Hello, again! I hope none of you are tired of my frequent posts. I have often felt (and stated) that there is so much more going on in the Church than what just one blogger can report. That is why I have found my niche in certain subjects but still report on other developments as I feel inspired to do so. The newsroom on the Church's website recently featured articles on remarks given by two apostles. Our junior apostle, Elder Dale G. Renlund, along with his wife Ruth, participated recently at an international religious freedom symposium in Costa Rica. I could not do their remarks justice by attempting to summarize them. Therefore, you can find the report of those remarks here.
And Elder D. Todd Christofferson was the featured speaker at the prestigious Oxford University in England, focusing his remarks on the first-hand experience he had as a law clerk to the federal judge who presided over the trial about the infamous Watergate scandal, A report of his remarks can be found here.
Elder Neil L. Andersen was also recently featured by the Church News as he participated in Horasis, a global gathering that brought together those involved in businesses, politicians, and religious leaders. A summary of his remarks, which focused on religious freedom, can be found here,
In the meantime, Elder Holland was the apostolic representative who spoke to those working as part of the LDS Family Services program. His tender remarks on that occasion can be found here.
I also enjoyed President Monson's June home teaching message and this article demonstrating how President Uchtdorf lived the principle of lifting where you stand many years before he gave an address on that subject in October 2008.
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer, who serves as the Assistant Executive Director of the Church's Missionary Department, also spoke to the LDS Family Services personnel on the subject of the mental health concerns of missionaries. His remarks are summarized here.
While being granted emeritus status does mean somewhat less responsibility, for Elder Lance B. Wickman, he has carried on with his assignment as the Church's general counsel, who consults with Church leadership on legal and (when needed) political matters. He too addressed the seminar mentioned above, and his remarks can be found here. At almost 77, it is good to see that Elder Wickman is still able to fill what many consider a very high-profile assignment.
Elder Larry R. Lawrence, who will most likely be released and granted emeritus status this October, encouraged BYU-Idaho students to seek for spiritual gifts. His remarks on the subject can be found here.
Leaders of the Church's Brazil area were present as BYU-Pathway Worldwide leaders held a "Connections Conference" in Sao Paulo. That was interesting to read about. It seems that these Connections Conferences will be more widely held worldwide as the program continues to expand. You can read more about that gathering here.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy, acting under the direction of the apostles, was in Wyoming yesterday to dedicate the site known as Sixth Crossing and the accompanying visitor's center. You can read more on that here.
The annual pageants held each year will also begin soon. For more information on those, click here. And coming up in July will be both the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Pioneer Day Concerts on July 14 & 15 (you can find out more on that here) and the annual Days '47 KSL Parade will air as usual on July 24. The First Presidency members have typically traded off duties as the Grad Marshall of the Parade, but last year, Elder M. Russell Ballard was asked to do so. So it is anyone's guess at this point who might be filling that role this year.
Looking ahead, we also know that there will be three temple dedications before the year's end: Tucson Arizona (on August 13); Meridian Idaho (on November 19) and Cedar City Utah (on December 10). There may also be the possibility that other temples might have a groundbreaking. As always, once more information becomes available, I will be sure to pass that along.
We also have that Face-to-Face event on August 5 that will be held in Africa and will feature Elder and Sister Renlund, BYU's Campus Education Week set for August 21-25, with Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy (currently the second most junior member of that Presidency, who will become the 4th most senior member on August 1) set to give the keynote address. President Monson will celebrate his 90th birthday on August 21, but there has not been any word of any celebration plans as yet. Something may or may not be in the works in that regard. A lot will depend on what happens between now and then.
Looking to September, Elder Bednar will speak at a Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on the 10th. Then, of course, General Conference will be held on September 23 & 30 and October 1. At some point, the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will announce the dates for their Christmas concert, along with their guest artist(s).
