Hello, everyone! Earlier today, I stumbled across the PDF version of the September 2017 Ensign. There were a couple of surprises there. First of all, the First Presidency message for the month was done by our beloved prophet, who will be 90 on Monday. This suggests to me that there is a very high likelihood President Monson will speak at least once during General Conference, even if that address is only a few minutes long, and even if that is his only talk. It wouldn't surprise me if he gives two shorter talks, though, as he has in the last few general conferences. As I learn more on this, I will pass it along.
In the meantime, I expected that the September magazines would show any changes that have been made in the editors and advisers of the Church magazines as a result of the changes that were made in area leadership. Primarily, I was sure that Elders Christoffel Golden (who is now serving as First Counselor in the Europe Area Presidency) and Larry R. Lawrence (who will celebrate his 70th birthday on August 25 and may thus be granted emeritus status during the October General Conference) would be released from their assignment as advisers. But it could just be that whatever changes were made in the editor and advisers of the Church magazines will only show up in the October magazines. There has at times been a lag of one or two months for such changes, which we have seen before. As always, I will pass more along as I learn of it.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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 19, 2017
No change reported in Church magazine editors/advisers
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.
Minor but significant update reported on the Frankfurt Germany Temple Renovation Process
Hello, all! As you may be aware, there have not been all that many significant milestones in temple construction to be reported lately. However, one significant development, which I learned of earlier today, warrants mentioning: The Frankfurt Germany Temple renovation process has seen a roof slab poured for the basement addition. The last time progress was reported on this temple, the basement addition was merely underway.
So the question now becomes, what might this progress indicate about its potential future completion time frame? I have before ventured my thoughts that the Jordan River Utah Temple rededication would be among the first temple-related events of 2018, and we have seen that be the case with the announcement that a rededication will take place on the third Sunday in May.
It makes sense that the Rome Italy Temple dedication may be scheduled next, and that dedication might be scheduled in June. We could then see the rededication for the temple in Frankfurt sometime in August, following the annual July recess for the General Authorities (though the open house could be held in June, as was the case for the Tucson Arizona Temple this year).
While I have my own thoughts about when other temple-related events might happen during the year (including other dedications and groundbreakings), I am waiting for more information before I post more exact estimates for those. But if what I know about temples is any indication, by all appearances, I would not be surprised if next year is a big year for dedications and groundbreakings.
As always, I will post updates to this line of thought as I find out more. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
So the question now becomes, what might this progress indicate about its potential future completion time frame? I have before ventured my thoughts that the Jordan River Utah Temple rededication would be among the first temple-related events of 2018, and we have seen that be the case with the announcement that a rededication will take place on the third Sunday in May.
It makes sense that the Rome Italy Temple dedication may be scheduled next, and that dedication might be scheduled in June. We could then see the rededication for the temple in Frankfurt sometime in August, following the annual July recess for the General Authorities (though the open house could be held in June, as was the case for the Tucson Arizona Temple this year).
While I have my own thoughts about when other temple-related events might happen during the year (including other dedications and groundbreakings), I am waiting for more information before I post more exact estimates for those. But if what I know about temples is any indication, by all appearances, I would not be surprised if next year is a big year for dedications and groundbreakings.
As always, I will post updates to this line of thought as I find out more. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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 18, 2017
Report of Articles Featured on Church Websites to Honor President Monson's 90th Birthday
Hello, all! I am back today to report on articles published on Church websites in honor of President Monson's 90th birthday. There are a lot of them to feature, so let's get right to it.
First, his family members describe what they believe he would want us to do to honor his birthday, and it mirrors the request he gave some years ago on another birthday: Find someone who is having a hard time and help them. For more on this birthday wish, click here.
President Monson's family members shared precious memories they had of experiences with him. To read about that, click here. The Church News also wrote an article summarizing many of his greatest apostolic sermons.. You can read about that here.
The Church News viewpoint was written about how we can honor President Monson on his birthday by praying for him and by serving others. You can find that article here. The Church News also shared a history moment recounting President Monson's role in the progression of the gospel in East Germany. You can read more about that here.
