Edited and Revised List of Temples Most Likely to be announced in the near future

Hello. One of the big projects I worked on within this last week was my list of potential temples that I felt were most likely to have an announcement in the near future. I eliminated quite a few of the less likely locations and put in a couple of others that appear to be more likely. Given my efforts to trim down this list to the best and most likely options, this list will be shorter than previous ones have been. I also fully recognize, acknowledge, and accept that these are just my own ideas and insights about possible future temple sites.

I hope none of you who read any of my predictions are taking them as gospel or as being a sure and definite thing. The beauty of the Lord's Church is that it is directed by modern revelation. Many potential sites can be predicted accurately because of information supporting such sites. Others are no more than wild hopes or a best-guess effort that may or may not be in line with where the Lord needs new temples to be built. Since any theories about future site locations or a possible time-frame for temple-related events are subject to so many factors, some of which none but the leading brethren and the Lord may be aware, nothing is official until it is made so through the proper channels. I just wanted to make that clear.

And though I have trimmed this latest list as much as I can, I recognize that there are more than likely some that I've eliminated that should have stayed on there, or some that remained that should have been removed. That is why I request as much feedback as I do: I want to know what people who read my thoughts on the matter think of them. I have no issues with adding or deleting other possibilities.

A couple of additional notes: First, I have provided notes at the bottom of this list of potential temple locations that explain my rationale behind each choice, in addition to some explaining why I have eliminated certain possibilities. Let me know your thoughts, whether in agreement or not. I look forward to the continuing discussion. Thanks!

Here's the list:

Temple Predictions:

3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:

PRELIMINARY NOTE: Since it is difficult at best to know where the Lord feels a need for a temple and temple locations are not as cut-and-dried as I have originally believed them to be, I am doing a preliminary list, which I will refine as the time for General Conference draws closer. I will look forward to seeing what happens with those possibilities, if any are announced at all. So far between 2015 and this year, the 12 newest temples were announced during the April General Conference. If any temples are announced, there will only be a few.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I have felt to narrow my choices down considerably. I am now listing them by nation and then by likelihood within that nation.

Africa: Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone

Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador

Central America: Managua Nicaragua

Mexico: Puebla Mexico

Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

South America: Neuquen Argentina; Valparaiso Chile; Santa Cruz Bolivia

United States: Bentonville Arkansas Missoula Montana; Layton Utah; Tooele Utah

NOTE: The following (# of temples, if any, goes here) temples were announced, much to my great delight: 

Temple Predictions:

3+ temples announced in any of the following locations:

NOTE: Since it is difficult at best to know where the Lord feels a need for a temple and temple locations are not as cut-and-dried as I have originally believed them to be, I am doing a preliminary list, which I will refine as the time for General Conference draws closer. I will look forward to seeing what happens with those possibilities, if any are announced at all. So far between 2015 and this year, the 12 newest temples were announced during the April General Conference. If any temples are announced, there will only be a few.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the near future, I have felt to narrow my choices down considerably. I am now listing them by nation and then by likelihood within that nation.

Africa: Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone

*Brazil: Belo Horizonte; Salvador

!Central America: Managua Nicaragua

Mexico: Puebla Mexico

Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

South America: Neuquen Argentina; Valparaiso Chile; Santa Cruz Bolivia

United States: Bentonville Arkansas Missoula Montana; Layton Utah; Tooele Utah

NOTE: The following (# of temples, if any, goes here) temples were announced, much to my great delight:

Notes about potential temple sites:

1.      Africa has seen one temple announced per year for the last three years, and the Church is growing rapidly wherever it is established. While those I listed above seem most likely, I am not ruling out other possibilities from happening first. These three just seem most likely based on the information I now have available.

2.      Between the two temples currently under construction in Brazil, and the two others announced, the focus for that nation may shift to getting those completed before any others are announced. Whenever Brazil does get another temple, the two cities I listed above seem to be the most likely candidates, and may be interchangeable in terms of their future likelihood.

3.      Central America’s next temple will be the one in Managua, whenever that happens, as there has been both a public proposal by then-Elder Nelson in 2012, and a site held in reserve until it is needed. Additionally, Managua is the first in the top ten of those cities that have the strongest Church presence without a temple, so that is only a matter of time.

