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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Saturday, August 5, 2017
Birthday Celebration to mark President Monson's 90th Birthday Not Likely
Hello, all! While I am still waiting to find out more about some questions that some of you have asked about relating to some of my latest posts, I was able to find out one thing: Barring something unexpected, and in view of the fact that President Monson's 90th birthday is now just over two weeks away, it is not likely that a formal celebration will be held to mark this milestone. I can understand that completely. President Monson has said he is a very private person. And depending on what his condition is, it may be hard for him to muster strength to attend such a celebration. That information did not come as a surprise to me. Generally for milestone birthdays of Church presidents, an announcement is made about such a celebration several weeks (if not a month or two) in advance. So I am sure this year, between his desire for privacy and whatever his condition is, President Monson will have a low-key, low-profile, quiet celebration with just his family and Church colleagues. Either way, I am grateful for the life and ministry of our dear prophet, and I wish him all the best, however he chooses to mark this milestone. May the Lord continue to bless and inspire him to the fullest extent possible is my prayer 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.
Friday, August 4, 2017
Changes made to numbering of temples that may be completed during 2019
Hello, all! Although no significant developments have been reported on any temples within the last 24 hours, I have changed my thinking on the numbering of temples under construction that may be completed during 2019. The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (which may be completed sometime during mid-to-late 2019) is now listed as 167, the Lisbon Portugal Temple (which may be completed sometime during late 2019) is now listed as 168, and the Arequipa Peru Temple (which may be completed sometime during late 2019 or early 2020) is listed as 169.
Depending on what happens during the remaining 4 months of this year (including how soon construction begins on the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple after its October 28 groundbreaking), that may change again. For now, I wanted to pass that along. As today has been comparatively more quiet in terms of Church and temple news, this post may be my only one today. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. All the best to all of you until my next post.
Depending on what happens during the remaining 4 months of this year (including how soon construction begins on the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple after its October 28 groundbreaking), that may change again. For now, I wanted to pass that along. As today has been comparatively more quiet in terms of Church and temple news, this post may be my only one today. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. All the best to all of you until my next post.
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.
More temple-related developments noted
Hello, all! I was making what I intended to be my last check of Church websites for the day, and in doing so, I discovered that more temple-related developments have been reported. I am posting right here right now with those updates. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. Thank you for the privilege of your time.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 8/3/17)
NOTE: There
will be a total of 182 operating
temples once all of those under construction or announced are dedicated. Of
those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 other will be dedicated next month
(after the traditional July recess for the General Authorities); 2 more
have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this
year; 9 are in various
stages of construction; 1 other has construction pending
(groundbreaking was last year), and earnest work will hopefully start on that
within the next month or so); 1 has
a groundbreaking scheduled (set for later this year); 1 temple has a rededication scheduled; 1 other is undergoing renovation (with
completion anticipated next year); another 4 have a renovation closure date set for later this year, with 5 others set to close early next year
(the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 12 are announced
(with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).
NOTE ON FUTURE TEMPLES: Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the
Executive Director of the Temple Department, indicated in a recent interview
that the Church has around 80 temple sites that are under active consideration
for an announcement within the next 15 years or so. If that is true, then that
would take the number of temples in any phase to just over 260 by 2032. And if
that is true, then whether or not the Church makes it an official goal to do
so, it is more than likely that there could be a minimum of 200 temples
dedicated by or before the Church’s 200th anniversary on April 6,
2030. All it would take to do so is 18 more being announced, and each of them,
along with the 26 either under construction or announced, to be completed
within the next 12 years and 9 months, which is doable if 3 or 4 are dedicated
per year between now and then. As there are 3 others scheduled for dedication
before the end of this year, with 5 set for next year, and up to 5 the year
following, the Church seems to be on track for that. This is especially
possible in light of the fact that, within the last 2.5 years or so, 12 new
temples have been announced, which works out to roughly 5 temples announced
each year. If that average continues for the next 15 years, 75 new temples will
be announced in that time, which is very close to the 80 referenced by Elder
Wilson. Subsequent versions of this report will continue to share developments
as they occur.
Preparing for dedication:
157. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Preparing for dedication, which is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; sod laid and trees planted; dedication
scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures;
installing art glass; landscaping progressing; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to
community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic
Republic of the Congo Temple: Exterior walls completed; preparing to attach
plywood to roof trusses and to pour baptismal font support; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
162. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on the east wall; decorative fence installation
underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Within the few short hours
that transpired between the evening and late night of August 3, this temple was
moved up to this spot while other temples have been moved down. I am working on
what this means for next year’s temple events, and will pass that along once I
learn anything.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Stone cladding completed on exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: Late tonight, this temple was
moved down, signifying that my thinking on the timeline for next year’s
temple-related events need to be revised yet again.
164. Durban
South Africa Temple: East soffit temple wall poured;
brick laying continues for temple and missionary housing; utility work
continues; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Interior and roof framing underway for temple
and patron housing; structural framing rising for meetinghouse; completion
anticipated sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Foundation walls and columns nearing
completion; cladding the meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime
during late 2019.
168.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
Construction pending
(anticipated to start anytime):
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Progress on this temple has been stalled repeatedly, first by a
bad Canadian winter (until April or May of this year), and since that time by a
delay in getting the necessary permits. If construction begins within the next
couple of months, I can see this temple dedicated sooner than indicated above. In
the meantime, until construction begins, I have felt it wise to adjust my
estimate. This is just my own thinking here, and not verifiable by any source
available to me. I will be sure to pass along any updates as I receive them.
Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony,
which is scheduled for Saturday October
28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: In addition to knowing that
this temple will be much smaller than its other Caribbean counterpart, I found
out in late July that this temple will be comparable in size (and perhaps
design) to the one in Kinshasa. All of this points to the notion that this
temple’s dedication could easily happen during the specified time-frame
estimated above. Once work is actually underway (which is anticipated to happen
on Monday October 30, barring any delays), I will pass along any changes to
that thinking.
Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2018.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or
so):
41. Frankfurt Germany
Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement
addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While this temple is a comparatively smaller one (from the
Hinckley era), I also learned on July 5 that this renovation will be altering
both the exterior and interior appearance of the temple. Those plans may or may
not involve an expansion. The opinions on what will happen in that regard are
so different that it will take time to settle the question. Once more is known,
I will pass that along. In the meantime, my study on the subject is ongoing.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: This temple, constructed as part of President Kimball’s smaller
temple design, is anticipated to be rededicated sometime in 2020. If the news
release about this renovation is any indication, no expansion is in the works. Adjustments
will be made as the process gets underway. For now, I wanted to also note that
the stated purpose for this renovation is primarily to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring the temple up-to-code. With that in mind, I also
learned in early July that the completion of this temple will most likely be
sooner than I originally thought, as it is comparatively smaller.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: In an earlier version of this report,
I had indicated that an expansion of this temple didn’t seem likely, as
information available to me at that time pointed to the current temple taking
up the entire area of the lot. On July 18, I learned I might be getting this
temple and Memphis confused. I am trying to iron all of that out, and will pass
along whatever I find out. Until more is known, I will not be altering my
completion estimate. If an expansion is planned,
that will change the estimate.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As noted in previous versions of this
report, I had the closure date for this temple off by a month. I regret that
misinformation. In the meantime, I did some study on whether or not this temple
might be expanded. On July 16, I found that this temple may have room to
expand. Whether or not expansion will happen, until more is known, I have felt it
wiser to stick to my completion estimate.
Temples that have a renovation
closure announced, but no official date made known yet:
68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in January 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: On July 16, while studying scheduled renovations, I learned two
things: this temple is on a large enough plot of land that expansion may be
possible and even feasible. That said, the Saints in North Carolina (according
to one of my contacts) were told that an expansion is not in the renovation
plans for this temple. It is possible but perhaps unlikely. More to come once
more is known, including any change of the completion estimate.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: My study on this temple (which I conducted on July 16) indicates
that there may be room on this temple lot to expand the edifice. The question
is whether or not the Church will choose to do so. I will keep an eye on
developments and pass things along as I learn of them. For now, the question
cannot be settled.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: This renovation and the one below were announced in February of
2017. In the interim, the Church has scheduled 7 other renovations around those
two. This temple is older, so the renovation will likely take longer. But I am
not ruling out other possibilities. We also know that the primary purpose of
this renovation is to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems and bring them
up to code. So I don’t think expansion is in the plans for this temple.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: This is another older temple where the purpose of the renovation
is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up to code. An
expansion doesn’t seem likely. It is a larger temple, so the renovation will
likely take longer. That reinforces the idea that the completion timeframe
above will be spot on.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: The purpose of this renovation is to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring them up to code. This temple has been renovated
before, which reinforces the idea that there may be less to update here than
for Washington DC. Until more is known, it is my feeling that this temple will
likely be rededicated first.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During
the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were
listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and
rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I
have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the
timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each
area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official
until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do
so.