Rounding out these tribute articles are this one sharing tributes of general Church leaders to President Monson as he approaches this milestone birthday, and this one from the Mormon Newsroom website, describing how President Monson will have a quiet family celebration as he observes this milestone and sharing some of the same tributes from Church leaders featured in the first article linked in this paragraph.
For myself, I will say this: Because of how extensive the ministry of our prophet has been, he deserves a chance to celebrate this milestone quietly and without fanfare. I am sure he would love another more public celebration this go-round, but I know for myself how valuable such quiet moments can be. His long life of service, and his continuing to press on in spite of age-related difficulties that limit his ability to function is deserving of our admiration, respect, and deference. I will be taking time next Monday (on the exact day) to put together my tribute to this man for his birthday.
For now, I join in the pleas of the songs written to honor Church Presidents in saying that I hope God will bless our prophet dear from now until whenever he is called home. Until that time, may we continue to follow his example.
Thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are welcome and appreciated, except for any that are derogatory about our dear prophet or any that imply the Church should let him retire. That is not, never has been, and never will be the Lord's way. That said, with few exceptions, I have found all comments on this blog to be uplifting and inspirational, and I thank you all for that. Until I post again, I wish you all the best.
First, his family members describe what they believe he would want us to do to honor his birthday, and it mirrors the request he gave some years ago on another birthday: Find someone who is having a hard time and help them. For more on this birthday wish, click here.
President Monson's family members shared precious memories they had of experiences with him. To read about that, click here. The Church News also wrote an article summarizing many of his greatest apostolic sermons.. You can read about that here.
The Church News viewpoint was written about how we can honor President Monson on his birthday by praying for him and by serving others. You can find that article here. The Church News also shared a history moment recounting President Monson's role in the progression of the gospel in East Germany. You can read more about that here.
Rounding out these tribute articles are this one sharing tributes of general Church leaders to President Monson as he approaches this milestone birthday, and this one from the Mormon Newsroom website, describing how President Monson will have a quiet family celebration as he observes this milestone and sharing some of the same tributes from Church leaders featured in the first article linked in this paragraph.
For myself, I will say this: Because of how extensive the ministry of our prophet has been, he deserves a chance to celebrate this milestone quietly and without fanfare. I am sure he would love another more public celebration this go-round, but I know for myself how valuable such quiet moments can be. His long life of service, and his continuing to press on in spite of age-related difficulties that limit his ability to function is deserving of our admiration, respect, and deference. I will be taking time next Monday (on the exact day) to put together my tribute to this man for his birthday.
For now, I join in the pleas of the songs written to honor Church Presidents in saying that I hope God will bless our prophet dear from now until whenever he is called home. Until that time, may we continue to follow his example.
Thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are welcome and appreciated, except for any that are derogatory about our dear prophet or any that imply the Church should let him retire. That is not, never has been, and never will be the Lord's way. That said, with few exceptions, I have found all comments on this blog to be uplifting and inspirational, and I thank you all for that. Until I post again, I wish you all the best.
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 17, 2017
Church News Update
Hello, all! I am posting today with an update on Church News that has come to my attention within the last 3 hours or so. Let's dive right in to the latest news.
First, the Church News has reported the deaths of seven members of the Church in a mud slide. There were 330 people total who died in that mudslide, so Latter-day Saints only constituted 2% of all casualties. Church representatives further noted that all missionaries serving in that nation are safe and accounted for, and that no Church buildings were impacted by that mudslide. 3,000 people were displaced, while almost six hundred people were reported missing. It is unclear whether or not any of those 600 or so were Church members, nor is it known if those people are still alive and lost somewhere.. In the meantime, I don't know how or if this natural disaster will impact any plans that might be under consideration for a possible temple in Sierra Leone. You can find the full report of this news here.
The Church also released today a copy of the dedicatory prayer offered by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf for the Tucson Arizona Temple. You can read the text of that prayer here.
Members and missionaries in Ghana are celebrating the opening of the MTC in that city. For a full report on that, click here.
This year marks 50 years since BYU professor and Book of Mormon scholar John Welch, while serving his mission, discovered chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. Chiasmus, for those not aware with the concept, is the way a sentence is put together for it to build from beginning to middle, then to repeat the same ideas in reverse order until the end of that sentence. Other religious texts (the Bible included) feature some form of this concept, so it is not new to most religions. But Brother Welch was the first person to actually notice this concept in the Book of Mormon, which is part of what likely influenced his career path.