And the Christmas season will kick off with the annual Christmas Devotional on December 3. Unless President Monson improves by that time, it is likely that President Eyring will conduct the devotional and that President Uchtdorf will represent the First Presidency in speaking. The other speakers are nearly impossible to predict, but it is certain that there will be one member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one member of the Presidency of the Seventy, and one auxiliary leader (possibly from the Sunday School, as we have not yet heard from that organization since the decision to include speakers outside the First Presidency).
This post has been more massive than I originally anticipated. I think I have covered everything well enough for now. Tune in this weekend, when I hope to finally post my update on the latest apostolic milestones. Also, if any other major developments happen on the Church news front, I will be sure to pass that along. In the meantime, thanks for taking time to read this. Let me know your thoughts, if you are able/willing to do so. If you can't, let me know that as well. Thanks for your interest.
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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Friday, June 16, 2017
Massive Church News Update
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.
Number of Talks Given by Our Current Apostles
I may or may not have posted about this before, but I have thought it might be helpful to look into how many talks our apostles have given. The fruit of that study has been inspiring to discover. If I have posted about this before, I have taken time to correct and expand this list. As far as I know, it is as accurate as I could have made it. During this double-checking process, I also took time to find out how many of these talks were given prior to some of these men beginning their apostolic ministries. It has been an intriguing topic to research, and I hope that most, if not all of you, will enjoy reading about my research. If you are able to, let me know your thoughts. If you are not able to do so, you can contact me via my profile. Thanks. Here is that list. Enjoy!
President Thomas S. Monson—247
President Henry B. Eyring—82+5 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=87
Elder M. Russell Ballard—66+9 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=75
President Russell M. Nelson—69
Elder Dallin H. Oaks—67+1 talk given prior to his
apostolic call=68
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf—62+2 talks given prior to
his apostolic call=64
Elder Robert D. Hales—43+15 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=58
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland—46+3 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=49
Elder David A. Bednar—26
Elder D. Todd Christofferson—19+6 talks given prior to
his apostolic call=25
Elder Quentin L. Cook—20+2 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=22
Elder Neil L. Andersen—17+5 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=22
Elder Ronald A. Rasband—4+6 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=10
Elder Gary E. Stevenson—4+3 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=7
Elder Dale G. Renlund—4+2 talks given prior to his
apostolic call=6
Total number of talks given by our current apostles: 775
during their apostleship+60 in other capacities=835
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.
A belated Happy Birthday to one of my favorites among our apostles
Hello, all! I realized this late last night, but I forgot yesterday to note the birthday of Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As the most recent apostle to be called without having previously served as a General Authority, I saw the mantle of apostleship settle on him the moment he gave his first talk in October 2004.
Now, as we are nearing the month when he will mark 13 years in the apostleship, he has steadily risen in the ranks as many senior to him have passed away. In just under those 13 years, he has gone from being the junior apostle (15th in seniority) to being the most junior apostle in the senior half of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and he has also become the most senior apostle of the junior half. In terms of the 15 apostles, his former seatmate, President Uchtdorf, is right in the middle in terms of apostolic seniority, and of the junior seven, Elder Bednar is the most senior.
Elder Bednar marked his 65th birthday yesterday. In view of the fact that he was called at age 52, it is significant that he is now just a heartbeat away from being among the senior apostles. While it is still far too early to tell what will happen with apostolic deaths, and while we do have 3 apostles senior to Elder Bednar that are either showing signs of old age or health issues (President Monson, Elder Ballard, and Elder Hales), and while we also know that President Nelson is almost 3 years older than President Monson despite coming to the apostleship 31 after he did, no one, especially not myself, knows what the Lord's succession plan might entail in the future.
While I do believe President Nelson has a good chance of succeeding President Monson at some point, with Elder Oaks being next, and either Elder Holland or Elder Bednar serving as Church President around the 200th anniversary of the restoration, the Lord is still in full control of the succession process, and He knows who He needs in the presidency, when He needs those changes to happen, and who received an apostolic call that will someday become Church President.