Announced:
171. 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: With the recent news that
preconstruction for this temple began in March 2017, it is not hard to believe
that a groundbreaking could take place in short order once 2018 starts. But as
we also know that the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple had its groundbreaking
unexpected announced in mid-July (being set for the end of October), that opens
up the possibility that this temple could be another that could either have its
groundbreaking just before that for Port-au-Prince (as there is a precedent for
such things) or within the remaining two months of 2017. If that doesn’t
happen, then this temple will likely be the first to have a groundbreaking
during 2018.
172. Harare Zimbabwe Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take
place during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: Though nothing has happened
with this temple since Elder Hamilton stated that a site announcement and
groundbreaking would take place in short order at some point prior to the end
of 2017, and though that seemed to provide a sufficient reason to downgrade
this temple to sometime in 2018 or 2019, in reevaluating things in mid-July, I
determined that it would be wiser to move this temple back to this spot. There
is an outside chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking at some point
during the 4 months or so left in 2017, but that doesn’t seem probable.
Anything is possible, though. I will keep an eye out for developments and pass
those along as I find out more, along with any other adjustments.
173. Urdaneta Philippines
Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government approval and
official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While previous versions of
this report had downgraded this temple to being among the last of the current
bunch to have a groundbreaking, the end of delays preventing progress on this
temple’s construction mean that a site announcement and groundbreaking may be
simply a matter of time. That being the case, as noted in so many previous
versions of this report, some have speculated a groundbreaking for this temple
may take place prior to the end of 2017. But it seems more likely that it may
wait until around this time. As always, with these being no more than my own
thoughts based on the facts I have right now, they are subject to change as
things develop. I will make any further changes that might be needed as that
becomes necessary.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On July 18, 2017, I learned
some things that convinced me to take another look at the order in which these
announced temples are listed. That more extensive research led me to conclude
that this temple may get started closer to the average time in which Utah
temples have gone from an announcement to a groundbreaking. So I ran those
numbers, which now has me convinced that this temple’s groundbreaking may be
sooner than I had originally projected. This change will be reflected on my
timeline for future temple-related events.
175. Brasilia Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, new
information received on July 18, 2017 led to my rethinking this entire section.
Particularly, I found out that the site inspection is not indicative of an
imminent groundbreaking like I thought it might be. While it is still likely
that this temple will have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2018, it will
likely be more towards the end of the year than the beginning, contrary to what
I had thought and reported. This seems like a safe change for the moment. If
the Lord surprises us and sets a groundbreaking for this temple sooner than
estimated here, I will move it up on this list at that time.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: This is another temple that
has already had a site confirmed, but that will likely not have a
groundbreaking as soon as I had thought and asserted that would happen. Having
been advised that temples announced in April 2017 might have at least a year
between the site announcement and the groundbreaking, this seems to be a safe
and sound adjustment. As always, once
the Lord or the leaders of His Church reveal more about any temple, that new
information will be reflected on future reports. For now, that is an update
from what I have previously reported. And we are also still waiting to see if
and when a more official name might be announced for this temple. I will report
on all developments as I become aware of them.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that temples
in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah and Arizona generally get started well
in advance of their international counterparts, I learned on July 18, 2017 that
some temples on this list needed to be moved (some up, and some down). I also
learned that Idaho temples have kept to a general average time-frame from
announcement to groundbreaking, and by changing the estimate for this temple,
it corresponds more fully to that average.
178. Nairobi Kenya Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14,
2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As I have considered the
media event held last month, I have determined it wiser to assume that a
groundbreaking for this temple will happen sooner rather than later. It seems
apparent now that this temple will not be the last of those currently announced
to have a groundbreaking, as I had originally thought and stated. So it seems
wise to make that adjustment. As always, once more information is available, I
will go from there.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If member speculation is confirmed
within the next year or so (that a building housing Church offices will be
reconstructed and repurposed into an edifice housing not just those offices,
but also a meetinghouse and the temple as well), then formal construction
efforts could begin sooner than indicated here. Until more is known, I am
trying to be conservative in my estimates. I would not be surprised in the
least if this temple’s groundbreaking happens sooner or later than indicated
here.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the massive growth that
the Church has experienced in the Ivory Coast, some have speculated that the Ivory
Coast could get one or two additional temples within the next 15 years. For
this first one, this adjustment feels appropriate. Further adjustments will be
made once more is known.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Despite the 14-year wait
between the announcement and groundbreaking for Ecuador’s first temple, this
one for the Ecuadoran capital is not anticipated to have nearly as long a wait.
With other adjustments that have been made, this seems appropriate. Further
adjustments will be made once more is known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Since we have a site
essentially confirmed for the other Brazilian temple above, even though this
one was announced a year prior to that one, it is more than likely that we will
not see a groundbreaking for this Belem temple until a year or so after the one
for Brasilia. If the estimates for all other temples are anywhere close (which
they may or may not be), that would make this temple the last of the current
bunch to be dedicated. But this is 2 or 3 years out, so changes are always
possible within that time depending on what develops between now and then.
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 since 2015. Also, as noted above,
Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 85 or more temple
sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So
we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and
construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples
that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for
future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the
first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not
yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland
New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula
Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). 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 there have been
any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also
know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations
around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue
to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments
will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.
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.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
The Packer Family's contribution to Family History Work
In light of the temple news that came up at various times earlier today, I have been busy reporting updates related to that subject. However, the Church News also ran this article about the role President Boyd K. Packer (and now, even three years after his death, his family) has played in furthering Family History work. In fact, President Packer's involvement in Family History has been extended by the work of his wife and his son, Elder Allan F. Packer, who was among the first General Authority Seventies called during President Monson's presidency. Elder Packer spent the first eight years or so of his time as a General Authority Seventy serving first as the Assistant Executive Director, then the Executive Director, of the Church History Department. Last year, Elder Packer's assignment changed, and he is now the First Counselor in the South America South Area Presidency.
It was awesome to read about how these three (President Packer, Sister Packer, and Elder Packer) have contributed and continue to contribute to furthering Family History in the Church. If the article is any indication, Sister Packer, who will be 90 in October, has no intention of slowing down. She will continue to carry on the work of Family History her husband had such an enthusiasm for for as long as she lives. And I'm sure that Elder Packer will continue to bless the people of the South America South Area with his testimony of the importance of family history work. If he does, you can be sure that many new temples will be announced for the South America South Area in the not-too-distant future. With the estimate for the completion of the Concepcion Chile Temple having recently been moved up, it would not surprise me at all if more temples were announced in that region within the next couple of years. I have two possibilities for that region on my own radar for the next General Conference. How likely they might be remains to be seen.
For now, I wanted to post that update. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. More information will come as I receive it. Thanks again. I wish you all the best until my next post.
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.
Second Update to Potential Timeline for Temple-related Events
Hello, all! The changes made to my temple construction progress report late tonight also made necessary further changes to my projected timeline for future temple-related events. Here are the changes. Enjoy! Thanks for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
PRELIMANARY NOTE: In addition to what I shared when posting an updated version of this timeline earlier today, some game-changing information on future temple completion was brought to my attention late this evening. This necessitated a change to this timeline, which I am now taking care of. If anything further develops that changes my mind again, I will post another update. Thanks.
2017—Events already scheduled:
Sometime in the near future (perhaps within the next two months): Work is anticipated to begin in earnest on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple
NOTE: As of August 3, 2017, the process of acquiring building permits for this temple is still ongoing. Until more is known, I have changed my estimate for when during 2019 this temple might be completed. In light of that, I will reiterate my feelings that full-scale construction may not begin until sometime within the next two months. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye on things, and will pass along any updates in this regard as they come to my attention. Until more is known, I prefer to be more conservative in this estimate, which will be provided later on in this document.