The Church News wrote an article about this which I read earlier today, but cannot find anywhere now, but it was also covered here, in an article about how Elder Holland spoke at the BYU annual chiasmus conference. Because John W. Welch wrote about this discovery in an Ensign several years before I was born, I somehow never came across that article when perusing old Church magazines in my parents' basement. But this is a most intriguing concept, and I hope it will enhance my study of the Book of Mormon going forward..
Aside from these new items, I am not aware of any other news from any Church website I regularly visit.. So for now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
First, the Church News has reported the deaths of seven members of the Church in a mud slide. There were 330 people total who died in that mudslide, so Latter-day Saints only constituted 2% of all casualties. Church representatives further noted that all missionaries serving in that nation are safe and accounted for, and that no Church buildings were impacted by that mudslide. 3,000 people were displaced, while almost six hundred people were reported missing. It is unclear whether or not any of those 600 or so were Church members, nor is it known if those people are still alive and lost somewhere.. In the meantime, I don't know how or if this natural disaster will impact any plans that might be under consideration for a possible temple in Sierra Leone. You can find the full report of this news here.
The Church also released today a copy of the dedicatory prayer offered by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf for the Tucson Arizona Temple. You can read the text of that prayer here.
Members and missionaries in Ghana are celebrating the opening of the MTC in that city. For a full report on that, click here.
This year marks 50 years since BYU professor and Book of Mormon scholar John Welch, while serving his mission, discovered chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. Chiasmus, for those not aware with the concept, is the way a sentence is put together for it to build from beginning to middle, then to repeat the same ideas in reverse order until the end of that sentence. Other religious texts (the Bible included) feature some form of this concept, so it is not new to most religions. But Brother Welch was the first person to actually notice this concept in the Book of Mormon, which is part of what likely influenced his career path.
The Church News wrote an article about this which I read earlier today, but cannot find anywhere now, but it was also covered here, in an article about how Elder Holland spoke at the BYU annual chiasmus conference. Because John W. Welch wrote about this discovery in an Ensign several years before I was born, I somehow never came across that article when perusing old Church magazines in my parents' basement. But this is a most intriguing concept, and I hope it will enhance my study of the Book of Mormon going forward..
Aside from these new items, I am not aware of any other news from any Church website I regularly visit.. So for now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Church Issues Statement on LoveLoud Festival
Hello, everyone! Based on inquiries from the media, the Church has issued another official statement, this one about the LoveLoud Festival that is set to be held in Orem, Utah 8 days from now (on August 24). The statement voices support for the effort, as it is being held to help all youths feel included. The statement also focuses on the common goals the Church and this festival shares. It was good to read about this. You can find that statement here. In the meantime, comments are always welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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.
BREAKING NEWS: Big Changes in Planned Curriculum for 2018 Announced
Hello, all! Over the past two weeks, I have checked regularly to try and find out what the Church has planned for curriculum for 2018. And just now, I stumbled across the Church's annual Instructions for Curriculum that reveal the details. What's in the works for next year? Let's explore that.
For Melchizedek Priesthood holders and the Relief Society, the first Sunday will be used for a Council Meeting. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss local needs (on the ward and stake levels), and how members can work together to meet those needs. The second and third Sundays will be spent discussing General Conference talks (twice as frequently as we previously did). Fourth Sundays will now involve study of a doctrinal topic using the Come Follow Me Manual that was put together for adults by those leaders in charge of curriculum. Any fifth Sundays of the month will continue to be held under the direction of bishoprics or branch presidencies.
For the youth, they will continue to use the Come Follow Me curriculum which they started last year. For Sunday School, the youth will continue with the Come Follow Me curriculum, while adults will be studying the Old Testament. Primary-aged Latter-day Saints will follow the traditional rotation of manuals that has been in place for a while.