As another side note, I wanted to reiterate again how fully I disagree with those who have perpetuated the idea of some kind of emeritus status for apostles and prophets. Part of the package deal of becoming an apostle is that service is rendered until the Lord calls each apostle home. And, as Elder Bednar himself observed in his wonderful October 2015 general conference address, highlighting the final addresses that were given by the six apostles that had passed away since his own apostolic calls. I fully concur with President Hinckley's statement about the need for men of maturity at the head who will not be blown about by every wind of doctrine.
There are excellent reasons why an emeritus designation should not and never will be enacted for Church presidents and apostles. And any man or woman who suggests otherwise cannot by any stretch of the imagination be called a faithful Latter-day Saint. That applies even more so for those who are gathering every six months to vocally voice their opposition to sustaining the apostles. In my opinion, if anyone who has problems with Church doctrines, policies, and procedures, and if they are not willing to resolve their concerns through the proper channels, they are in very real danger of apostatizing, and will do so. Previous prophetic statements have indicated as much.
I for one will always unequivocally sustain those who have been called of God, because I have received my own witness that every apostolic call is divinely inspired. And I have continued to pray for and have received manifestations that their words are what the Savior wants all of us to hear.
If any of you who read this have any doubts about the inspired nature of these callings, I urge you to seek to acquire your own witness. In the meantime, I always have and always will stand with the Brethren, and I will continue to sustain them with all my heart.
That was more of a side note than I meant it to be. Sorry about that. Getting back to Elder Bednar and his birthday, perhaps the greatest gift we could give him would be to take some time to review some of the counsel he gave during these almost 13 years. I could not adequately summarize his ministry thus far in the time and space I have to do so, but I will say he has covered a wide variety of topics that should be important to any Latter-day Saint who sustains him. You can review any of those you like here. Unless I have miscounted, he has addressed us 26 times. And that has just been in General Conference sessions, not even counting talks he gave in other settings. His ministry has truly encompassed so much imparted wisdom, such extensive travel, involvement in temple dedications (including one at which he presided), and so much more.
So, to Elder Bednar, I would say, thank you for your willingness to teach correct principles. Thank you for being a man in whom the spirit of God is. Thank you for the breadth of your ministry. Happy birthday! May the Lord allow you to continue to share your wisdom and inspiration with us for many years to come. And may all of us continue to follow not only Elder Bednar's counsel, but that of is 14 other colleagues.
As we do so, the Lord will continue to bless us all. Of all these things I testify with all my heart, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Now, as we are nearing the month when he will mark 13 years in the apostleship, he has steadily risen in the ranks as many senior to him have passed away. In just under those 13 years, he has gone from being the junior apostle (15th in seniority) to being the most junior apostle in the senior half of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and he has also become the most senior apostle of the junior half. In terms of the 15 apostles, his former seatmate, President Uchtdorf, is right in the middle in terms of apostolic seniority, and of the junior seven, Elder Bednar is the most senior.
Elder Bednar marked his 65th birthday yesterday. In view of the fact that he was called at age 52, it is significant that he is now just a heartbeat away from being among the senior apostles. While it is still far too early to tell what will happen with apostolic deaths, and while we do have 3 apostles senior to Elder Bednar that are either showing signs of old age or health issues (President Monson, Elder Ballard, and Elder Hales), and while we also know that President Nelson is almost 3 years older than President Monson despite coming to the apostleship 31 after he did, no one, especially not myself, knows what the Lord's succession plan might entail in the future.
While I do believe President Nelson has a good chance of succeeding President Monson at some point, with Elder Oaks being next, and either Elder Holland or Elder Bednar serving as Church President around the 200th anniversary of the restoration, the Lord is still in full control of the succession process, and He knows who He needs in the presidency, when He needs those changes to happen, and who received an apostolic call that will someday become Church President.
