BREAKING NEWS: First Presidency Announces Mission Merge in Russia

As this subject implies, the Church has, under the direction of the First Presidency, announced the merging of two Russian missions, Russia Vladivostok and Russia Novisibirsk. The idea is to downsize the number of volunteers serving in Russia (the political climate there not being fully conducive to gospel progression.) Those serving in Vladivostock who would have been released in July will be coming home later this month, and those set to return in August will be reassigned to missions within the United States. The mission president and his wife, a couple by the name of Perkinson, who have presided over the mission for two years, have been released. It was further noted that the Europe East Area Presidency will have a direct role in supervising this mission combination.

This is an interesting time, where the work of the Lord and His Church is spreading so well in some places. In places like Russia, where the Church still might not be viewed with a favorable eye, a move like this makes a lot of sense. It is always interesting how missions change, grow, split, combine, and are sometimes closed. As with everything else, I support the Church fully in this decision.

Some of the details of this blog post were taken verbatim from the news release. To read the official version, click here. Comments are always welcome. Thanks, everyone!

Temple Construction Progress Update

As the first session of the Paris France Temple Dedication will be held in about 11 hours or so (if I did the time conversion correctly), I felt it would be appropriate to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report. Here it is. Feedback of any kind is welcome, as long as it continues to be civil to all concerned. Thanks for your interest and support.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 5/20/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 155 temples in operation; 1 is preparing for its dedication on Sunday; 1 is accepting reservations for its open house; 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 operating temple has open house tours underway prior to its already scheduled rededication in three weeks; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months or less); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending)

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments in that regard and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Preparing for dedication:

156. Paris France Temple: Preparing for dedication, which will take place tomorrow.

NOTE: As I noted on my blog yesterday, President Henry B. Eyring will preside at this dedication and will be accompanied by Elder Neil L. Andersen and Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse, among others.

Construction completed; accepting reservations for public open house:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Preparing for open house; reservations will be accepted until June 24 (open house will run from Saturday June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Construction nearing completion; Dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting test begin; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

                                                      

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Steel roof trusses nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; first panel set around base of tower; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Majority of upper temple walls poured; preparing to pour upper floor of missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting temple tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Temple foundation work continues; structural framing for upper level of meetinghouse nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Tower crane erected; excavating for the foundation; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime. Once it does commence, it is anticipated to take 20 months (1.67 years) before it is dedicated. As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe (mid-2019), either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway (will conclude later this evening); rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: I originally believed and was predicting that the rededication of this temple would be one of the first temple-related events of next year. But as I was recently reminded, it is more difficult to predict a time-frame for such events than it is to predict a probable time-frame for newer temples. I am keeping my eye out for developments on this front, and will be sure to pass along any updates.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to mid-2018.

NOTE: As noted above, a probable time-frame for a temple’s rededication is harder to anticipate than I originally believed. While I personally hope to see this rededication sometime during next summer, time will tell whether or not that is reasonable to anticipate. I will update this information as I find out more.

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. With that in mind, along with the official closure date, this strengthens my argument for the completion estimate. As the renovation gets underway, we will know more, and then adjustments can be made ASAP.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: On Wednesday May 17, the LDS Church Temples website switched the order of temples listed for renovation, putting this between the Memphis Tennessee and Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temples. This indicates to me that we might see this temple close before the already-announced closure of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. More to come on that when more is known. In the meantime, we also know that renovations for temples outside the United States always take longer. With that in mind, it seems reasonable to surmise that we will not see a rededication for this temple until after the Washington DC Temple is rededicated.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted above, US temple renovations are completed sooner than they are elsewhere. But it is also true that temples that close around the same time for renovation are rarely completed within the same time frame. Therefore, this seems to be a better estimate. As noted above, the fact that this temple and the Tokyo Japan Temple have switched places on the LDS Church Temples site seems to be a clear indication that the Tokyo closure will happen first. More to come once more is known.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As this temple was the most recent among this scheduled renovation group to be dedicated, and as it is another that is projected to have a rededication during 2019, the time-frame above seems most likely for that to happen. It would not surprise me at all to see the Oakland California temple rededicated before this one. Time will tell.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The renovation for this temple, the oldest of those scheduled for a renovation, is anticipated to be completed in 2019 sometime. The timeframe indicated above therefore seems reasonable, as is also the assumption that this temple will be rededication before the Paraguayan one.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: This temple, the last one currently scheduled for renovation, is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. Because we know that US temple renovations are completed more quickly, it is relatively safe to assume that the rededication of this temple will happen sometime prior to that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: As mentioned above, last weekend, I learned that we might have as many as 4 temples that could potentially have a groundbreaking later this year. The chances are equally likely that no other groundbreakings will happen during the remainder of this year. As with every other temple-related development, I am doing my best to reevaluate things as more information comes to light, and I will be sure to pass along any updates. In the meantime, this is mostly just my own thoughts and impressions based on what I have learned and observed.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Kevin S. Hamilton that a site announcement and subsequent groundbreaking would happen later this year, it is highly probable that we might see a groundbreaking any time during mid-to-late 2017. I could see that site announcement taking place before the annual July recess of the General Authorities, which would put the groundbreaking sometime around late August, during the time when weather warms up in Zimbabwe. While most site announcements precede groundbreakings by at least a few months, Elder Hamilton’s statement has led me to venture Saturday August 26 as the specific date, with the understanding that this date is more likely than not to be adjusted once more is known.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