Saturday August 12: Tucson Arizona Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday August 13: Tucson Arizona Temple Dedication (157th operating temple)
NOTE: Since President Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, it is highly probable that he will return to dedicate the temple. I have looked but have not been able to find which of our apostles might have ties to Arizona in general, and the city of Tucson in particular. If any of you know any, let me know. We are sure to see at least one apostle attend, possibly two (if a senior member of the Twelve is asked to preside). As far as other possible attendees, I had been projecting that Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who will preside over this area until the assignments change on August 1, 2017, would be there. But with the news that Elder Juan A. Uceda will now supervise that area, he might be the one to attend. More to come on this as I find out more. Either way, this dedication is now just over a week away.
Monday August 21: President Monson’s 90th birthday
NOTE: The Church announced on May 23 that President Monson would no longer attend meetings at Church headquarters nor take an active role in decisions. He will still make any major ones that require his approval and consent, but is delegating everything else to his counselors and the other 12 apostles. While it appears unlikely that a formal celebration will be held for the prophet who has followed in his predecessor’s footsteps in taking us from 124 operating temples to 182 in various stages, I have felt it important to note it on this timeline. Saturday September 23 and 30 and Sunday October 1: 187th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Larry Y. Wilson to the effect that there are 80 or so potential temple sites under consideration right now that may have an official announcement within the next 15 years, it is very possible that the Church will start announcing temples more regularly, both during each General Conference and perhaps in between as well. It therefore seems very likely that the next several years will be full of temple-related events. As always, I will pass along information and updates as I receive them.
Friday September 29: Memphis Tennessee and Tokyo Japan Temple Renovation Closures
NOTE: With this date having been confirmed for the renovation closure of these temples, a completion estimate may be hard to pin down. But new information I received in late June and early July indicated that the Memphis renovation will include a change of the temples interior and exterior appearance. While it is unknown if that means an expansion of this temple, it seems safe to estimate a completion of between 17-20 months. Additionally, the Tokyo Temple is older, but its’ renovation may not take as long as I thought, primarily because there is no expansion planned, because it is comparatively smaller, and because it only involves upgrading and replacing electrical and mechanical systems. That new information will be reflected in my estimates for the temples that will be provided later on in this timeline.
Saturday October 14: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: The Church has confirmed this as the official date for the closure of this temple. While it is unclear whether or not the renovation process will include any kind of expansion, it seems safe to offer an initial estimate of 15 months for the completion of this one. More information will be provided, along with any adjustment of this line of thinking, as more becomes known. For the moment, that 15 month estimate will be used to determine a change in the completion estimate, which will be given later on in this timeline and will undergo further adjustments once more information is available.
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11 (excluding the Sundays of October 22 and 29 and November 5): Meridian Idaho Temple Open House
Saturday October 28: Groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
NOTE: I learned in early July that this temple would be significantly smaller, and I adjusted my estimate for its construction and completion to 2 years and 7 months (1.5 years shorter than the only other Caribbean temple). Then on Thursday July 13, 2017, the First Presidency announced this groundbreaking would take place 2.5 months later. About a week later, I learned that this temple will be somewhat comparable to the size of the Kinshasa DR Congo temple, which also impacts the completion estimate. For now, this all seems like a safe conclusion to make. Any adjustments will be made as needed once more is known.
Sunday October 29: Asuncion Paraguay Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: While previous versions of this timeline had listed this temple’s closure for September 29, double-checking the Church’s page for this temple confirmed the actual information. I apologize for this unintentional error on my part. And as this temple is the newest of the bunch that are scheduled for renovation, unless an expansion of any kind is planned, it seems unlikely that one will happen. More information will come once more is known. Until that time, a 15-month estimate seems fair for this temple’s completion.
Saturday November 18: Meridian Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday November 19: Meridian Idaho Temple Dedication (158th operating temple)
NOTE: Since Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, it is not hard to believe that he might return for the dedication. What is not so clear is whether or not he will preside. To me, it would make more sense if a more senior apostle or member of the First Presidency presides, and Elder Bednar is the accompanying apostle. I could also see the First Presidency having other apostles in attendance instead of Elder Bednar. That said, I know that previous precedent indicates that if an apostle or his wife has ties to a temple, that apostle will be in attendance and/or preside at such an event. Nothing is out of the question at this point. As always, more information will be coming as more is known, including any updates to this theory.
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18: Cedar City Utah Temple Open House
Saturday December 9: Cedar City Utah Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday December 10: Cedar City Utah Temple Dedication (159th operating temple)
NOTE: With this dedication being for a Utah temple, it is almost certain that there will be many participants. I could see either Presidents Eyring or Uchtdorf presiding there, but I could also see them delegating that task to a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (and it appears that, of those six, the two most likely are either Elder M. Russell Ballard (who seems to have a supervisory role over the Utah areas) or Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who was born in St. George, which I have heard is considered somewhat of a “sister” to Cedar City (but by virtue of those two being the largest localities in Southern Utah rather than by virtue of being in close proximity.)) It is also not hard to believe that, among the General Authorities invited to attend will be Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Senior President of the Seventy, who presided at this temple’s groundbreaking, and possibly Elder Craig C. Christensen, who will by then have gone from being the 4th (and therefore the middle) most senior member to being Elder Clayton’s new seatmate as a result of the changes to that Presidency that will have been effective for about four months by this time.
PRELIMANARY NOTE: In addition to what I shared when posting an updated version of this timeline earlier today, some game-changing information on future temple completion was brought to my attention late this evening. This necessitated a change to this timeline, which I am now taking care of. If anything further develops that changes my mind again, I will post another update. Thanks.
2017—Events already scheduled:
Sometime in the near future (perhaps within the next two months): Work is anticipated to begin in earnest on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple
NOTE: As of August 3, 2017, the process of acquiring building permits for this temple is still ongoing. Until more is known, I have changed my estimate for when during 2019 this temple might be completed. In light of that, I will reiterate my feelings that full-scale construction may not begin until sometime within the next two months. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye on things, and will pass along any updates in this regard as they come to my attention. Until more is known, I prefer to be more conservative in this estimate, which will be provided later on in this document.
Saturday August 12: Tucson Arizona Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday August 13: Tucson Arizona Temple Dedication (157th operating temple)
NOTE: Since President Uchtdorf broke ground for this temple, it is highly probable that he will return to dedicate the temple. I have looked but have not been able to find which of our apostles might have ties to Arizona in general, and the city of Tucson in particular. If any of you know any, let me know. We are sure to see at least one apostle attend, possibly two (if a senior member of the Twelve is asked to preside). As far as other possible attendees, I had been projecting that Elder Lynn G. Robbins, who will preside over this area until the assignments change on August 1, 2017, would be there. But with the news that Elder Juan A. Uceda will now supervise that area, he might be the one to attend. More to come on this as I find out more. Either way, this dedication is now just over a week away.
Monday August 21: President Monson’s 90th birthday
NOTE: The Church announced on May 23 that President Monson would no longer attend meetings at Church headquarters nor take an active role in decisions. He will still make any major ones that require his approval and consent, but is delegating everything else to his counselors and the other 12 apostles. While it appears unlikely that a formal celebration will be held for the prophet who has followed in his predecessor’s footsteps in taking us from 124 operating temples to 182 in various stages, I have felt it important to note it on this timeline. Saturday September 23 and 30 and Sunday October 1: 187th Semiannual General Conference
NOTE: Given the statement from Elder Larry Y. Wilson to the effect that there are 80 or so potential temple sites under consideration right now that may have an official announcement within the next 15 years, it is very possible that the Church will start announcing temples more regularly, both during each General Conference and perhaps in between as well. It therefore seems very likely that the next several years will be full of temple-related events. As always, I will pass along information and updates as I receive them.
Friday September 29: Memphis Tennessee and Tokyo Japan Temple Renovation Closures
NOTE: With this date having been confirmed for the renovation closure of these temples, a completion estimate may be hard to pin down. But new information I received in late June and early July indicated that the Memphis renovation will include a change of the temples interior and exterior appearance. While it is unknown if that means an expansion of this temple, it seems safe to estimate a completion of between 17-20 months. Additionally, the Tokyo Temple is older, but its’ renovation may not take as long as I thought, primarily because there is no expansion planned, because it is comparatively smaller, and because it only involves upgrading and replacing electrical and mechanical systems. That new information will be reflected in my estimates for the temples that will be provided later on in this timeline.