As another side note, I wanted to reiterate again how fully I disagree with those who have perpetuated the idea of some kind of emeritus status for apostles and prophets. Part of the package deal of becoming an apostle is that service is rendered until the Lord calls each apostle home. And, as Elder Bednar himself observed in his wonderful October 2015 general conference address, highlighting the final addresses that were given by the six apostles that had passed away since his own apostolic calls. I fully concur with President Hinckley's statement about the need for men of maturity at the head who will not be blown about by every wind of doctrine.
There are excellent reasons why an emeritus designation should not and never will be enacted for Church presidents and apostles. And any man or woman who suggests otherwise cannot by any stretch of the imagination be called a faithful Latter-day Saint. That applies even more so for those who are gathering every six months to vocally voice their opposition to sustaining the apostles. In my opinion, if anyone who has problems with Church doctrines, policies, and procedures, and if they are not willing to resolve their concerns through the proper channels, they are in very real danger of apostatizing, and will do so. Previous prophetic statements have indicated as much.
I for one will always unequivocally sustain those who have been called of God, because I have received my own witness that every apostolic call is divinely inspired. And I have continued to pray for and have received manifestations that their words are what the Savior wants all of us to hear.
If any of you who read this have any doubts about the inspired nature of these callings, I urge you to seek to acquire your own witness. In the meantime, I always have and always will stand with the Brethren, and I will continue to sustain them with all my heart.
That was more of a side note than I meant it to be. Sorry about that. Getting back to Elder Bednar and his birthday, perhaps the greatest gift we could give him would be to take some time to review some of the counsel he gave during these almost 13 years. I could not adequately summarize his ministry thus far in the time and space I have to do so, but I will say he has covered a wide variety of topics that should be important to any Latter-day Saint who sustains him. You can review any of those you like here. Unless I have miscounted, he has addressed us 26 times. And that has just been in General Conference sessions, not even counting talks he gave in other settings. His ministry has truly encompassed so much imparted wisdom, such extensive travel, involvement in temple dedications (including one at which he presided), and so much more.
So, to Elder Bednar, I would say, thank you for your willingness to teach correct principles. Thank you for being a man in whom the spirit of God is. Thank you for the breadth of your ministry. Happy birthday! May the Lord allow you to continue to share your wisdom and inspiration with us for many years to come. And may all of us continue to follow not only Elder Bednar's counsel, but that of is 14 other colleagues.
As we do so, the Lord will continue to bless us all. Of all these things I testify with all my heart, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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.
Quick Update on the Lisbon Portugal Temple
While I have not changed my temple construction progress report too much since posting it yesterday, I did learn of advancements in the construction of Portugal's first temple. According to that new information, foundation walls are being poured, and the walls of the adjoining meetinghouse are nearly finished. Just wanted to pass that along. It is wonderful to live in a time when so much is going on with temple work. I am continuing to keep an eye out for developments and will pass along any news ASAP after I learn of it. Thanks for reading this. Any comments, if anyone is able to make some, would be appreciated. Let me know if that is not the case. 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.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Significant Adjustments Made to Temple Construction Progress Report
Hello, all! I have taken some time today to adjust my report on temple construction progress to clarify some statements I had made. I am posting right now to share those adjustments with all of you. If anyone has feedback on these changes, please let me know, if you are able to. If I have not been successful in fixing the issues people have had commenting, I need to know that as well. I would welcome e-mails from anyone who notices any such issues. Thanks for your cooperation with and understanding of this matter.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 6/15/17)
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 156 temples in operation; 1 has an open house ongoing (with a dedication
set for August); 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; 2 others are undergoing renovation; another
4 have a renovation closure date
set, with 2 others set to close
early next year (the actual dates will be set closer to the time); 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 temple-related news and will post those as I hear
of them. For now, this is a correction from what I had previously reported.