4.      In thinking over my list above, the two temples I had for Europe (in Budapest Hungary and Vienna Austria) make sense logistically in view of President Monson’s expressed intention to ensure that every Church member lives within 200 miles of a temple, but don’t seem to be possible in the near future. As the Paris France temple was dedicated earlier this year, and the Rome Italy temple is sure to be dedicated in the early months of next year, the Church might hold off on announcing any other European temples until the impact of these new temples on that continent is known. Of the two, Budapest is more likely, but I don’t see that happening in the near future.

5.      The last temple dedication in Mexico happened in 2015, and since that time, only one district has been created. But I have received feedback indicating that Puebla is the most likely city for Mexico’s next temple, whether or not that happens anytime soon.

6.      In the Pacific area of the Church, I have heard that sites have been purchased in both Auckland New Zealand and Port Moresby Papua New Guinea and have been held in reserve until they are needed. Of the two, Auckland seems to be the most likely possibility.

7.      For South American nations besides Brazil, the research I have done has pinpointed the three cities above as the most likely possibilities. In total, 5 temples have been announced for South America within the last two years (Brazil included). If this trend continues, I have felt it very likely that many more temples will be announced for South America over the next several years.

8.      In previous versions of this list, I had also had several more possibilities listed for potential temples within the United States, but since growth has been stagnating here lately, I don’t think it likely that we will see very many temples announced unless and until regular growth resumes on a larger scale. That said, I have received reports of sites having been procured for both Arkansas’s first temple and for Montana’s second in the cities listed above, and that those temples will be announced whenever conditions warrant that happening.

9.      Within Utah, temple attendance has always been high. Layton and Tooele are two cities I have heard mentioned extensively as potential sites for Utah’s 19^th temple I also know that President Hinckley indicated in 2005 that a temple site had been procured in the southwestern part of the Salt Lake Valley, and that a subsequent announcement would follow once membership and Church growth in the valley required it. Some have tried to assert that this temple has already been announced, but every source I have found indicates that that notion is incorrect. Until that site announcement is made, Layton and Tooele appear to be the best candidates for Utah’s next temples.

Final note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility. While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that note.

BREAKING NEWS: List of those who will attend the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Rededication this weekend

Hello. I am excited to announce that I found out who all will be at the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Dedication events this weekend. I had been correct in my original prediction that President Eyring would preside, though I am more than a little surprised that the Church is having him do two in a row. Accompanying President Eyring are Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy (this will likely be the last temple dedication he attends as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, as he will be released in just under two months), and Elders K. Brett Nattress and Bradley D. Foster.

I have not been able to verify this at all, but I believe that either Elder Foster or Elder Nattress, or both, might be among the assistant executive directors of the Temple Department. Click here to read more on all of this. This is very intriguing. I know I say this a lot, but it's even more true in this instance: I couldn't be more pleased that I was wrong in almost every respect about the possible attendees of this event.

You can depend on my keeping an eye out for news and information about the cultural celebration and dedication this weekend, and will be sure to pass anything along once I know of it. Thanks to you all for your interest and support.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: I was originally surprised to hear that President Eyring would be presiding at this rededication, as he presided at the Paris France dedication almost two weeks ago. But the fact that President Eyring will officiate there as originally anticipated strengthens my feelings that President Uchtdorf will preside at the Tucson Arizona Temple dedication in two months, as he broke ground for the temple. I looked but could not find any special connection Elder Rasband has to Idaho in general or to this temple in particular, but I'm glad the Church is spreading out apostolic attendance at these events.  I also found out that Elder Foster is the Executive Director of the Family History Department, which means he likely is a member of the Temple and Family History Executive Council. As for Elder Nattress, his General Authority assignments aren't known. But in doing research about him, I learned that he was born in Pocatello, so it is likely that, as an Idaho native, he feels a connection to this temple. According to this article, another General Authority Seventy, Elder Wilford W. Andersen, will be in attendance as well, and I know for sure he is both an Assistant Executive Director for the Temple Department, and, as a General Authority Seventy, has an additional leadership role within the Idaho Area of the Church. Just wanted to add that. Thanks again!

Lots of Church News happening right now

In addition to what I have reported of late, lots of other Church news is happening. Two MTCs have completed the process of renovations, and public tours are available. To read about the Provo MTC, click here. To read about what was done with the one based in the Philippines, click here.

Regarding other Church news developments, there have been so many in the last several days that I cannot blog about it all. It would take far too long. But below, I am providing links that will lead any who are interested to these latest developments. Thanks for your readership and continued support. Enjoy!