Saturday October 14: Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: The Church has confirmed this as the official date for the closure of this temple. While it is unclear whether or not the renovation process will include any kind of expansion, it seems safe to offer an initial estimate of 15 months for the completion of this one. More information will be provided, along with any adjustment of this line of thinking, as more becomes known. For the moment, that 15 month estimate will be used to determine a change in the completion estimate, which will be given later on in this timeline and will undergo further adjustments once more information is available.
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11 (excluding the Sundays of October 22 and 29 and November 5): Meridian Idaho Temple Open House
Saturday October 28: Groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple
NOTE: I learned in early July that this temple would be significantly smaller, and I adjusted my estimate for its construction and completion to 2 years and 7 months (1.5 years shorter than the only other Caribbean temple). Then on Thursday July 13, 2017, the First Presidency announced this groundbreaking would take place 2.5 months later. About a week later, I learned that this temple will be somewhat comparable to the size of the Kinshasa DR Congo temple, which also impacts the completion estimate. For now, this all seems like a safe conclusion to make. Any adjustments will be made as needed once more is known.
Sunday October 29: Asuncion Paraguay Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: While previous versions of this timeline had listed this temple’s closure for September 29, double-checking the Church’s page for this temple confirmed the actual information. I apologize for this unintentional error on my part. And as this temple is the newest of the bunch that are scheduled for renovation, unless an expansion of any kind is planned, it seems unlikely that one will happen. More information will come once more is known. Until that time, a 15-month estimate seems fair for this temple’s completion.
Saturday November 18: Meridian Idaho Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday November 19: Meridian Idaho Temple Dedication (158th operating temple)
NOTE: Since Elder David A. Bednar broke ground for this temple, it is not hard to believe that he might return for the dedication. What is not so clear is whether or not he will preside. To me, it would make more sense if a more senior apostle or member of the First Presidency presides, and Elder Bednar is the accompanying apostle. I could also see the First Presidency having other apostles in attendance instead of Elder Bednar. That said, I know that previous precedent indicates that if an apostle or his wife has ties to a temple, that apostle will be in attendance and/or preside at such an event. Nothing is out of the question at this point. As always, more information will be coming as more is known, including any updates to this theory.
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18: Cedar City Utah Temple Open House
Saturday December 9: Cedar City Utah Temple Cultural Celebration
Sunday December 10: Cedar City Utah Temple Dedication (159th operating temple)
NOTE: With this dedication being for a Utah temple, it is almost certain that there will be many participants. I could see either Presidents Eyring or Uchtdorf presiding there, but I could also see them delegating that task to a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (and it appears that, of those six, the two most likely are either Elder M. Russell Ballard (who seems to have a supervisory role over the Utah areas) or Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, who was born in St. George, which I have heard is considered somewhat of a “sister” to Cedar City (but by virtue of those two being the largest localities in Southern Utah rather than by virtue of being in close proximity.)) It is also not hard to believe that, among the General Authorities invited to attend will be Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Senior President of the Seventy, who presided at this temple’s groundbreaking, and possibly Elder Craig C. Christensen, who will by then have gone from being the 4th (and therefore the middle) most senior member to being Elder Clayton’s new seatmate as a result of the changes to that Presidency that will have been effective for about four months by this time.
2018
NOTE: On June 21, I was advised of changes to the
estimated completion time-frame of the new temples that will be dedicated next
year. Those changes will be reflected in this section. Additionally, on June
27, the Church announced renovation closures for three other temples next year.
Then, in early July, new information came to my attention that changed my
thinking on the order in which announced temples may have a groundbreaking. Additionally,
the First Presidency announced on August 3 the dates for the open house and
dedication dates of the Jordan River Utah Temple. All of that new information
will be reflected in this section, and, in light of these developments,
obviously future dedications and rededications will be included at a later
point on this timeline. Additionally, late on the night of August 3, I found
out that I needed to rethink the dedication estimates for new temples in light
of new information. All of that new information is reflected in this section.
Event announced
and dates confirmed (or else easy to project based on prevailing patterns of
the past):
Saturday March
17-Saturday April 28: Jordan River Utah Temple Open House
NOTE: This open house was announced on August 3, 2017. Open
house tours will run every day, with the exceptions of Saturday March 24 & 31
(for General Conference), and the Sundays of March 18, 25, April 1 (General
Conference), 8, 15, and 22. This open house is set to run so long because it is
a Utah temple and a well-loved icon in that community, and because of the
significance of this temple. The cultural celebration and dedication will be
listed later on in this timeline.
Saturday March 24
& 31 & Sunday April 1: 188th Annual General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Additionally, the
fact that the above-mentioned temple open house will not be held on these dates
lends credibility to the idea that General Conference will be held then. Getting
back to the note on this conference though, temple announcements are always
possible during General Conference, and given Elder Wilson’s statement
referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements during this
conference.
Saturday May 19:
Cultural Celebration for the Jordan River Utah Temple
Sunday May 20:
Rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple
NOTE: This temple has been undergoing renovation since
February 2015. Originally anticipated to be completed sometime in 2017, the
completion estimate was gradually pushed back. The First Presidency announced
the open house, cultural celebration, and rededication dates for this temple on
August 3, 2017. I had been thinking and asserting that this rededication would
happen prior to the annual July recess of the General Authorities during 2018.
It is nice to have that confirmed. Barring anything unexpected, this
rededication will be among the first temple-related events for 2018. It is
unusual to have this event announced nine months before it happens, but it was
likely necessary due to the history of this temple, and the inquiries that have
been made about it.
Saturday September
29 & Saturday & Sunday October 6 & 7: 188th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events already
announced, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed:
January: Raleigh
North Carolina Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: Given the scheduling of past renovations, the
closure of this temple could take place prior to the end of 2017. Until more is
known, a more exact date is almost impossible to pin down. As with everything
else, more will come once more is known. For the moment, we do know that this
temple is anticipated to reopen sometime in 2019, and I will give an estimate
for the completion of this temple later on in this timeline. What we don’t know
is whether or not this renovation will include an expansion. If the report of
members in the area are any indication, that might not be part of the plan.
Until more is known, that is an update from what I had previously reported.
February: Baton
Rouge Louisiana and Oakland California Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: While the exact dates and lengths of these
renovations are not known, we know that Baton Rouge is a newer temple, while
Oakland is older. We also found out about the Oakland renovation earlier this
year, while news of Baton Rouge’s only came in late June. Additionally, the
Oakland renovation will only reportedly involve replacing electrical and
mechanical systems. Baton Rouge may or may not be expanded. But that aside, I
do think that Baton Rouge may be completed well in advance of Oakland, even if
the renovations start at around that same time. And once more is known about
specific closure dates for either or both of these renovations, I will pass
that along. But for now, I wanted to note that those closures may be set for the
final days of January. Either way, these closures mean a future rededication
will need to be set, for which I offer my best-guess theories later on in this
timeline.
March: Washington
DC Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: This renovation closure may be set for some time during
February or March. The one difference to note about this renovation is that it
is anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020. And, as with any other
future temple-related event, I will be offering my best educated guess for the
timeframe of that rededication, which, of course, will be subject to change as
more information comes my way. I will be sure to continue to provide any
updates on that front.
May: Mesa Arizona
Temple Renovation Closure
NOTE: This temple is the 7th operating temple
to be dedicated in this dispensation and to still be in use today. While I had
originally thought (and had even asserted) that this older temple would be the
last of that bunch to be finished and dedicated, subsequent study has corrected
that initial assertion. Given that this is the second renovation for this
temple, and given the Church’s statement that the renovation would be completed
in 2020, with the research I have done on the subject, my estimate for its
completion and rededication needed to be adjusted. I will share the results of
that additional study later on in this timeline.
Events that are
not yet scheduled but are anticipated to happen during this year (whether or
not around the time-frames indicated here):
Early-to-mid June
(possibly June 3 or 10): Dedication of the Rome Italy Temple (160th
operating temple)
NOTE: This temple is another example of one that
progresses slowly but steadily. Among the first that President Monson announced
during his presidency (in October 2008), it had a groundbreaking ceremony over
which President Monson presided two years later. As the construction progress
has run into several delays in the nearly seven years since then, there have
been several other temples that have had both a groundbreaking and subsequent
dedication while the completion estimate for this temple has been pushed back
time and time again. It is now almost certain that this temple will be the
first new one dedicated in 2018. Until more is known, that is a change from
what I have previously reported. For now, this seems to be a safe assertion. As
more is known, this estimate will more than likely change again.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Sunday August 5 or 12): Rededication of the Frankfurt Germany
Temple
NOTE: This temple renovation began in 2015, and its
rededication was originally anticipated to take place sometime this year. As
the renovation process has unfolded, the completion estimate for this temple
has continued to be adjusted. While the rededication is anticipated to take
place sometime during the middle of 2018, if no major progress is reported on
this temple within the next several months, I could see that estimate being
adjusted again. For the moment, though, this seems to be a reasonable adjusted
projection. Once more is known, adjustments will continue to be made. And if a
dedication is scheduled at around this time, I could definitely see the Church
having the open house conclude by the end of June, exactly what happened for
the Tucson Arizona Temple in 2017. If and when this estimate needs to be
adjusted, I will do so.