Construction completed; open house tours underway:
157. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Public open house tours underway (will run until June 24,
Sundays excluded); dedication scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; laying sod and planting trees
in parking area; dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Exterior lighting tests underway; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
Under Construction (completion anticipated next year):
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Interior and exterior work progressing; installing art glass windows; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic
Republic of the Congo Temple: Attaching insulating block and laying brick over
south and west walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
162. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Stone cladding underway on north and east walls; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: For the three 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: Scaffolding removed from north wall; cladding progressing on west and
south walls; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
164. Durban South Africa
Temple: Preparing to pour upper façade walls of temple; scaffolding going up
around upper level of meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during
late 2018.
NOTE: I
originally was thinking and had stated that the Concepcion and Durban temples
might be interchangeable in terms of when they might be completed and
subsequently dedicated. But in rechecking the LDS Church Temples site during
the later hours of June 14, it had changed the estimate for Durban to sometime
late next year, instead of during the middle or latter part of that same year,
as previously thought. It shouldn’t affect my estimate for the time-frame of
this completion, as I had predicted that this event would take place in
December. But I am doing my best to analyze all of these developments and will
provide updated information as I receive it.
Under
construction, completion anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Tower base walls poured; scaffolding removed; completion
anticipated sometime during early
2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Preparing
to pour footings for foundation; surrounding property being cleared and graded; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As I have previously
observed, this temple and the temple in Winnipeg appeared to be interchangeable
until just recently. With no progress having been reported on Canada’s newest
temple, unless things change drastically, this Rio temple will no doubt be
completed first. More to come once more is known.
168. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Temple foundation work continues; running utility lines; laying brick
exterior walls for meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
169.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Footings poured; setting concrete forms for
foundation walls; 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; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As full-scale construction commencement is still pending on this
temple, all that we know at the moment is that construction will take roughly
20 months (1.67 years) once it commences in full, and that this temple is being
built to serve just the one stake in Winnipeg for the moment. Until
construction starts in earnest, the completion date is hard to pin down. That
full-scale construction may have already started, but that is difficult to
ascertain. With the information known right now, mid-2019 is a very rough
estimate for this temple’s completion. It would not surprise me in the least if
this temple is not dedicated until 2020. Adjustments will be made once more is
known. For now, this is an update from what I had previously reported.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or
so):
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On
June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this
renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that temples in the US, particularly
renovations, are usually finished more quickly than their international
counterparts or new temples, it is unclear for the moment which temple-related
event is most likely to happen first. I am doing my best to analyze these
developments and will pass along any updates as soon as I can.
41. Frankfurt Germany
Temple: Closed for renovation; excavating for basement addition for new
baptistry; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On
June 14, the LDS Church Temples site changed the completion estimation for this
renovation to mid-2018. Since we know that renovations are generally completed
more quickly than new temples, whether within the US or elsewhere, it is hard
at the moment to try and figure out what the actual sequence of events may be
for next year. I am analyzing these developments as quickly as possible and
will be sure to post with any updates ASAP.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: As I was recently reminded, a completion estimate for renovations
is hard to pin down and may change daily. So until this renovation is underway
in 3.5 months, it is anyone’s guess when it might actually be finished. We do
know that the closure for this temple comes just over a month before it was
anticipated to take place. As previously noted as well, this temple is at the
top of the list of planned renovations only because it comes first
alphabetically. Based on the knowledge that US temples are renovated much more
quickly than their counterparts in other parts of the world, I still feel
confident that this temple’s rededication will not take place until after that
of the Oakland Temple, which is set for closure sometime in February next year.
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early 2019.
NOTE: As mentioned above, until this renovation gets underway in 3.5
months, a completion time-frame will be hard to pin down. Since we do know that
US renovations are usually completed well in advance of their international
counterparts, there is no doubt in my mind that this rededication will take
place during the spring of 2019. That assertion may change once the renovation process
starts, but for now, it seems to be a safe prediction to make.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: Despite the fact that this temple is the last alphabetically that
will close on the second-to-last day in September, because Tokyo time is ahead
of both Asuncion and US time, this temple may be the first to close for
renovation. Also, I have noted before that a rededication for this temple,
which is set to happen sometime during 2020, will likely not happen until after
that of the Washington DC Temple, which is set to close in 8 months.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-2019.