NOTE: This temple, as noted previously, had a site confirmed by Elder Andersen in March of this year. It is therefore entirely likely that a subsequent groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2017, with that announcement likely being made in conjunction with the groundbreaking for the Harare temple. And it seems safe to venture a specific date of Saturday September 16. Once more is known, I will adjust this estimate.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement.

NOTE: With the delays that halted progress on this temple having finally come to an end, speculation is rampant to the effect that a groundbreaking could take place for this temple later this year, especially if a site is identified soon. It seems entirely possible. If the new information is correct, that is just a matter of time. It could very well be that such a groundbreaking could take place in mid-October, unless it is pushed back to sometime next year. With what is known at the moment, it seems possible to venture Saturday October 14 as that potential groundbreaking date, particularly because the October General Conference will be held the second-to-last and last Saturdays of September and on October 1. Adjustments will, of course, be altered as more information comes to light.

173. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It was reported early this week that the same contractor who is overseeing the construction of the Arequipa Peru Temple would oversee the construction of this temple as well. He indicated a year would be needed to make plans for the site before any further progress was made. If that year is up by now, it is not unreasonable to believe that a site announcement could precede a groundbreaking in very short order. So it seems entirely possible that a site announcement could happen during mid-to-late 2017, and I am confident enough to venture a groundbreaking date of December 2, which would be right in the middle of the Peruvian summer months. This estimate will be adjusted once more is known. In the meantime, today confirmation came that this second temple for the Peruvian capital city will, as its name implies, be built within the Los Olivos district, in the northern section of that city.

174. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: Knowing that this site has been confirmed by local priesthood leaders (it is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake), we also know that a site confirmation is the hardest part of getting a temple built. Unless the site changes, it is becoming increasingly more likely that a groundbreaking will be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking happens during that time, it will mark the first time in almost 20 years that the Church has had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil. I am keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will adjust this estimate as needed.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: Unless problems arise, the site identified by the Church’s Philippines Facebook page (on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City) will more than likely be the official site. As finding a site is the most complex part of getting a temple built, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking takes place during this time, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. It is also anticipated that the Church will announce an official name for this temple in the very near future, as the name for the second Lima Peru Temple was announced within a month after the temple announcement. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will provide updated information when more is known.

176. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: A probable site has been identified but not yet confirmed. The LDS Church Temples site noted on May 12, 2017 a statement by Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, that this temple is anticipated to be a larger edifice in the mold of the temple that will be dedicated later this year in Meridian. Once more is known officially regarding the site, it will be easier to make an adjustment as to how soon the groundbreaking might take place and how long construction might subsequently take. If it is true that this temple will be similar to Meridian, we might not see a groundbreaking any sooner than mid-to-late 2018. That said, I also recognize fully that temples in the US have typically always commenced construction faster than their counterparts outside the US, so it would not surprise me if this groundbreaking happened sooner than that. As always, I am keeping an eye on developments, and I will adjust this estimate as I am able to do so once more is known.

177. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While it is true that temples in the United States (and particularly those in Utah County) get started much more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that an official site confirmation is still pending. We do know, as previously noted, that the Church owns several plots of land in this city, so if one of them is chosen as the site, the groundbreaking could happen shortly thereafter. Until more is known, it seems wise to adjust my previous estimate for a groundbreaking to sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

178. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: As previously noted in other versions of this construction progress report, member speculation is that an existing building might be renovated and repurposed as Thailand’s first temple and also house Church offices and a meetinghouse as well. If that speculation is confirmed anytime soon, we might see a groundbreaking shortly after. In the meantime, it might be best to revise my previous estimate and say that a groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2018. More to come once more is known.

179. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

180. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

181. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have two or three temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various and sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. A site is being held in reserve for that temple, and that location will be announced when membership and temple activity warrant that announcement); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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 highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report. 

BREAKING NEWS: President Eyring will dedicate the Paris France Temple

Hey, everyone! I learned something neat about the Paris France Temple dedication that I had to share. I don't know why I wasn't aware of this, but President Eyring's wife lived in France for a time during their dating and courtship, and they actually lived in France for several years following their marriage. While Sister Eyring's health is not good enough for her to attend this temple dedication, President Eyring has been sent to preside there. I had expected President Uchtdorf, as our European apostle, to be asked, but knowing now about President Eyring's connection to France and its people, I couldn't be more pleased to be wrong on that. He is being accompanied, as I expected, by Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife, who have multiple connections to France, and by our French-born Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse and his wife. I wouldn't be surprised to hear of representatives from the Europe Area Presidency and the Temple Department being in attendance as well. For more on the preparation for this dedication, click here. Enjoy!

Church News Article about Elder Brian K. Taylor

Hello. Last post today. The Church News published today this article about new General Authority Seventy Elder Brian K. Taylor. Enjoy!

Redone list of temple presidents called in 2017

Hello. The Church announced the call of another temple president (for the San Salvador El Salvador Temple). As I have considered the layout of my document tracking new temple presidents, I have felt to make some changes. Here are the results of my efforts. Let me know your thoughts.

New Temples whose presidents will begin serving later this year:

1.      Paris France (President announced in 2016; will begin formal service on May 21)

2.      Cedar City Utah (President  announced in March; will begin service on December 10)

3.      Tucson Arizona (President announced in March; will begin formal service on August 13)

4.      Meridian Idaho (President announced in April; will begin formal service in November 19)

Operating Temples whose president was changed earlier this year:

1.      Calgary Alberta (president changed sometime during March for an undisclosed reason, likely because the previous president died or became incapacitated)

General Note #1: The president of the Tokyo Japan Temple died during his active service in late April of this year. The Church has no doubt called one of his counselors as the new president so that the work of the temple can go on uninterrupted. Once I learn of that information, I will add that temple to one of the lists above.

General Note #2: Other operating temples, as has already been announced, will be getting a new president later this year as well, and if those changes take place as they did during my six-year service in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple, the new presidents will start their service on the first Monday or Tuesday of November, which fall this year on the 6^th and 7^th. Those temples that will have a new president this year include the following:

1.      Apia Samoa

2.      Logan Utah

3.      Vernal Utah

4.      Toronto Ontario

5.      Snowflake Arizona

6.      Phoenix Arizona

7.      Salt Lake

8.      Bern Switzerland

9.      Quetzaltenango Guatemala

10.  Louisville Kentucky

11.  San Diego California

12.  Mount Timpanogos Utah

13.  Madrid Spain

14.  Bogota Colombia

15.  Edmonton Alberta

16.  Newport Beach California

17.  Adelaide Australia

18.  Kona Hawaii

19.  Caracas Venezuela

20.  Bismarck North Dakota

21.  Mesa Arizona

22.  Columbia South Carolina

23.  Ogden Utah

24.  Lubbock Texas

25.  Guayaquil Ecuador

26.  Fort Lauderdale Florida

27.  Los Angeles California

28.  San Salvador El Salvador

General Note #3: While not yet reported in the Church News, a news release appearing on LDS.org dated May 11 announced the calling of a new president for the following additional temples. When subsequently confirmed by the Church News, they will move to the list above.

1.      Manila Philippines

2.      San Antonio Texas (The news release on LDS.org states that a new president has not been called yet but will be later this year.)

General Note #4: Temple presidents generally serve for around three years. With that in mind, I feel confident in predicting that the following temples may also have a new president announced:

1.      Baton Rouge Louisiana

2.      Buenos Aires Argentina

NOTE: The current president has been serving since this temple’s rededication in 2012. As that is well beyond the standard 3 years of service, it seems reasonable to assume that there will be such a change this year.

General Note #5: The presidents of the following temples would be marking their third year of service had they not closed previously for renovations. A new president may or may not be called this year for those temples.

1.      Freiberg Germany (Closed for renovation in 2014 and rededicated last year)

2.      Idaho Falls Idaho (Closed for renovation in 2015 and will be rededicated in less than a month)

General Note #6: The presidents of the following temples would be marking three years of service later this year if those temples were not closing for renovations within the next ten months. Therefore, there may or may not be a change.