Early-to-mid
September (possibly Sunday September 2 or 9): Dedication of the Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple (161st operating temple)
NOTE: This temple, which is comparatively smaller, had
been slated for completion within the early months of 2018, but that has been
readjusted repeatedly. I found out on June 21 that the completion of this
temple is now estimated for the middle or latter part of this year. It is hoped
that the dedication will take place closer to the middle than towards the end
of this year. That, of course, will be dependent on what happens over the next
year or so. I am keeping an eye on developments and will change this estimate
as needed once I find out more.
Mid-to-late
October (possibly Sunday October 21 or 28): Dedication of the Concepcion Chile Temple
(162nd operating temple)
NOTE: New information that came to my attention in the
late-night hours of August 3 have led me to conclude that it will be the
Concepcion Chile Temple that is dedicated at around this time, instead of what
I had previously asserted in this regard. If that changes again, you can bet I
will pass that along.
Early-to-mid
November (possibly Sunday November 4 or 11): Dedication of the Barranquilla
Colombia Temple (163rd operating temple)
NOTE: In view of the fact that the Concepcion Chile
completion estimate changed on August 3, it was necessary to move this temple
down to this spot. I can see the Church either moving this temple up or down
depending on what happens on its construction in the near future. Until more is
known, that is a change from what I had previously reported.
Mid-December
(possibly Sunday December 9 or 16): Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple
(164th operating temple)
NOTE: While this temple had recently been thought to be
the second-to-last that would be dedicated during 2018, new information
received on August 3, 2017 pointed to the fact that both the Concepcion Chile
and Barranquilla Temples would be completed prior to this one. So this
adjustment feels reasonable. Once more is known, I will pass that along, along
with any changes to this estimate.
Events that might
happen during 2018 (only my best-guess estimates for such events based on what
is now known about them; will more than likely change once more information
comes to light):
Late April-early May
(possibly Saturday April 28 or May 5): Groundbreaking for the Lima Peru Los
Olivos Temple
NOTE: In early summer 2017, I learned that
preconstruction for this temple had reportedly begun in March 2017. While there
has been no evidence that verifies this, we do know that preconstruction is
anticipated to last a year. Given the precedent set by the unexpected
groundbreaking announcement for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, there is an
outside chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking prior to the end of
2017. The likelihood of that happening remains to be seen. Until more is known,
I have adjusted this estimate.
Early-to-mid June
(possibly Saturday June 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple
NOTE: While nothing has happened relating to this temple
since Elder Kevin S. Hamilton stated that a site announcement and
groundbreaking might happen in short order sometime during 2017 that is
becoming increasingly less likely. While it may be difficult to pinpoint an
exact time-frame for this temple’s groundbreaking until more is known, new
information I received in mid-July points to the notion that this
groundbreaking will happen either prior to the end of 2017 or else within the
first half of 2018. Once more is known, I will pass along any additional
information and adjustments. For now, that is a change from what I had
previously thought and reported.
Early-to-mid August
(possibly Saturday August 4 or 11): Groundbreaking for the Urdaneta Philippines
Temple
NOTE: This temple, the oldest of those that have not
progressed beyond an announcement, has been subjected to numerous delays since
it was announced in October 2010. While the widely differing reports of
progress have led me to adjust and readjust repeatedly the timing of this
groundbreaking, in early July 2017, I received new information which pointed to
the idea that this temple could have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2017,
or if not then, then in fairly short order in 2018. If no progress occurs with
this temple within the next nine months, obviously an adjustment will need to
be made. Until more is known, that is a change from what I had previously
reported.
Mid-September (possibly
Saturday September 8 or 15): Groundbreaking for the Saratoga Springs Utah
Temple
NOTE: In view of new information I received in early July
2017, I was led to reevaluate how soon temples announced in April 2017 might
have a groundbreaking. I also did some studying on the average time-frame
within which Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking,
And in light of that study, it has seemed reasonable to move the groundbreaking
estimate for this temple to around this time. Right now, there has not been an
official site announcement. That aside, if a site announcement happens within
the next nine months or so, a groundbreaking could follow sooner or later than
this. I am keeping an eye on things and will make any adjustments as needed.
Late October or
early November (possibly Saturday October 27 or November 3): Groundbreaking for
the Brasilia Brazil Temple
NOTE: Though this temple was announced in April 2017, it
has already had a site confirmed, and Church engineers have inspected that
site. In early July 2017, I found out that a groundbreaking for this temple
might not be as imminent as I originally believed and asserted. So this
adjustment felt necessary and prudent. As more develops, I will continue to
make further adjustments as needed.
Mid-December
(perhaps Saturday December 8 or 15): Groundbreaking for the Greater Manila
Philippines Temple
NOTE: Since this temple already had a site confirmed, and
since a site confirmation is the longest part of the process, unless things
change, it seems reasonable to believe that a groundbreaking could follow at
around this same time. Additionally, since an official name was announced for
the second temple in the Peruvian capital city 3 weeks after that temple was
announced, and since almost four months have come and gone between the
announcement of this second temple for the Filipino capital city, it is not
unreasonable to assume that an official name may be announced for this temple
before too much longer. That said, I also wanted to note that new information
received in early July 2017 pointed to the idea that this groundbreaking would
likely not be as imminent as I thought, and that other temples might have such
a groundbreaking prior to this one. Until more is known, I have felt it wise to
adjust my thinking on this. I also wanted to note that if the groundbreakings
for both this temple and the one in Urdaneta take place sometime in 2018, it
will be the first time in Church history that two Filipino temples have been
under construction at once.
2019 (NOTE:
With this being two years out, the estimates are slightly more speculative. But
I offer my best estimates based on the facts I currently have.)
Events already
announced or anticipated, though exact dates have yet to be confirmed:
Saturday March 30
and Saturday and Sunday April 6 & 7): 189th Annual General
Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Saturday September
28 and Saturday and Sunday October 5 & 6): 189th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events that are
not yet scheduled but are anticipated at around the times indicated and are
dependent on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Sunday March 3 or 10): Rededication of the Oklahoma City Oklahoma
Temple
NOTE: This temple, set to close on October 14, 2017, will
likely have a renovation lasting around 15 months or so (1.25 years), unless an
expansion of any kind is planned. Until more is known, this is a change from
what I had previously reported and suggested. For now, this seems to be a safe
adjustment
Mid-to-late March
(possibly Sunday March 17 or 24): Rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple
NOTE: As noted above (in relation to this temple’s
closure), as the newest of those scheduled for renovation, it may not take long
to renovate unless an expansion is part of the plan (which seems doubtful).
Until more is known, and until the process gets underway, the estimate for this
rededication will likely be subject to change.
Early-to-mid May
(possibly Sunday May 5 or 12): Dedication of the Fortaleza Brazil Temple (165th
operating temple)
NOTE: While much is unknown in terms of a more exact
time-frame for this temple’s dedication, we do know that it is anticipated
sometime during early-to-mid 2019. And while Brazil, like the US, observes
Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, it is not a nationally celebrated
holiday. The Church may or may not elect to have a temple dedication on
Mother’s Day, but it remains to be seen whether or not this temple will even be
dedicated at around this time. Once more is known in this regard, I will be
sure to pass that along, and to make any changes that might be needed.
Mid-to-late May
(possibly Sunday May 19 or 26): Rededication of the Memphis Tennessee Temple
NOTE: With what we do know about this temple’s renovation
(that it will be changing the exterior and interior look of the temple), and
with how little is known about the other renovations, I have felt it wise to
adjust my estimate for this rededication to this time. As more is known (and
particularly as the renovation progresses), I will be making any adjustments to
this estimate that might be needed.