NOTE: This temple, the last of
those set to close for renovation later this year, is nonetheless a US temple,
so it seems safe to assume and to assert that this rededication will happen
sometime after that of the Memphis Tennessee Temple, but sometime prior to the
rededications of the Oakland California and Asuncion Paraguay Temples.
Obviously, that may change once the renovation process commences, but for now,
it seems to be a safe assertion.
Temples that have a renovation
closure announced, but no official date made known yet:
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With this closure set to take place next year, until it is
underway, it is difficult to pin down even a general time-frame for its
completion. But it seems more than likely that the rededication for this temple
will transpire well before that of the Asuncion Paraguay temple simply by
virtue of it being a temple within the US. Adjustments will be made once more
is known.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2020.
NOTE: As already noted in relation to the other renovations, until this
temple begins the renovation process, a probable completion timeframe is very
difficult to pin down. But given that US temple renovations are almost always
completed prior to their international counterparts, it is not impossible to
believe that the rededication for this temple will likely precede that of the
Tokyo Japan Temple.
NOTE: While
I learned during mid-May that we could have as many as four groundbreakings
before the end of this year, very few developments have taken place relating to
the announced temples below. And while I always prefer to think and speak
optimistically, any thoughts of mine on when these events might happen are always
subject to what the Lord and the Brethren feel is best, to say nothing of local
attitudes and politics that may also come into play. So while I offer my best
guess estimate for such events, they should not be taken as fact unless and
until they are verified by subsequent announcements. I hope that is abundantly
and clearly understood in the way I have reworded things.
Announced:
170. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Approval and construction preparation phase; awaiting official site
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.
NOTE: While we do have the statement from Elder Kevin S.
Hamilton, who presides over the Africa Southeast Area, that the site
announcement for this temple would come later this year and that the
groundbreaking would follow shortly thereafter, there has been no change in
this temple’s status since that time. If a site announcement does occur at any
time within the next month or so, a groundbreaking could take place on or
around Saturday August 26. There is also an equally likely chance that the
groundbreaking might not take place until next year. Until something is
officially announced, the date identified above is merely my own projection.
Once more is known, an update will be made. I would not be at all surprised in
any way if this groundbreaking is pushed back to next year. I am keeping an eye
out for developments and will make any adjustments as necessary.
171. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during mid-to-late 2017.
NOTE: Elder
Andersen, as previously noted, confirmed a site purchase for this temple in
March. Since procuring a site is the most difficult thing to do, it is not hard
to believe that a groundbreaking could take place this year, and I have felt
that could happen on or around Saturday September 16. But nothing is official
unless and until the Brethren make it so. I would in no way be surprised if
this event was pushed back until 2018 or later. I will be sure to pass along
any new information on this as I receive it.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could happen sometime
during mid-to-late 2017.
NOTE: This
temple has not progressed beyond its announcement almost 7 years ago. Recent
developments seem to point to the possibility of a groundbreaking later this
year, but I would not be surprised if that event is pushed back another year or
more. Until more is known, I have felt to venture Saturday October 14 as a
possible groundbreaking date, but nothing is official until the Brethren make
it so. I will be sure to provide updates as I become aware of them.
173. Lima Peru Los Olivos
Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site
announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.
NOTE: While
we do have the statement from the contractor supervising this project (in
addition to the Arequipa Peru Temple construction) to the effect that a year
would be needed to prepare the site prior to the groundbreaking, it is still
unclear whether that year is nearing an end or just beginning. Once that is
clarified, a more precise estimate will be able to be made. For now, I have
felt that a groundbreaking might be set for Saturday December 2. Until
something more official is announced, that is just my own thoughts and
feelings/
174. Brasilia Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; site confirmed; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during early 2018.