For a complete PDF version of these curriculum changes, click here. In the meantime, I am pleased to have been able to learn of and report about these changes. I think it will be awesome to see what happens with them.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
For Melchizedek Priesthood holders and the Relief Society, the first Sunday will be used for a Council Meeting. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss local needs (on the ward and stake levels), and how members can work together to meet those needs. The second and third Sundays will be spent discussing General Conference talks (twice as frequently as we previously did). Fourth Sundays will now involve study of a doctrinal topic using the Come Follow Me Manual that was put together for adults by those leaders in charge of curriculum. Any fifth Sundays of the month will continue to be held under the direction of bishoprics or branch presidencies.
For the youth, they will continue to use the Come Follow Me curriculum which they started last year. For Sunday School, the youth will continue with the Come Follow Me curriculum, while adults will be studying the Old Testament. Primary-aged Latter-day Saints will follow the traditional rotation of manuals that has been in place for a while.
For a complete PDF version of these curriculum changes, click here. In the meantime, I am pleased to have been able to learn of and report about these changes. I think it will be awesome to see what happens with them.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello again, everyone! I am back as promised, with an update on temple construction developments. The progress there may be minor, but it is still significant. The latest copy of my report of that progress follows. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 8/15/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As I have noted in many
previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the Executive Director
of the Church’s Temple Department stated that 80 potential temple sites are
currently under active consideration for a subsequent announcement within the
next 15 years. While many of those temples make it to a subsequent
announcement, it is certain that a few of them could either be eliminated or
replaced, with others added. If we take Elder Wilson at his word, that means
that by sometime in 2032 (likely the end of that year), the Church could have
at least 260 temples in any phase of construction. That being the case, it
seems very safe to assume that the Church could easily have 200 operating
temples either by or before the 200th anniversary of the Church’s
restoration and reestablishment (which will take place on Saturday April 6,
2030). That will be easily doable if the Church dedicates 43 temples (the 25
currently in any phase and 18 new ones announced) in the 12.65 years between
now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated
each year. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and
will pass such news along as I hear of it.
CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: 157 operating
temples; 2 more have
construction wrapping up prior to their dedications later this year; 9 others
are in various construction phases; 1 had a groundbreaking last
year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future; 1 has a groundbreaking scheduled (which
will take place in just under three months; 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 for those 5
will be set closer to the time); the remaining
12* are announced
(with either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending). TOTAL: 182 temples in any stage.
*NOTE: Though this number had been italicized in previous
versions of this report, I determined to put it in bold on August 6, 2017
because the number of announced temples is definite information, though it is
always subject to change in the future based on other temple announcements or
whenever groundbreakings will be set.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; 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: Attaching roof decking; site grading of grounds
underway; concrete poured for baptismal font; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
162. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on tower and east and west walls; decorative fence
installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Durban South Africa
Temple: Preparing to pour temple roof slab; brick work
nearing completion for temple president’s apartment; two entrance building
roofs completed; utility work advancing; completion anticipated sometime
during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: In studying this temple’s
potential completion time-frame, I have become convinced that the dedication
for it will take place closer to the end of 2018 than the beginning of 2019. If
my thinking on that theory changes, I will pass it along.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to exterior walls; 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.
168. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Preparing to pour main floor of temple;
meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime
during late 2019.
169.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
Construction pending
(anticipated to start anytime):
167. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: As noted above on both the
Arequipa Peru and Lisbon Portugal Temples, changing the completion estimate for
this temple in turn necessitated changing the numbering again. Until something
comes along to change my thinking again, I have felt it is warranted.
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.
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.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2019.
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. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during early-to-mid
2018.
NOTE: This
temple is the oldest of those currently announced that has not progressed at
all beyond an announcement. Due to some local opposition and governmental
red-tape that caused delays, the estimate for when and how soon a site
announcement and groundbreaking might happen in the near future has been pushed
back again and again. Now that those delays are over, the only question is how
soon things might happen. I have heard from some who say we could see both a
site announcement and groundbreaking before the end of this year. But since
that is looking less likely now, it has felt wiser to push the estimate back
into next year. And I also wanted to note that on August 6, 2017, I switched
this temple and the Harare Zimbabwe Temple because this one is farther along in
its status (planning and approval) than that one (which is merely in planning).
