so was another close personal friend from my temple service who had served with Elder Caldwell in the Second Quorum of the Seventy and had been president of the Mount Timpanogos Temple during the time that Elder Caldwell and I were serving there. His name was L. Edward Brown.
Therefore, my personal experience is a witness and reminder to me that the apostles will send anyone they feel inclined to send to represent them at these upcoming services. It will more than likely be someone that is somehow connected to Elder Porter and Elder Rudd personally. And it could be any former or current General Authority that they feel would best represent them. Nothing would surprise me at this point.
Thanks for wading through this. Feel free to comment if you feel so inclined. May God bless the memories of these valiant servants of the Lord.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Refining yet again my predictions for when future temple-related events may be announced and scheduled
Recent events and announcements have led me to revise what I feel
will be the most likely timeline prevailing in regards to when future
temple-related events will be announced and scheduled. Based on information found
on Rick Satterfield’s excellent LDS Church Temples website, I have taken yet
another look at the progress that has been made and have felt to revisit my
projections as follows”
(Edits to the rest of this post became necessary on 1/5/17 in
light of new information I received)
Late breaking news posted on the LDS Church Temples website just
today (the 5th) indicates that the Arequipa Peru temple has jumped to the top
spot in terms of near future imminent groundbreakings and an announcement of
such an event is anticipated to happen very shortly. Whether or not that will
coincide in any way with the site announcement and announced groundbreaking
ceremony for the temple in Harare Zimbabwe is anyone's guess. I welcome
thoughts about that very subject.
In light of the new information, I feel safe in predicting that we will very shortly have an announcement of the groundbreaking for the Arequipa Peru temple,whether that is before or coinciding with the Harare site announcement and groundbreaking. Both could be announced before January 15th. The actual groundbreakings for both temples may take place within the same period of time, which has historically been 4-6 weeks following the announcements of such events.
At this point, the two seem to be interchangeable in terms of when things might get started. I could definitely see both taking place before General Conference. I will try to be conservative in this estimate and say we may see these events happen by late February or early March. Given the mere 2 1/2 weeks we saw between the announcement of the groundbreaking for the temple in Winnipeg, which is, to the best of my knowledge, the shortest such period in Church history in which such events have occurred, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of either groundbreaking ceremony happening much sooner than that.
But the general rule I have observed regarding the prevailing timetables in such events seems to be roughly between 4-6 weeks. I welcome feedback on this timetable from those who may feel inclined to give it.
Speaking of Harare, if current plans hold, the temple there may become the first such edifice outside the United States which will have a groundbreaking within less than a year after the temple announcement. If its construction commences at that time, for the very first time in Church history, three temples will simultaneously be undergoing construction on the African continent.
Stay tuned for news of that site announcement and groundbreaking information whenever it happens. In the coming days, we will hear more about such events for Harare and for Arequipa, I am reasonably sure. One thing of which I am 100% certain: You can depend upon hearing from me on what happens there as soon as I can let you know after I hear about it.
And of course, in terms of imminent temple events, we cannot
forget the already-scheduled dedication in Paris France on May 20 and the
rededication on June 4 for the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. That rededication is
anticipated to precede the dedication of Idaho’s next temple in Meridian within
a very short time later.
Speaking of the Meridian Idaho temple, no notable progress has
been made on the construction there since my last post about the imminent
scheduling of future events. However, I still feel strongly
regarding my prediction that a dedication date for the Meridian Idaho Temple is
likely to be announced within the next 3 or 4 months, and the dedication itself
will likely happen in early August.
In Cedar City, no major progress has been reported since I last
ventured my predictions about a completion date there. However, there is still
reason to believe that the dedication could be announced within the next six
months, if not sooner, and might take place in late August or early September.
As I stated last time, Tucson is so close to Cedar City’s level of
completion that they are neck-and-neck in terms of a future completion date.
With no notable progress made since I last posted something like this, it
wouldn’t be surprising to me to see the Tucson and Cedar City dedications
scheduled for around the same time, with an announcement of these events within
6 months and the actual events in late August or early September.
The Jordan River temple has not had any reported progress lately
either. However, with that being said. I am still holding out hope that the
renovation could be completed around August, with the rededication being
announced about a month later and scheduled for either late November or early
December 2017. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if things speed up somehow and
that rededication takes place around the events of the Tucson and Cedar City
temples. Stay tuned for more on that as I learn of it.
In spite of any reassurance to the contrary, I am of the opinion that the delays we have seen in Rome will prevent it from being completed before the Kinshasa temple. Right now the temple interior work is still in progress in Rome. I wouldn’t be surprised if a dedication for Kinshasa was announced during the spring of 2018, with the actual dedication to follow, perhaps sometime in May or June. In Kinshasa right now, the exterior walls are being built.
Meanwhile, mammoth progress has been reported in the renovation of
the Frankfurt Germany Temple of late, but nothing new since my last update.