NOTE: While
local leaders have communicated to members that the site for this temple is
near an arm of Paranoa Lake, and while I personally hope that confirmation will
be all that is needed before a groundbreaking is announced, until something
more official is known, a groundbreaking time-frame might be harder to pin down
than I originally believed. Site confirmations generally precede
groundbreakings by around a year. So I could see a groundbreaking happen early
next year. Until more is known, that is merely hope and conjecture on my part.
As with every other potential temple development, I will pass along any updates
as I am able to.
175. Greater Manila Philippines
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: While
we do know that this temple will stand in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, it is
difficult to know when further developments might happen for this temple. An
official name announcement for Lima Peru’s second temple came 3 weeks after its
announcement, and I have heard from many that an official name announcement may
take place sometime soon. With so much up in the air, predicting a probable
groundbreaking time-frame is difficult. But we also know that temples that have
had a probable site confirmed usually have a groundbreaking a year later. Once
more is known, a more specific prediction will be made about that time-frame.
Until that time, this is mere conjecture on my part.
176. Pocatello Idaho: Planning
phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
NOTE: Elder
Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the Executive Director of the Temple Department,
has indicated this Idahoan temple will be larger, somewhat akin to the size of
the Meridian Idaho Temple. And while a probable site has been identified, it
has not yet been made official. Depending on when that happens, a
groundbreaking date might be hard to pin down. But with the knowledge that this
temple will be built within the “Mormon corridor”, a groundbreaking could take
place sooner than the time-frame I indicated above. As always, when I learn of
any developments, I will adjust things and pass that information along.
177. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
NOTE: While
Utah County temples have generally had a groundbreaking within a year of their
announcement, there is so much unknown as yet. We do know that the Church owns
several plots of land in that city, but nothing more official has been
announced. Once a site announcement takes place, a more specific time-frame
will be easier to project. I would not be at all surprised to hear of this
groundbreaking either taking place earlier in 2018, or even possibly being
pushed back further. Once I find out more, I will pass that information along.
178. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: While
some members have speculated that an existing Church office building could be
rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice housing Church offices, a
meetinghouse, and the temple, much is unknown about this temple. If a site
confirmation happens within the next year or so, I could see a groundbreaking
happen sometime near the end of next year. I could also see the Church delaying
that event further depending on what develops. Once additional information comes
to light, I will make any needed adjustments.
179. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While
an official site announcement is pending, we do know that the Church is growing
well in Africa. If a site is confirmed within the next year or so, a
groundbreaking might take place as estimated above. But such a groundbreaking
will depend on what happens between now and then. An adjustment will be made
once more is known.
180. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-2019.
NOTE:
Ecuador’s first temple had a 14 year waiting period between its announcement
and subsequent groundbreaking. A delay of that length is not anticipated for
this temple, from what I have been able to ascertain. Until a site is
confirmed, a groundbreaking might be hard to pin down. Depending on what
happens between now and then, the timeframe suggested above may change. I will
provide updates as I learn of them.
181. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
may take place during mid-2019.
NOTE:
Because the other Brazilian temple has already had a site confirmed, I have
felt confident that there will be a groundbreaking for that temple well in
advance of this one. If a site announcement for this temple happens in the next
year or so, I have felt that a groundbreaking could take place at around this
time. But I could see it happening sooner or later, depending on what happens
between now and then. Once more is known, an adjustment will be made.
182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning
phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: With
so much unknown about this temple, a groundbreaking time-frame is hard to pin
down. Depending on what happens in Africa between now and then, a
groundbreaking for this temple may happen sooner than estimated above, or it
could be pushed back. But it does seem clear that, unless something changes,
this Kenyan temple will be the last of the current bunch to have a
groundbreaking. Once more information becomes available, I will make any
adjustments that are necessary.
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.
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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