LDS Church News stories
Unit updates and developments
Temple News and construction status
Church News and Events
Mormon Newsroom

Travels of the Apostles

Hello, all! Here I am again with the next post I promised regarding the latest report of the travels and ministries of the apostles around the world. Enjoy!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks made a visit to Japan and Korea to conduct the annual review of the Asia North area from May 19-28, accompanied by his wife Kristin, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife Susan, and the Asia North Area Presidency members and their wives: Scott D. and Jeri Whiting, Kazuhiko and Tazuko Yamashita, and Yoon Hwan and Bon Kyung Choi. For more on that visit, click here.

During this same time (May 19-28), Elder Quentin L. Cook visited the Asia Area to conduct its annual review, accompanied by his wife Mary, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife Rosana, and Bishop W. Christopher Waddell and his wife Carol. The members of the Asia Area Presidency and their wives were also in attendance (Randy D. and Andrea Funk, Chi Hong (Sam) and Carol Wong, and David F. and Mary Evans). As Elder Wong and his wife were getting ready to return to the United States, where they have been asked to preside over the Canada Vancouver Mission, Elder Peter F. Meurs and his wife are joining that area presidency and were in attendance for this area review, signalling the transition was nearly complete. Click here to learn more about what that visit entailed.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband toured the Africa Southeast Area between May 18-29 to conduct an area review, accompanied by the members of the area presidency: Kevin S. Hamilton, Stanley G. Ellis and and S. Mark Palmer. While it is not explicitly stated in the article,  I imagine that the wives of these brethren (Melanie Rasband, Claudia Hamilton, Kathryn Ellis, and Jacqueline Palmer). For more details on that visit, click here.

Aside from traveling, there has been other apostolic news. Elder Oaks, Elder M. Russell Ballard, and Elder Cook, in company with Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse, were present when Utah's senior senator and Church member Orrin Hatch was named BYU Management Society's 2017 Distinguished Utahn award, for his efforts to represent the state and get things done without compromising his morality or beliefs. Senator Hatch has served for a number of years, and is right now third in the line of succession to the Presidency of the United States. Tributes were offered by Elder Ballard and Scott Anderson, president and CEO of Zion's Bank. The event also featured musical tributes by Kurt Bestor and Paul Cardall. To read the full report of the event, click here.

In additional apostolic news, Elder Neil L. Andersen joined other religious and civic leaders in a panel discussion attended by 400 leaders from 70 countries. The purpose of the panel was to discuss how societies can develop togetherness, faith and trust to combat spiritual, economic, and political problems. You can read more about this panel discussion here and here.

As is not a surprise at all, the apostles have been kept busy of late, and with President Monson stepping back from active participation in discussions and decisions, the other 14 apostles will be much busier as they continue to make an effort to get in touch with the needs of the Church as a whole, as well as regional, local, familial, and personal needs.

That does it for this update. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for your readership, interest, and support.

Temple Events Happening This Weekend/New President Called for Tokyo Japan Temple

Hello, all! Two significant temple-related events will take place this weekend. Tomorrow, the open house will start for the Tucuson Arizona Temple. Tours will continue for the next three weeks, excluding Sundays. That temple, as we know, will be dedicated in August. In the meantime, the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple will be rededicated in two days, following the cultural celebration tomorrow night. I have not yet been able to find out who among all of our Church leaders might be in attendance, but there appears to be a good chance that Elder David A. Bednar could be one of them. This article, written earlier this week, focuses on the 20-year anniversary since the Bednars first came to Rexburg to preside at Ricks College, which would, during his tenure, become BYU-Idaho on August 10, 2001. Just over three years later, Elder Bednar would be released from his tenure as university president in view of his call to the apostleship. From what the article said, it sounds like Elder Bednar has been in Idaho for the last several days, which leads me to believe he will play some role in this weekend's events, whether he or another senior apostle presides. More to come once more is known.

In terms of other temple news, a new president for the Tokyo Japan Temple was announced, (as the previous president had died during his active service on April 28. It appears that the First Counselor will be the new President. He will only have about 3.75 months of active service prior to that temple's already-scheduled renovation, so it is more than likely that this new president will serve until that closure, and then for 2-3 years after its rededication sometime during 2020.

That does it for this temple news and events update. Next to come are an update on the travels and ministries of the apostles. I also hope to post a new general update on Church News. And there might be an additional topic or two I will try to cover today as well. Stay tuned. Thanks.