However, I feel sure that the renovation of Germany’s other temple will be
completed within the same timeframe as that of the Kinshasa dedication. Rome
might be the next one completed, but a dedication might not take place until
August or September, after the annual July recess for General Authorities. That
estimation is me speaking optimistically based on my observation of the
completion progress in Rome.
Concepcion, where building wrap has been attached to the exterior
walls, and where landscaping structures are being added, will likely have a
dedication announcement within the first half of 2018, with the dedication
itself to follow sometime in either August or September, but it wouldn’t
surprise me at all if it was to even precede Rome in that milestone.
The temple in Durban South Africa has not progressed much lately
either. Even though I always anticipated delays in that construction in view of
my mother’s report of the work ethic that prevails in South Africa (she happens
to be a South African native with no small familiarity on this point), I feel
confident that the temple will be completed within a similar time frame to that
which is almost certain for Concepcion. I am therefore predicting that the
announcement for the dedication will be made around the same time as that for
Concepcion and Rome, within the first half of 2018, with the dedication
actually scheduled for August or September as well.
In Winnipeg, where the temple is being built, as I have before
mentioned, to initially serve just the one stake there, no progress has been
reported as of yet above and beyond the groundbreaking. But given the projected
construction window of 20 months, the completion month will likely be somewhere
around August 2018. It appears that temple dedication announcements precede
actual events by a few months. I would therefore expect and am predicting that
the Winnipeg dedication will take place in either late November or else early
December 2018. It wouldn’t surprise me if a similar timeline held true for the
temple in Barranquilla Colombia, which is further along in terms of construction
(walls are currently being poured for the steeple base), but will be a much
larger edifice.
In the meantime, for the first time in doing such predictions, I
feel bold enough to project completion dates for the two temples anticipated to
be completed sometime around 2019. The temple in Fortaleza Brazil had a five
year span between the groundbreaking and the actual commencement of
construction. However, it is progressing rapidly. Recent reports indicate that
the second floor exterior walls have now been poured. This makes it
increasingly more likely that construction will be completed there within the
early months of 2019, with the actual dedication taking place in either April
or perhaps possibly May. This is great to think about. Construction took forever
to get started, and now it is speedily progressing at an astonishing rate.
The Lisbon Portugal temple was the last temple to have a
groundbreaking in 2015. Right now, excavation is well underway for the temple
itself and the adjacent utility building. In the meantime, structural framing
has begun on the on-site meetinghouse. It is amazing to see how all that has
happened in such a short time. Based on that, a similar time frame may be very
likely to prevail as that which I have proposed above for the Fortaleza temple.
It would not surprise me if these two traded spots a couple of times in terms
of future completion. But right now, it seems safe to say that.
Any other temples that may be completed in 2019 have not yet had a
groundbreaking. Based on my observations here, the Church is well on track to
add 4 new operating temples by the end of 2017, and six more in 2018. Two
temples may be rededicated this year, with the only other one currently
undergoing renovation on track to be completed next year. If this happens, it
would almost completely reduce and eliminate any semblance of a backlog in
temple progress, and makes it extraordinarily more likely that many more
temples could be announced within the next two years. The exact number of those
announcements remains to be seen, though I have given my feelings on what I
feel are the most likely and most imminent picks.
Future groundbreakings may be more unpredictable to anticipate
than I originally thought. I look at the groundbreaking in Winnipeg, and it
happened much faster than usual. Zimbabwe, for the reasons outlined above, will
be very historic in terms of what it means for the future of the Church in
Africa.
After the groundbreakings in Peru and Zimbabwe, since I have
followed temple developments very closely lately, I see the next groundbreaking
taking place for the first Haitian temple in Port-au-Prince. I have no reason
to back this up. It’s just how I feel, and we could have the site announcement
and the groundbreaking by spring of next year. This seems especially likely
given the delays I have noted in the construction beginning in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil.
A groundbreaking for Bangkok could happen by the end of 2017 or
the beginning of 2018. For the temple in Rio, I could see any
remaining delays being cleared up and a groundbreaking being announced and
taking place within the first six months of next year. I wouldn't rule out
having that happen sooner, but that's what I feel may happen based on my
observations. The same timetable may prevail for the Abidjan temple. Who knows
how long the currently reported delays in Urdaneta might last. I might venture
to say that the remaining temples (the three others announced last year) might
well have a groundbreaking by or before 2019. Since things are so very
unpredictable and up in the air on this point, anyone’s thoughts on this are
probably more informed than mine may be.
And I’m sure that, given the nature and unpredictability of temple
announcements in terms of potential locations and actual construction
commencement may be such that, by the time any or all of these events happen,
more temples may be announced and have construction started. At this point, I
cannot rule anything out in these terms.
Thanks, as always, for taking time to read and (if you feel so
inclined) respond to this post. It is only thanks to your continued thoughtful
feedback that I am able to fine-tune my predictions. And I will always try to
keep an eye on temple-related progress and will do my best to report that news
and any updates just as soon as I become aware of them, though obviously my
ability to do so will depend entirely on how soon I can hear of such
developments. Thanks again.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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