Early-to-mid June
(possibly Sunday June 2 or 9): Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (166th
operating temple)
NOTE: Because earnest work has not yet begun on this
temple, I have constantly changed my thinking on whether or not the Rio temple
would be finished before this one. If work begins in earnest at any time within
the next two months, a dedication could follow at around this time. But if it
does not, I will continue to adjust my thinking subsequently as that might be
needed.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Sunday August 4 or 11): Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple (167th operating temple)
NOTE: As noted above, new study on my part has led me to
conclude that the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple will be finished prior to this one,
mainly because this one is significantly larger and has other buildings
involved with this project. So it made sense to me to adjust previous thinking
and, in consequence of that process, adjust the possible time-frame for this
dedication. If I find new information that leads me to revise this estimate, I
will be sure to do so.
Early-to-mid
September (possibly Sunday September 1 or 8): Rededication of the Raleigh North
Carolina Temple
NOTE: Until this temple’s renovation is underway (and, as
noted above, it is scheduled to start in or around January 2018), an exact
completion estimate is difficult. However, we do know that this temple is among
the newest of those that are scheduled for renovation. With that in mind, it is
not hard to project that the rededication of this temple could happen 1.5 years
after its closure. As the renovation process gets underway next year, and as it
unfolds, any adjustments to this time-frame for this rededication will be made
in later versions of this timeline.
Mid-September
(possibly Sunday September 15 or 22): Rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana
Temple
NOTE: This temple, as noted, is anticipated to close at
some point during February 2018. As the renovation process unfolds, more will
be known about how reasonable this completion estimate might be. Because it is
a newer temple, I can see the renovation lasting roughly 1.5 years. I will keep
an eye out for any and all developments, and will pass any updates along as I
hear of them, along with making any adjustments that may be needed.
Early-to-mid
November (possibly Sunday November 3 or 10): Dedication of the Lisbon Portugal
Temple (168th operating temple)
NOTE: All that is known about this temple’s estimated
completion is that it could be finished in mid-to-late 2019. It seems to be on
schedule, so time will tell whether or not the timeframe proposed above is
accurate. Until more is known, this seems to be a safe prediction. I will pass
along any new information as I receive it, along with any needed adjustments to
this estimates.
Mid-December
(Sunday December 8 or 15): Rededication of the Oakland California Temple
NOTE: This renovation is only set to get underway
sometime within February of 2018. Until that process unfolds, it is hard to
tell how long that process might take. We do know that this is an older temple,
so it is very possible that the renovation process will take longer than anyone
anticipates. Until more is known, this seems to be a sound estimate. I will be
sure to provide any updates as I receive them.
Events that might
happen during 2019 (but for which a confirmation is pending and which might be
sooner or later depending on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Saturday March 2 or 9): Groundbreaking for the Pocatello Idaho Temple
NOTE: While it is true that temples within the US have
typically had their construction start and finished well in advance of other
temples, new information I received in early July led me to reconsider how soon
we might see this groundbreaking. While a probable site has been identified, it
has yet to be confirmed. Additionally, putting this groundbreaking at this
point in the timeline makes more sense because it conforms more to the average
time-frame that has prevailed between an announcement and a groundbreaking for
Idaho temples. I will pass along any updates, including any adjustments to this
line of thinking, as I am made aware of them. Just wanted to note that, for
what it’s worth.
Early-to-mid May
(possibly Saturday May 4 or 11): Groundbreaking for the Nairobi Kenya Temple
NOTE: While the media event held for this temple in June
2017 gave me hope that progress was being made on this temple, there have not
been any developments related to this temple since that time. And while a
suggestion given to me in early July led to my rethinking where this temple was
in terms of those that might have a groundbreaking in 2019, further study led
me to conclude that this groundbreaking might be the second for this year. As
with everything else, I will pass along any updates once I receive them.
Early-to-mid June
(possibly Saturday June 1 or 8): Groundbreaking for the Bangkok Thailand Temple
NOTE: If member speculation (which points to the notion
that an existing Church office building will be reconstructed and renovated
into a multi-purpose edifice housing Church offices, a meetinghouse, and the
temple (in the mold of those that already stand in Hong Kong China and
Manhattan New York)) turns out to be correct, then this groundbreaking could
happen sooner or later than this. With what is currently known and the changes
that have become necessary to the groundbreaking estimates for other temples,
this seems to be a safe adjustment. I will keep an eye on things and let you
all know once I know more.
Early-to-mid
August (possibly Saturday August 3 or 10): Groundbreaking for the Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple
NOTE: With Church growth in the Ivory Coast, I have heard
from some that there may be a second or even a third Ivory Coast temple
announced within the next 15-20 years. As far as this temple goes, with what is
known and unknown at present, it seems wise to revise my thoughts about the
timing of this groundbreaking. More to come as things develop. In the meantime,
given the changes in the estimates for other temples, I have felt it wise to
move this temple to around this time. If I find anything that changes my
thinking on this, I will provide any updates that might be needed or warranted.
Mid-to-late
October (possibly Saturday October 19 or 26): Groundbreaking for the Quito
Ecuador Temple
NOTE: Unless things develop quickly for this temple, we
may have to wait until around this time for its groundbreaking. Whether or not
this temple has a groundbreaking at around this time, I am not anticipating
that it will experience anywhere near the delays to which the first Ecuadoran
temple was subjected (one of only two in the Church that had a 14+ year wait
between its announcement and its groundbreaking). I could also see this temple
being moved up or down on this timeline depending on what happens in the next
two years or so. As with everything else, I am keeping an eye out for
developments and will pass along any new information as I receive it. For now,
this is an adjustment and correction to what I had previously been projecting.
Mid-December
(possibly Saturday December 14 or 21): Groundbreaking for the Belem Brazil
Temple
NOTE: While it is almost certain that this Brazilian
temple will not have a groundbreaking until after that of the one for Brasilia
(announced a year later, but progressing more rapidly), what is not so clear is
whether or not this temple will be the last of the current group of those
announced to have a dedication. I am keeping a diligent eye on all announced
temples and will move this temple up or down as things develop. If the current
group of those announced temples all have a groundbreaking by this time, then
the timing of any others will depend on their announcements between now and
then and what the prevailing conditions are relating to such areas. For now,
please note that any subsequent event on this timeline will therefore be a
dedication or rededication. But I would be very much surprised if there are no
other temple announcements by this time.
2020 (NOTE:
With this being three years out, the estimates are slightly more speculative.
But I offer my best thoughts based on the facts I have.)
Events already
announced or anticipated, though exact dates have yet to be confirmed:
Saturday March 28
and Saturday and Sunday April 4 & 5): 190th Annual General
Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Saturday September
26 and Saturday and Sunday October 3 & 4): 190th Semiannual
General Conference
NOTE: While these specific dates have not yet been
verified, they do conform to the typical patterns by which past conferences
have been scheduled, so they should be confirmed fairly soon. Temple
announcements are always possible during General Conference, and given Elder
Wilson’s statement referenced above, we may or may not see such announcements
during this conference.
Events that are
anticipated during this year (although the timing of them will largely depend
on what happens between now and then):
Early-to-mid March
(possibly Sunday March 1 or 8): Dedication of the Arequipa Peru Temple (169th
operating temple)
NOTE: While I had believed and predicted in previous
version of this timeline that the Arequipa Peru Temple would likely be
dedicated prior to the end of 2019 (because I prefer to be optimistic, and also
because work began on this temple on or around April 14, 2017, and with the
estimate I found of 28 months for this construction, that would put its
completion at some point around August of 2019), it seems to be more likely now
that this temple may not be dedicated until early in 2020. Pushing this back
also makes sense because of other dedications and rededications being more
likely to happen in 2019. As more is learned and as it may be needed, subsequent
versions of this timeline will feature further adjustments.
Mid-to-late May
(perhaps Sunday May 19 or 26): Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple
NOTE: This temple’s renovation, as noted, will begin on
September 29, 2017. With so much unknown about that process, it is anyone’s
guess if this rededication will take place at this time. It is almost certain
that the rededication of this temple will be the first such one in 2020. As the
process gets underway, I will pass along any updates or changes to this
estimate.
Early-to-mid June
(perhaps Sunday June 7 or 14): Rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple
NOTE: I was reminded in late July 2017 that this temple’s
renovation would be more to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems
inside. That reminder, combined with the fact that this will be the second renovation
for this temple, made me realize an adjustment to the estimate for this
temple’s rededication was warranted. That said, it is more than likely that
further adjustments will be needed to this estimate as the process unfolds. For
now, that is an update from what I previously reported.
