Church officials debunk rumor: No renovation closure is being planned for the St. George Temple

As my father grew up in St. George, and as one of his own father's young home teaching companions was young Jeff Holland, who has long been one of my favorite apostles, I have felt a strong connection to the St. George area.

Though I had not been aware of this until today, there has apparently been quite a bit of speculation that with the upcoming dedication of the Cedar City Utah Temple, the St. George Utah Temple would be closing for extensive renovation. Church officials and those who have a role in working on Church-related projects in St. George took steps earlier today to debunk that rumor.

As reported by both spokesmen for the Church in the Utah South Area and by the current president of the St. George Utah Temple, there are currently no plans whatsoever for such a renovation, and nothing is even being considered at all in that regard.

If you would like to read more about that rumor and its debunking, along with a description of Church projects that are actually underway and in the works in St. George, click here. As always, I am doing my level best to keep an eye out for any actual temple developments, and I will make every effort within my ability to pass along any updates as I learn of them.

If any of you have any comments on this, I would appreciate hearing from you. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to comment, I would appreciate knowing that as well. Thank you for the privilege of your time.

Updated List of Most Likely Future Temple Sites

In thinking about new temple possibilities, I have revised my list of those possibilities. I wanted to share those with you all right now. If you can, let me know what you think. If not, I can be reached via my blogger profile, and I would appreciate knowing whether or not I fixed the problems people reported relating to their ability to comment. I look forward to the feedback.

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

!Central & South America (including Brazil and Mexico): Managua Nicaragua; Puebla Mexico;  Valparaiso Chile; Belo Horizonte/Salvador Brazil; Neuquen Argentina

Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

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

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.      Within the wide region of Central & South America (including Brazil and Mexico), unprecedented growth continues. Those possibilities mentioned above seem most likely for that region. Managua has had a temple proposed and a site awaiting for quite a while now. While growth may not be happening as swiftly in Mexico, Puebla has long been considered as the city that will be home to Mexico’s next temple. And while the next temples for Chile, Brazil, and Argentina may not be announced for a while, the sites noted above do seem to be most likely.

3.      While European temples are always possible, and while I have heard that Hungary and Austria might be the next European nations to get a temple, and while those cities make sense in terms of President Monson’s expressed desire to ensure that every member is within 200 miles of a temple, the Church may be waiting to see how the dedication of the Paris France (last May) and Rome Italy temples (set to open sometime during 2018) and the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple (which may take place around that same time) might affect the European saints prior to any new announcements. If these temples are kept busy enough, then the Church might announce other temples there. Until more is known, that seems to be a fair assessment.

4.      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.

5.      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 of late, I don’t think it likely that we will see all that many new temples announced 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 unit growth and attendance at other temples within those areas warrant that happening.

6.      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.

Temple Construction Progress Update

In view of some excellent feedback I received late tonight, I have completely reworked the section of my temple construction report that covers announced temples. I am happy to share those updates with you all right now. If you can, let me know what you think. If I have not yet fixed the issues that have prevented comments from being posted, I need to know that as well. You can find my contact information through my blogger profile. Thanks, and enjoy!

Temple Construction Progress Update (current as of 6/16/17)

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 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 missionary housing; 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: Pouring temple foundation walls; meetinghouse exterior walls nearly finished; 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: Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who presides over the Africa Southeast Area, indicated last year that Zimbabwe’s first temple would likely have a site announcement sometime during 2017, with the groundbreaking possibly taking place shortly thereafter. However, nothing has changed since that time. While there is always a chance things could move quickly, as they have for so many other temples, until more is known, I want to be as conservative as possible. So I am adjusting my previous estimate, and will say that we might see a groundbreaking in either late August or early September. I will keep an eye out for any developments and provide updates as I am able to do so.

171. Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple: Planning and approval phase; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2017.

NOTE: With Elder Andersen having confirmed the site purchase for this temple, it is very likely that a groundbreaking could happen before the end of this year. Wanting to be as conservative as possible in my estimates, I will adjust my previous prediction and say that a groundbreaking could happen sometime during either September or October. Once more is known, I will try to provide a better estimate.

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: With the elimination of the delays that hindered the progress of this temple for so long, there is an equally likely chance that we could see a groundbreaking happen for this temple either late this year or early next year. Until more is known, I will venture a guess that a groundbreaking might happen sometime between mid-November and December. I will update these estimates as I become aware of developments.

173. Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during early-to-mid 2018.

NOTE: I learned in the late hours of June 16 that the contractor for the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple indicated that the preconstruction process for this temple began in March 2017. While there has not been any signs that this preconstruction is ongoing, if the contractor is correct, then that would mean construction might not begin until 2018 at earliest. Until more is known, that is an update from what I had previously reported.

174. Pocatello Idaho: Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 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. Because this temple is being built within the “Mormon corridor”, I have felt that the groundbreaking for this temple might take place sometime next year. If no substantial progress is made in the next little while, I will be bumping this temple again.

175. Saratoga Springs Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2018.

NOTE: This temple, which is being built within the “Mormon corridor”, has yet to have a site confirmed. All we know at the moment is that the Church owns several acres of land within that community. But it is not impossible to believe that a site could be confirmed within the next little while and a groundbreaking could follow shortly thereafter. Until more is known, this seems to be a safe adjustment.