1.      Asuncion Paraguay

NOTE: The current president has served since 2014, which means that this year would mark time for a charge. But this temple will close for renovation in October, one month before usual changes are made. As a subsequent rededication of this temple is anticipated sometime in 2019, it is more than likely that the Church will hold off on naming a new president until that time.

2.      Washington DC

NOTE: Though this temple president will have marked three years of service later this year, the temple will close for renovation next March. With that in mind, I could see the Church calling a new president this year for a few months prior to that renovation, or holding off on calling anyone until after the renovation is completed sometime during 2020.

General Note #7: The following two temples closed for renovations in the middle of their current president’s active service. Were it not for that, we would likely be seeing changes there as well.

1.      Jordan River (president has served since 2014; temple closed in 2015 and will be rededicated sometime next year, so a new president may not be called until sometime during 2020)

2.      Frankfurt Germany (president has served since 2013; temple closed in 2015 and will be rededicated sometime next year, so the president could be changed sometime within the next two years)

General Note #8: Temples that will most likely be dedicated during the early or middle part of next year and might therefore have their first presidents announced at some point during the fall of this year (since the first president of the Paris France Temple had its’ first: president called during the summer of 2016):

1.      Rome Italy

2.      Kinshasa DR Congo

3.      Barranquilla Colombia

Blog Problems Reported and Resolved

Hello, all! I have heard from many of you that were not able to comment on my blog posts during the time I used Disqus to deal with a troll's thoughtless and offensive comments. I wanted to officially report that Disqus outlived its usefulness for me, and since it prevented comments from being posted for the last two months or so, unless people were registered with Disqus, and since the troll is no longer an issue, comments are once again able to be made by anyone with a Google account. Sorry about the trouble. I hope comments will begin in earnest again. I have missed the feedback on my work. More posts coming in the next few days as time and circumstances allow. Thanks for your interest and support, and sorry for the inconvenience. Let the comments resume!

Minor Temple Construction Update

Hello. Here, as promised, is a minor update on temple construction. It appears that construction of the Tucson Arizona Temple is almost, if not entirely, completed. Reservations are now being accepted for that open house, which will run during the weeks between the Saturdays of June 3 and 24, excluding, of course, the relevant Sundays. That temple, as we know, will be dedicated in August, following the annual July recess of the General Authorities.

In the meantime, interior finish work is underway for the Meridian Idaho Temple, and the testing of exterior lighting has begun on the grounds of the Cedar City Utah Temple. Public tours of the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple will continue until this Saturday, and the dedication of that temple will follow two weeks from this upcoming Sunday. I have also adjusted my estimates for the time-frame of temple-related events for this year and next year, and will be posting those details later this week, if and when I can. An official closure date has been identified for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple (October 14), and it could be that the Tokyo Japan Temple will close before then. More to come on that when more is known.

I have also been reminded that, while as many as four temple groundbreakings might be possible for announced temples during this year, nothing is definite until an official announcement comes down from Church leadership. I hope I have made that clear enough in my previous updates. I am free to offer my own thoughts and hopes for such time-frames, but I need to be absolutely clear that such dates are my own thoughts and feelings, nothing more. More to come on that when more is known.

This is just a very general temple construction update. I am trying to do more research on these developments and will post more just as soon as I know more. In the meantime, thanks for your interest and support.

Paris France Temple News

Hello, all! As most of you are aware, the Paris France Temple will be dedicated this Sunday. The Church reported that 47,561 people attended the open house of the Paris France Temple. I wish I could have been among that number. My lifelong love of France and the French language aided me during my missionary service as I was able to frequently assist French-speaking temple patrons. And I have hoped and prayed for a French temple for years, never believing it would be possible in my lifetime. I rejoiced in each report of developments on the announcement and construction of that temple. And I was gratified to hear of the involvement Elder Andersen and Bishop Causse had in every development of this temple. They also played important roles in leading initial tours of the temple during its open house. I was also intrigued to hear of how French politicians asked whether or not Mitt Romney, who ran for the US Presidency in 2012, and who was also well respected as another former French missionary, would attend the open house. The Church sent Brother and Sister Romney in response to that inquiry, cementing the relationship between our two great nations. Now that French temple will be dedicated this Sunday. What a wonderful day it will be for the Saints in France! 