Early-to-mid
August (perhaps Sunday August 2 or 9): Dedication of the Port-au-Prince Haiti
Temple (170th operating temple)
NOTE: As noted above, the First Presidency announced in
July 2017 that a groundbreaking for this temple would take place at the end of
October. Based on the facts that this temple will be smaller than the Santo
Domingo Dominican Republic Temple, I ventured an initial estimate of 2 years
and 7 months for this temple. I want to allow as much leeway as I can with this
estimate, so it would not surprise me if the dedication of this temple happens
at around this time.
Early November
(perhaps Sunday November 1 or 8): Rededication of the Washington DC Temple
NOTE: This temple is newer than some but older than
others whose renovation is set. That being said, it is the biggest of those set
for renovation, and as such, will likely take longer than I was originally
anticipating or predicting. So this adjustment feels reasonable and necessary.
As that process unfolds, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments or
updates to this estimate.
FINAL NOTE FOR TEMPLE EVENTS DURING 2020: Since other potential temple
developments in 2020 are conditional on what happens between now and then,
unless another temple has a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2017 and is
slated for completion before the end of 2020, or unless there are other temples
that announced between now and then that have a groundbreaking during this
year, these are the only events currently known. As always, any updates will be
provided as more information comes to my attention.
FINAL NOTE: If it happens that the events above do not take place as anticipated (particularly future groundbreakings), that will change any subsequent completion estimates. Until more is known, I have felt it wiser to be conservative in what I post. Eventually, I hope to post adjusted projections about completion dates for temples that might have a groundbreaking as indicated above. That is a matter of ongoing study. Until I can finish that process, it has felt sufficient to note these updates. Thanks.
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.
Major changes made to Temple Construction Progress Report
Hello, all! After a busy (albeit short) day for me, I checked my favorite Church sites again about half an hour ago, and in doing so, I discovered some very thought-provoking information. The LDS Church Temples site reports that, based on new information, the Concepcion Chile Temple has gone from possibly being the last one dedicated in 2018 or the first in 2019 to being the third one dedicated in 2018. This in turn has pushed back the completion for the Barranquilla Colombia and Durban South Africa Temples. This is good news in so many ways. Additionally, I have felt that, since exactly eight months (or roughly 67% of a year, to the day) have come and gone with no progress whatsoever on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, it would be much wiser to push back the completion estimate for that temple to mid-to-late 2019. If work begins in earnest on that temple within the next two months or less, I would be happy to change that back. For now, I don't see the need to do so.
All of this, including the fact that some minor progress has been reported on other temples since I last posted my report a few hours ago, made it necessary, in my opinion, to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report. Let me know your thoughts. For now, thanks for the privilege of your time. Have a great night. I will be back with more posts sometime tomorrow. Until that time, all the best. Here is that updated report.
All of this, including the fact that some minor progress has been reported on other temples since I last posted my report a few hours ago, made it necessary, in my opinion, to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report. Let me know your thoughts. For now, thanks for the privilege of your time. Have a great night. I will be back with more posts sometime tomorrow. Until that time, all the best. Here is that updated report.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 8/3/17)
NOTE: There
will be a total of 182 operating
temples once all of those under construction or announced are dedicated. Of
those, we currently have 156 temples in operation; 1 other will be dedicated next month
(after the traditional July recess for the General Authorities); 2 more
have construction concluding and a dedication scheduled for later this
year; 9 are in various
stages of construction; 1 other has construction pending
(groundbreaking was last year), and earnest work will hopefully start on that
within the next month or so); 1 has
a groundbreaking scheduled (set for later this year); 1 temple has a rededication scheduled; 1 other is undergoing renovation (with
completion anticipated next year); another 4 have a renovation closure date set for later this year, with 5 others set to close early next year
(the actual dates will be set closer to the time); the remaining 12 are announced
(with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending).
NOTE ON FUTURE TEMPLES: Elder Larry Y. Wilson, who serves as the
Executive Director of the Temple Department, indicated in a recent interview
that the Church has around 80 temple sites that are under active consideration
for an announcement within the next 15 years or so. If that is true, then that
would take the number of temples in any phase to just over 260 by 2032. And if
that is true, then whether or not the Church makes it an official goal to do
so, it is more than likely that there could be a minimum of 200 temples
dedicated by or before the Church’s 200th anniversary on April 6,
2030. All it would take to do so is 18 more being announced, and each of them,
along with the 26 either under construction or announced, to be completed
within the next 12 years and 9 months, which is doable if 3 or 4 are dedicated
per year between now and then. As there are 3 others scheduled for dedication
before the end of this year, with 5 set for next year, and up to 5 the year
following, the Church seems to be on track for that. This is especially
possible in light of the fact that, within the last 2.5 years or so, 12 new
temples have been announced, which works out to roughly 5 temples announced
each year. If that average continues for the next 15 years, 75 new temples will
be announced in that time, which is very close to the 80 referenced by Elder
Wilson. Subsequent versions of this report will continue to share developments
as they occur.
Preparing for dedication:
157. Tucson
Arizona Temple: Preparing for dedication, which is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Interior finish work underway; sod laid and trees planted; dedication
scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Installing art glass; laying sod; dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
Under Construction (completion anticipated within the next 1-2 years):
160. Rome Italy Temple:
Interior and exterior work progressing; construction office trailers donated to
community organizations; office space relocated to patron housing; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
161. Kinshasa Democratic
Republic of the Congo Temple: Exterior walls completed; preparing to attach
plywood to roof trusses and to pour baptismal font support; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
162. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on the east wall; decorative fence installation
underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE:
Within the few short hours that transpired between the evening and late night
of August 3, this temple was moved up to this spot while other temples have
been moved down. I am working on what this means for next year’s temple events,
and will pass that along once I learn anything.
163.
Barranquilla Colombia Temple: Stone cladding
completed on exterior walls; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: Late
tonight, this temple was moved down, signifying that my thinking on the
timeline for next year’s temple-related events need to be revised yet again.
164. Durban
South Africa Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls;
installing basement stairs; laying brick at missionary housing; top of elevator
shaft poured; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
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-to-mid 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.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Pouring temple foundation walls; preparing meetinghouse for exterior
cladding; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
168.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
Construction pending
(anticipated to start anytime):
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Progress on this temple has been stalled repeatedly, first by a
bad Canadian winter (until April or May of this year), and since that time by a
delay in getting the necessary permits. If construction begins within the next
couple of months, I can see this temple dedicated sooner than indicated above. In
the meantime, until construction begins, I have felt it wise to adjust my
estimate. This is just my own thinking here, and not verifiable by any source
available to me. I will be sure to pass along any updates as I receive them.
Groundbreaking scheduled:
170. Port-au-Prince
Haiti Temple: Ground being cleared; preparing for groundbreaking ceremony,
which is scheduled for Saturday October
28, 2017; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2020.
NOTE: In addition to knowing that
this temple will be much smaller than its other Caribbean counterpart, I found
out in late July that this temple will be comparable in size (and perhaps
design) to the one in Kinshasa. All of this points to the notion that this
temple’s dedication could easily happen during the specified time-frame
estimated above. Once work is actually underway (which is anticipated to happen
on Monday October 30, barring any delays), I will pass along any changes to
that thinking.
Scheduled for rededication:
20. Jordan River Utah
Temple: Closed for renovation; rededication scheduled
for Sunday May 20, 2018.
Undergoing Renovation (rededication anticipated within the next year or
so):
41. Frankfurt Germany
Temple: Closed for renovation; baptismal font support walls poured in basement
addition; rededication anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While this temple is a comparatively smaller one (from the
Hinckley era), I also learned on July 5 that this renovation will be altering
both the exterior and interior appearance of the temple. Those plans may or may
not involve an expansion. The opinions on what will happen in that regard are
so different that it will take time to settle the question. Once more is known,
I will pass that along. In the meantime, my study on the subject is ongoing.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: This temple, constructed as part of President Kimball’s smaller
temple design, is anticipated to be rededicated sometime in 2020. If the news
release about this renovation is any indication, no expansion is in the works. Adjustments
will be made as the process gets underway. For now, I wanted to also note that
the stated purpose for this renovation is primarily to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring the temple up-to-code. With that in mind, I also
learned in early July that the completion of this temple will most likely be
sooner than I originally thought, as it is comparatively smaller.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: In an earlier version of this report,
I had indicated that an expansion of this temple didn’t seem likely, as
information available to me at that time pointed to the current temple taking
up the entire area of the lot. On July 18, I learned I might be getting this
temple and Memphis confused. I am trying to iron all of that out, and will pass
along whatever I find out. Until more is known, I will not be altering my
completion estimate. If an expansion is planned,
that will change the estimate.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As noted in previous versions of this
report, I had the closure date for this temple off by a month. I regret that
misinformation. In the meantime, I did some study on whether or not this temple
might be expanded. On July 16, I found that this temple may have room to
expand. Whether or not expansion will happen, until more is known, I have felt
it wiser to stick to my completion estimate.