176. Brasilia Brazil Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.

NOTE: Unless plans change, the site that local leaders identified for this temple (on an arm of Paranoa Lake) has been confirmed locally, which may be all that is needed. As site confirmations usually precede groundbreakings by about a year, a groundbreaking could happen at around the time indicated above. There is an equally likely chance that this temple will not have a groundbreaking until 2019 or later. Until more is known, that’s an update from what I had previously stated.

177. Greater Manila Philippines Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take place during late 2018-early 2019.

NOTE: A site has been somewhat confirmed for this temple (the Facebook page for the Philippines Area of the Church says it will be built in the region of Alabang, Muntinlupa City). Until more is known, and until we know if and when a more official name might be announced, it seems wise to revise my estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for any developments and will provide updates as I am able to.

178. Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: While there has been some speculation that an existing Church office building could be rebuilt and renovated into a multipurpose edifice that will house Church offices, a meetinghouse, and the temple, unless and until that is confirmed, it is difficult to determine when future progress might happen on this temple. While I would hope we will not have to wait another two years for progress on this temple, until more is known, this seems to be a better estimate.

179. Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.

NOTE: If a site is confirmed at any point within the next year or so for this temple, a groundbreaking could happen sooner. Since the Church has really taken off in the Ivory Coast, it seems hard to believe that there would be a four-year wait between the announcement and the groundbreaking. Until more is known, this seems to be a safer estimate.

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 its groundbreaking. While I would hope that a delay that long will not happen for this temple, it has not progressed beyond being announced. Wanting to be as conservative as possible in my thinking, I still think it is safe to assume that we could see this groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will keep an eye out for any developments and will be sure to pass that along.

181. Belem Brazil Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place during mid-to-late 2019.

NOTE: Unless something changes drastically, the temple announced for Brazil’s capital city will likely have a groundbreaking well before this temple, which was announced a year earlier. Until more is known, this seems to be a safer prediction.

182. Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2019-early 2020.

NOTE: Until more is known about Kenya’s first temple, a groundbreaking may be harder to predict than I thought. It seems safe to assert that this temple will be the last of the current bunch to have such a groundbreaking. Unless developments happen sooner than expected for this temple, that is an update from what I have previously stated.

                                                                                                          

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: Temple announcements within the last three years have come during the April General Conference. They may happen at any time the First Presidency feels inspired to make them, but that has been the pattern. I also know that sites have been purchased for future temples in Managua Nicaragua, Auckland New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula Montana, and I have been told by many that an official announcement will happen once unit growth and activity in temples within such areas warrants those announcements. If other potential temples have had a site purchased, they have yet to be identified as such. There have also been many temples proposed elsewhere by several apostles. Time will tell just how likely any of those sites might be. Until more is known about temples worldwide, that is the latest information I have.

                                                                                                           

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.

Massive Church News Update

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Updates on the Ministry of Our Apostles

Two apostles recently spoke in two very different settings about principles important to the Church, and, by extension, to the rest of the world. The Church News ran this article regarding Elder Andersen's meeting with and comments as part of a gathering of leaders of other world religions. In that report, his remarks and the response of other leaders to the gathering are detailed.

I am grateful to see that the Church is building bridges with other religious leaders. There are so many who claim that participation in an organized religion is not necessary, and that the support of formal religion is not needed in day-to-day lives. The minute Joseph Smith walked out of the Sacred Grove, he was ridiculed by the religious leaders of his day. And the first chapters of the history of this Church were filled with accounts of the Church as an institution and as individual believers were persecuted.

It took time and no small effort for the Church to be accepted and even admired by leaders of other religions. But the latest chapters of Church history have been full of a spirit of cooperation and mutual admiration between leaders of our Church and those who lead other faiths. It is wonderful to consider how far things have advanced that meetings like this can take place where shared views instead of differences can be discussed, and where leaders of all faiths can agree upon core and driving principles of belief. That was great to read about, and I hope any who will be reading that article from its link here will be equally edified and inspired as I was.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Elder Holland addressed those who work with LDS Family Services, praising their work and leaving them with his apostolic blessing. This article details that address. One of the many reasons Elder Holland continues to be a favorite of mine is his ongoing efforts to show compassion for those suffering in any way and to praise those who help ameliorate the suffering of such people. I was very moved by the report of that address.

That does it for this update. Stay tuned for more as more updates come in. Let me know your thoughts, if you are able to do so, and if you cannot, please let me know via e-mail. Thanks so much to you all for your interest and support.

Church Loses Another Emeritus General Authority

The Church News today reported the death of Emeritus General Authority Seventy Elder John R. Lasater, who died at the age of 85. As the first retired Air Force General to serve as a General Authority, he filled many prestigious assignments both during his military days, and even more so during his brief tenure as a GA Seventy. You can read more about this remarkable man's life, career, and service in this article. You can also review his one conference talk, which can be found here. That talk was given when I was not yet two, so I have no memory of it, but it does sound like it was a great address. My prayer is that that peace "which passes all understanding" may be with the Lasater family as they remember the memories they have had with him, and that their sorrow at his passing may be transformed into a celebration of life. Any of you who might want to comment on this are welcome to do so, if you are able. And if it turns out that I have not yet properly fixed that problem, please let me know via e-mail. Thanks to you all for your interest and support.