In recent days, more has been reported on the French temple. While the Church put out information earlier this year that a groundbreaking had been held, it wasn't a formal or widely-observed development. The machinery broke ground for that temple, and the work continued unhindered. On Saturday, the cultural celebration will be held, and that will be followed by dedication services on Sunday. While it is not impossible to believe that Elder Andersen, Bishop Causse and Brother Romney will be in attendance, I don't know if the Church would ask Elder Andersen, who is still in the junior 5th of the apostleship, to officiate. It would not be out of the question. But my feeling is that President Uchtdorf, our European apostle, who so capably serves as Second Counselor to President Monson, and who, just recently, returned from a tour of European nations that included visits to operating and under construction temples, will be the one to preside there, unless one of the six senior apostles is asked to do so instead. I will post more on that when more is known.

In the meantime, I wanted to share an article that the Church News recently featured on how a bishop, a mayor and a CFO were involved in the process of bringing this temple into fruition. Click here to read that article. In the meantime, I will be posting again in a minute with an update on other temple progress. Thanks for your readership.

Emeritus GA Seventy Elder Glenn L. Pace passes away

A bit of sad news tonight from the Church. Elder Glenn L. Pace, an emeritus general authority, passed away within the last couple of days. He wasn't all that old as emeritus Seventies go, having been granted emeritus status just after his 70th birthday in 2010. Not sure how much my readers know about this wonderful man, but he served in the Presiding Bishopric under Robert D. Hales for seven years until his subsequent call to the Seventy. Elder Hales went on two years later to be called to the apostleship. But getting back to Elder Pace, he served with both then-Bishops Hales and Henry B. Eyring. It is not hard to believe that both President Eyring and Elder Hales will likely be in attendance at his funeral, which is to be held this Saturday. Elder Pace was truly one of the great ones of the kingdom, and I'm sure the whole Church mourns his passing. During his more than 25 years as a General Authority, he gave 8 inspiring messages in General Conference sessions. Click here to read those addresses, and here to read the tribute article published by the LDS CHurch news. I pray the blessings of heaven will comfort his family at this time. This giant of the Lord has now joined the many who have gone before and commenced a much different mission, but no less rewarding than his service as a General Authority was. Rest well, Elder Pace, and thank you for your years of service and the impact you had on me personally. Elder Pace was one who always inspired me with his service, and the fact that he served so faithfully for so many years is one that can not be overstated. I hope that, for his family, they will be comforted by that peace which passes all understanding and that they will remember the great memories they have of him, and know that he lives on. Any who would like to share their memories of Elder Pace, if any, are welcome to comment. I also welcome anyone who might wish to pay tribute to him. I hope that this post serves as an adequate tribute to a great man. Thanks to you all.

Yet Another Temple Construction Progress Update

Hello, all! There have been so many developments reported in terms of temple progress of late that I have held off on posting another update before now in view of trying to ensure everything is as accurate as it could be. In addition to the reported progress, on today's report, I note the exact closure date for the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple (October 14). I also found out that on the LDS Church Temples website that Tokyo Japan has now taken the spot underneath the Memphis Tennessee Temple, which might indicate that Tokyo will close first. More to come on that once more is known.

In the meantime, I decided to rework the announced temples section somewhat in referring to those that might have a groundbreaking later this year. While I hope we will see all four temples have a groundbreaking by the end of the year, at around the times I indicate below, I recognize that much is up in the air about such developments. And I want to make it absolutely understood that nothing is official until the Church makes an announcement that makes it so.

That said, I would be elated to have any or all of these groundbreakings take place. As with everything else, I will post more once more is known. Until that time, I hope you will all enjoy what I have put together. Any feedback is always welcome. Thanks again. Here's that report.

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 5/16/17)

NOTE: There will be a total of 182 operating temples once all of those announced, under construction, or undergoing renovation. Of those, we currently have 155 temples in operation; 1 is preparing for its dedication on Sunday; 1 is accepting reservations for its open house; 2 more have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this year; 9 are under construction right now; 1 other has construction pending (groundbreaking was last year), and will commence construction ASAP; 1 operating temple has open house tours underway prior to its already scheduled rededication in three weeks; 2 others are undergoing renovation; 6 more will close for renovations already scheduled (with all of those closures happening within the next 10 months or less); and the remaining 13 are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending)

NOTE: I learned over the weekend of May 12-15 that there is a possibility we could see more groundbreakings later this year. I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments in that regard and will post those as I hear of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.