Temples that have a renovation
closure announced, but no official date made known yet:
68. Raleigh North Carolina Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in January 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: On July 16, while studying scheduled renovations, I learned two
things: this temple is on a large enough plot of land that expansion may be
possible and even feasible. That said, the Saints in North Carolina (according
to one of my contacts) were told that an expansion is not in the renovation
plans for this temple. It is possible but perhaps unlikely. More to come once
more is known, including any change of the completion estimate.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: My study on this temple (which I conducted on July 16) indicates
that there may be room on this temple lot to expand the edifice. The question
is whether or not the Church will choose to do so. I will keep an eye on
developments and pass things along as I learn of them. For now, the question
cannot be settled.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This renovation and the one below were announced in February of
2017. In the interim, the Church has scheduled 7 other renovations around those
two. This temple is older, so the renovation will likely take longer. But I am
not ruling out other possibilities. We also know that the primary purpose of
this renovation is to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems and bring them
up to code. So I don’t think expansion is in the plans for this temple.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: This is another older temple where the purpose of the renovation
is to upgrade electrical and mechanical systems and bring them up to code. An
expansion doesn’t seem likely. It is a larger temple, so the renovation will
likely take longer. That reinforces the idea that the completion timeframe
above will be spot on.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: The purpose of this renovation is to upgrade electrical and
mechanical systems and bring them up to code. This temple has been renovated
before, which reinforces the idea that there may be less to update here than
for Washington DC. Until more is known, it is my feeling that this temple will
likely be rededicated first.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: During
the month of July, I revised the order in which temples in this section were
listed. About a week after doing so, I found out that I needed to revise and
rethink that order again. The current order reflects the latest information I
have (as of the late night hours of July 18). I should also note that the
timing of any temple event is up to the Lord (based on conditions in each
area), so these estimates should not in any way be taken as gospel or official
until they are confirmed or denied by those who have the authorization to do
so.
Announced:
171. 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: With the recent news that
preconstruction for this temple began in March 2017, it is not hard to believe
that a groundbreaking could take place in short order once 2018 starts. But as
we also know that the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple had its groundbreaking
unexpected announced in mid-July (being set for the end of October), that opens
up the possibility that this temple could be another that could either have its
groundbreaking just before that for Port-au-Prince (as there is a precedent for
such things) or within the remaining two months of 2017. If that doesn’t
happen, then this temple will likely be the first to have a groundbreaking
during 2018.
172. Harare Zimbabwe Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take
place during early-to-mid 2018.
NOTE: Though nothing has happened
with this temple since Elder Hamilton stated that a site announcement and
groundbreaking would take place in short order at some point prior to the end
of 2017, and though that seemed to provide a sufficient reason to downgrade
this temple to sometime in 2018 or 2019, in reevaluating things in mid-July, I
determined that it would be wiser to move this temple back to this spot. There
is an outside chance that this temple could have a groundbreaking at some point
during the 4 months or so left in 2017, but that doesn’t seem probable.
Anything is possible, though. I will keep an eye out for developments and pass
those along as I find out more, along with any other adjustments.
173. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While previous versions of
this report had downgraded this temple to being among the last of the current
bunch to have a groundbreaking, the end of delays preventing progress on this
temple’s construction mean that a site announcement and groundbreaking may be
simply a matter of time. That being the case, as noted in so many previous
versions of this report, some have speculated a groundbreaking for this temple
may take place prior to the end of 2017. But it seems more likely that it may
wait until around this time. As always, with these being no more than my own
thoughts based on the facts I have right now, they are subject to change as
things develop. I will make any further changes that might be needed as that
becomes necessary.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: On July 18, 2017, I learned
some things that convinced me to take another look at the order in which these
announced temples are listed. That more extensive research led me to conclude
that this temple may get started closer to the average time in which Utah
temples have gone from an announcement to a groundbreaking. So I ran those
numbers, which now has me convinced that this temple’s groundbreaking may be
sooner than I had originally projected. This change will be reflected on my
timeline for future temple-related events.
175. Brasilia Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, new
information received on July 18, 2017 led to my rethinking this entire section.
Particularly, I found out that the site inspection is not indicative of an
imminent groundbreaking like I thought it might be. While it is still likely
that this temple will have a groundbreaking prior to the end of 2018, it will
likely be more towards the end of the year than the beginning, contrary to what
I had thought and reported. This seems like a safe change for the moment. If
the Lord surprises us and sets a groundbreaking for this temple sooner than
estimated here, I will move it up on this list at that time.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: This is another temple that
has already had a site confirmed, but that will likely not have a
groundbreaking as soon as I had thought and asserted that would happen. Having
been advised that temples announced in April 2017 might have at least a year
between the site announcement and the groundbreaking, this seems to be a safe
and sound adjustment. As always, once
the Lord or the leaders of His Church reveal more about any temple, that new
information will be reflected on future reports. For now, that is an update
from what I have previously reported. And we are also still waiting to see if
and when a more official name might be announced for this temple. I will report
on all developments as I become aware of them.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that temples
in the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah and Arizona generally get started well
in advance of their international counterparts, I learned on July 18, 2017 that
some temples on this list needed to be moved (some up, and some down). I also
learned that Idaho temples have kept to a general average time-frame from
announcement to groundbreaking, and by changing the estimate for this temple,
it corresponds more fully to that average.
178. Nairobi Kenya Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held June 14,
2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As I have considered the
media event held last month, I have determined it wiser to assume that a
groundbreaking for this temple will happen sooner rather than later. It seems
apparent now that this temple will not be the last of those currently announced
to have a groundbreaking, as I had originally thought and stated. So it seems
wise to make that adjustment. As always, once more information is available, I
will go from there.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If member speculation is confirmed
within the next year or so (that a building housing Church offices will be
reconstructed and repurposed into an edifice housing not just those offices,
but also a meetinghouse and the temple as well), then formal construction
efforts could begin sooner than indicated here. Until more is known, I am
trying to be conservative in my estimates. I would not be surprised in the
least if this temple’s groundbreaking happens sooner or later than indicated
here.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the massive growth that
the Church has experienced in the Ivory Coast, some have speculated that the
Ivory Coast could get one or two additional temples within the next 15 years.
For this first one, this adjustment feels appropriate. Further adjustments will
be made once more is known.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Despite the 14-year wait
between the announcement and groundbreaking for Ecuador’s first temple, this
one for the Ecuadoran capital is not anticipated to have nearly as long a wait.
With other adjustments that have been made, this seems appropriate. Further
adjustments will be made once more is known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: Since we have a site essentially
confirmed for the other Brazilian temple above, even though this one was
announced a year prior to that one, it is more than likely that we will not see
a groundbreaking for this Belem temple until a year or so after the one for
Brasilia. If the estimates for all other temples are anywhere close (which they
may or may not be), that would make this temple the last of the current bunch
to be dedicated. But this is 2 or 3 years out, so changes are always possible
within that time depending on what develops between now and then.
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 since 2015. Also, as noted above,
Elder Larry Y. Wilson said in an interview recently that 85 or more temple
sites are under consideration for an announcement within the next 15 years. So
we could be entering another unprecedented era of temple announcements and
construction. That is one big reason why I have expanded my list of temples
that may potentially be announced. I also know that sites have been procured for
future temples in Managua Nicaragua (which seems most likely, as it is the
first of the top ten countries with the strongest LDS presence that does not
yet have a temple, and such a temple was proposed by Elder Nelson in 2012), Auckland
New Zealand, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Bentonville Arkansas, and Missoula
Montana (which was proposed by Elder Bednar sometime in 2014). 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 there have been
any other sites purchased elsewhere, they have not yet been made known. We also
know that several potential temples have been proposed in several locations
around the world by many of our prophets and apostles. The Lord will continue
to inspire such temple announcements as they are needed, and all developments
will continue to be included on subsequent versions of this report.
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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