Preparing for dedication:

156. Paris France Temple: Preparing for dedication (which is scheduled for Sunday May 21, 2017.)

Construction nearing completion; accepting reservations for public open house:

157. Tucson Arizona Temple: Preparing for open house; reservations will be accepted until June 24 (open house will run from Saturday June 3-24, excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.

Dedication scheduled:

158. Meridian Idaho Temple: Installation adjustments being made to art glass; interior finish work underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.

159. Cedar City Utah Temple: Planting trees and flowers on grounds; interior paint and millwork installation underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.

Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):

160. Rome Italy Temple: Angel Moroni installed on March 25, 2017; Christus and apostle statues installed at visitor’s center; installing art glass; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

161. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Steel roof trusses nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

162.  Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

163. Concepcion Chile Temple: Exterior cladding progressing on north and west walls; hanging drywall and installing moldings; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

164. Durban South Africa Temple: Pouring upper walls of temple; preparing to set rebar for upper floor of missionary housing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: For the two temples above, they seem to be interchangeable in terms of which one might potentially be completed and dedicated first. I am trying to keep an eye on any and all developments and will adjust these estimates as necessary once more is known.

Under construction, completion anticipated within the next 3 years or less:

165. Fortaleza Brazil Temple: Erecting temple tower walls; completion anticipated sometime during early 2019.

166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction barrier erected; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: In my mind, since this temple and the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple are slated for completion during the same general timeframe, the fact that work has not begun in earnest on the Canadian temple puts this Brazilian one ahead of Canada’s newest temple. But once construction begins in earnest in Winnipeg, things could change.  I will keep an eye on developments, and will try to make a better estimate when more is known.

168.  Lisbon Portugal Temple: Temple foundation work continues; structural framing for upper level of meetinghouse nearing completion; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

169. Arequipa Peru Temple: Tower crane erected; excavating for the foundation; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

Construction pending (anticipated to start anytime):

167. Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale operations, which may start at any time (whenever the aftermath of the awful Canadian winter resolves itself); completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: Construction on this temple is expected to begin in earnest anytime. Once it does commence, it is anticipated to take 20 months (1.67 years) before it is dedicated. As noted above in regards to this temple and the Rio temple, since both are slated for completion during the same general timeframe (mid-2019), either could be completed first. I will keep an eye on things and adjust the order if and when necessary once more is known.

Rededication Scheduled; open house underway:

8. Idaho Falls Idaho Temple: Public open house tours underway; accepting reservations through this Saturday; rededication scheduled for Sunday June 4, 2017.

                                                                  

Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or so):

20. Jordan River Utah Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: I originally believed and was predicting that the rededication of this temple would be one of the first temple-related events of next year. But as I was recently reminded, it is more difficult to predict a time-frame for such events than it is to predict a probable time-frame for newer temples. I am keeping my eye out for developments on this front, and will be sure to pass along any updates.

41. Frankfurt Germany Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during early-to mid-2018.

NOTE: As noted above, a probable time-frame for a temple’s rededication is harder to anticipate than I originally believed. While I personally hope to see this rededication sometime during next summer, time will tell whether or not that is reasonable to anticipate. I will update this information as I find out more.

Renovations Scheduled (all of which will start within the next 10 months or less):

80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: Renovations of US temples are usually completed more quickly than their international counterparts. With that in mind, along with the official closure date, this strengthens my argument for the completion estimate. As the renovation gets underway, we will know more, and then adjustments can be made ASAP.

18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in October 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: On Wednesday May 17, the LDS Church Temples website switched the order of temples listed for renovation, putting this between the Memphis Tennessee and Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temples. This indicates to me that we might see this temple close before the already-announced closure of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple. More to come on that when more is known. In the meantime, we also know that renovations for temples outside the United States always take longer. With that in mind, it seems reasonable to surmise that we will not see a rededication for this temple until after the Washington DC Temple is rededicated.

95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.

NOTE: As noted above, US temple renovations are completed sooner than they are elsewhere. But it is also true that temples that close around the same time for renovation are rarely completed within the same time frame. Therefore, this seems to be a better estimate. As noted above, the fact that this temple and the Tokyo Japan Temple have switched places on the LDS Church Temples site seems to be a clear indication that the Tokyo closure will happen first. More to come once more is known.

112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in November 2017; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: As this temple was the most recent among this scheduled renovation group to be dedicated, and as it is another that is projected to have a rededication during 2019, the time-frame above seems most likely for that to happen. It would not surprise me at all to see the Oakland California temple rededicated before this one. Time will tell.

13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: The renovation for this temple, the oldest of those scheduled for a renovation, is anticipated to be completed in 2019 sometime. The timeframe indicated above therefore seems reasonable, as is also the assumption that this temple will be rededication before the Paraguayan one.

16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.

NOTE: This temple, the last one currently scheduled for renovation, is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. Because we know that US temple renovations are completed more quickly, it is relatively safe to assume that the rededication of this temple will happen sometime prior to that of the Tokyo Japan Temple.

NOTE: As mentioned above, last weekend, I learned that we might have as many as 4 temples that could potentially have a groundbreaking later this year. The chances are equally likely that no other groundbreakings will happen during the remainder of this year. As with every other temple-related development, I am doing my best to reevaluate things as more information comes to light, and I will be sure to pass along any updates. In the meantime, this is mostly just my own thoughts and impressions based on what I have learned and observed.

Announced:

170. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; official site announcement anticipated later this year; groundbreaking may follow shortly thereafter.

NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Kevin S. Hamilton that a site announcement and subsequent groundbreaking would happen later this year, it is highly probable that we might see a groundbreaking any time during mid-to-late 2017. I could see that site announcement taking place before the annual July recess of the General Authorities, which would put the groundbreaking sometime around late August, during the time when weather warms up in Zimbabwe. While most site announcements precede groundbreakings by at least a few months, Elder Hamilton’s statement has led me to venture Saturday August 26 as the specific date, with the understanding that this date is more likely than not to be adjusted once more is known.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking pending.

This temple, as noted previously, had a site confirmed by Elder Andersen in March of this year. It is therefore entirely likely that a subsequent groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2017, with that announcement likely being made in conjunction with the groundbreaking for the Harare temple. And it seems safe to venture a specific date of Saturday September 16. Once more is known, I will adjust this estimate.

172. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and official site announcement.

NOTE: With the delays that halted progress on this temple having finally come to an end, speculation is rampant to the effect that a groundbreaking could take place for this temple later this year, especially if a site is identified soon. It seems entirely possible. If the new information is correct, that is just a matter of time. It could very well be that such a groundbreaking could take place in mid-October, unless it is pushed back to sometime next year. With what is known at the moment, it seems possible to venture Saturday October 14 as that potential groundbreaking date, particularly because the October General Conference will be held the second-to-last and last Saturdays of September and on October 1. Adjustments will, of course, be altered as more information comes to light.

173. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It was reported early this week that the same contractor who is overseeing the construction of the Arequipa Peru Temple would oversee the construction of this temple as well. He indicated a year would be needed to make plans for the site before any further progress was made. If that year is up by now, it is not unreasonable to believe that a site announcement could precede a groundbreaking in very short order. So it seems entirely possible that a site announcement could happen during mid-to-late 2017, and I am confident enough to venture a groundbreaking date of December 2, which would be right in the middle of the Peruvian summer months. This estimate will be adjusted once more is known. In the meantime, today confirmation came that this second temple for the Peruvian capital city will, as its name implies, be built within the Los Olivos district, in the northern section of that city.

174. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed.

NOTE: Knowing that this site has been confirmed by local priesthood leaders (it is located in the northern section of the city, near an arm of Paranoa Lake), we also know that a site confirmation is the hardest part of getting a temple built. Unless the site changes, it is becoming increasingly more likely that a groundbreaking will be held sometime during early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking happens during that time, it will mark the first time in almost 20 years that the Church has had three temples simultaneously under construction in Brazil. I am keeping an eye on developments with this temple and will adjust this estimate as needed.

175. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement.

NOTE: Unless problems arise, the site identified by the Church’s Philippines Facebook page (on the southern side of the Manila metropolitan area in Alabang, Muntinlupa City) will more than likely be the official site. As finding a site is the most complex part of getting a temple built, it is very possible that we might see a groundbreaking for this temple by early-to-mid 2018. If the groundbreaking takes place during this time, then we would have two temples simultaneously under construction in the Philippines for the very first time in Church history. It is also anticipated that the Church will announce an official name for this temple in the very near future, as the name for the second Lima Peru Temple was announced within a month after the temple announcement. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for developments and will provide updated information when more is known.

176. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation.

NOTE: A probable site has been identified but not yet confirmed. The LDS Church Temples site noted on May 12, 2017 a statement by Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Temple Department Executive Director, that this temple is anticipated to be a larger edifice in the mold of the temple that will be dedicated later this year in Meridian. Once more is known officially regarding the site, it will be easier to make an adjustment as to how soon the groundbreaking might take place and how long construction might subsequently take. If it is true that this temple will be similar to Meridian, we might not see a groundbreaking any sooner than mid-to-late 2018. That said, I also recognize fully that temples in the US have typically always commenced construction faster than their counterparts outside the US, so it would not surprise me if this groundbreaking happened sooner than that. As always, I am keeping an eye on developments, and I will adjust this estimate as I am able to do so once more is known.

177. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While it is true that temples in the United States (and particularly those in Utah County) get started much more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also true that an official site confirmation is still pending. We do know, as previously noted, that the Church owns several plots of land in this city, so if one of them is chosen as the site, the groundbreaking could happen shortly thereafter. Until more is known, it seems wise to adjust my previous estimate for a groundbreaking to sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

178. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: As previously noted in other versions of this construction progress report, member speculation is that an existing building might be renovated and repurposed as Thailand’s first temple and also house Church offices and a meetinghouse as well. If that speculation is confirmed anytime soon, we might see a groundbreaking shortly after. In the meantime, it might be best to revise my previous estimate and say that a groundbreaking could take place in mid-to-late 2018. More to come once more is known.

179. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: The Church has seen substantial growth on the African continent in recent years. This is verified by the fact that, with the announcement of the 12 temples over the last three years during April General Conference, 3 (25%) of those have been in Africa. I would therefore hope that this temple, announced in 2015, would not have to wait too long for a groundbreaking, but I could see it happening sometime during early 2019, if not before.

180. Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: While the first temple in Ecuador had a 14-year delay between its announcement and the subsequent groundbreaking (the second-longest such period in Church history), this temple is not nearly as likely to see such delays. The Church in South America has grown at an astonishing rate, and that is evidenced by the fact that 4 of the 12 temples announced most recently (25%) have been for South America. With the temples above most likely to have a groundbreaking first, it is very possible that we could see a groundbreaking for this time sometime during mid-2019, if not before.

181. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: South America, as noted above, has been very receptive to the gospel. As a result, more temples are coming to that continent. And while this temple has not yet had a site identified or confirmed, Brazilian temples typically have been built very swiftly. While I am hoping to see it sooner, and while I will be happy to adjust my estimate going forward if that is necessary, it seems wise for the moment to revise my estimate and say that we could see a groundbreaking during mid-2019, which would ensure that we will have two or three temples under construction in Brazil at least for the next couple of years. I will revise my estimate if and when I am able to do so.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement.

NOTE: It is becoming increasingly more likely that this African temple might be the last of the current bunch to have a groundbreaking. That said, with the Church growth that is occurring on the African continent, and with temples having gone up fairly quickly once a site is identified, I will revise my previous estimate and say that we will likely see a groundbreaking for this temple sometime during mid-to-late 2019.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements are possible at any time, but the last twelve announcements have taken place during the April General Conference. I never want to rule out the possibility of announcements at other times, but that has been the pattern for the last three years. There have also been reports of several cities that have had a site purchased for a while now, and where an announcement might happen at any time. I know of at least five that have been identified to me by name: Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. The following temples have been publicly proposed by apostles at various and sundry times:  New Delhi India (in June 1992 by Elder Neal A. Maxwell; may not happen soon due to intense political and religious obstacles); Vilnius Lithuania (in May 1993 by Elder M. Russell Ballard, which may be more of a long-shot possibility); Maracaibo Venezuela (in August 1999 by President Hinckley, which is just waiting for the right conditions); Singapore (in January 2000 by President Hinckley, and is likely to be announced when the time is right); for the Southwest Salt Lake Valley (in October 2005 by President Hinckley; NOTE: While some contend that this temple announcement has already happened, verifiable sources widely available prove otherwise. A site is being held in reserve for that temple, and that location will be announced when membership and temple activity warrant that announcement); Managua Nicaragua (in January 2012 by then-Elder Russell M. Nelson; very likely at any time due to Nicaragua being the #1 of the top ten world countries without a temple); Missoula Montana (sometime in 2014 by Elder David A. Bednar during a stake conference in the area; while the report of this proposal has yet to be verified, the fact that there has been a purchase of a temple site seems to indicate that it is a most imminent possibility, though perhaps not as imminent as I once believed); and for the Kasai Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in February 2016 by Elder Neil L. Andersen). There are likely several other sites that the Church has purchased for a potential temple, but those have yet to be verified.

                                                                                                           

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.

Uzxnderlined numbers and text denote temples whose numbers may change based on progress towards planning, approval, and groundbreaking.

Red text highlights changes from the last posted temple progress report.