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: In
spite of the statement by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (made last year) that a site
announcement and groundbreaking would happen in short order once 2017 began,
there has been no change in this temple’s status. It has felt wise to push the
groundbreaking estimate to 2018. And since the status on this temple (planning
phase) is behind that of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (planning and approval
phase), I have made what I feel is a necessary adjustment in my thoughts. Once
more is known, I will continue to adjust as it may be needed in the near
future.
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.
Miscellaneous Church News
Hello, everyone! I wanted to use this post to share some significant Church news from various sources. I do so in the hopes that many of you will find this information interesting and useful. So, here is a summary of that news, for what it's worth.
After the Church released a statement on the violence in Charlottesville on Sunday, Church leaders issued another statement today as a follow-up to the original. Apparently some white supremacist groups had claimed that their actions were condoned and/or approved by the Church and its leaders. So Church leaders today issued that additional statement to clarify how misguided and wrong that notion was. To review either statement, click here/
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has been in the news a lot lately. This article summarizes his remarks in reaction to receiving a world peace prize in India. And I may have already reported on this, but it is worth mentioning again how he recently spoke about the importance of religious freedom, and its valuable role in our societies. You can find information on that address here.
And the Church News ran this article about how Elder Carlos H. Amado, an emeritus General Authority Seventy, is now filling his time with a new assignment: as a bishop of Spanish ward. It was great to hear about that development. Elder Amado always spoke with sincerity and a strong testimony of the gospel, and it is wonderful to hear that he can serve in this way even though he is no longer an active general authority.
That does it for this Church news update. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome. I will be back again shortly with an update on temple construction progress. Until that time, I wish you all the best.
After the Church released a statement on the violence in Charlottesville on Sunday, Church leaders issued another statement today as a follow-up to the original. Apparently some white supremacist groups had claimed that their actions were condoned and/or approved by the Church and its leaders. So Church leaders today issued that additional statement to clarify how misguided and wrong that notion was. To review either statement, click here/
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has been in the news a lot lately. This article summarizes his remarks in reaction to receiving a world peace prize in India. And I may have already reported on this, but it is worth mentioning again how he recently spoke about the importance of religious freedom, and its valuable role in our societies. You can find information on that address here.
And the Church News ran this article about how Elder Carlos H. Amado, an emeritus General Authority Seventy, is now filling his time with a new assignment: as a bishop of Spanish ward. It was great to hear about that development. Elder Amado always spoke with sincerity and a strong testimony of the gospel, and it is wonderful to hear that he can serve in this way even though he is no longer an active general authority.
That does it for this Church news update. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome. I will be back again shortly with an update on temple construction progress. Until that time, I wish you all the best.
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.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Additional Church News Items
This will be a minor Church news update. Following the violent attacks in Virginia by white supremacists, the Church issued this statement advocating tolerance and love. That wasn't surprising at all. In the wake of violent incidents of the past, the Church has always been among the first to express sympathy and support for the victims of such tragedies, and to encourage all Americans, Church members or not, to use disasters like this to unite in our support for one another.
Additionally, Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke at Cambridge University to the local chapter of BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law Society on the subject of religious freedom. As I have previously noted in other blog posts, I am glad to see that the Church is taking more opportunities to emphasize the important role of religious freedom. Elder Christofferson's remarks continue those ongoing efforts. You can read a summary of what he said here or the full transcript of his remarks here.
It was good to read about those updates. As always, this has been a very busy day in terms of Church news and happenings. It will be interesting to see what the Lord has in store for His Church during this next week. If the first 13 days of this month have been any indication, the final 18 will be jam-packed with so many other important news items and events. For my part, I will continue to keep an eye out for such things, and to pass on such updates as I am able to once that information crosses my radar.
In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
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.
Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello, all! In addition to the dedication of the Tucson Arizona Temple today, progress has also been reported on the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo and Fortaleza Brazil Temples. Additionally, I took the opportunity to rework my note about potential future temples. In light of all of these developments, I have felt it wise to post an updated version of my temple construction progress report. The report follows below. Enjoy! In the meantime, any comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. I hope each of you are having an edifying and inspirational Sabbath Day. Until my next post, I also thank you for your interest and support and wish each and every one of you all the best. Thanks again.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 8/13/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As I
have noted in many previous versions of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the
Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department stated that 80 potential
temple sites are currently under active consideration for a subsequent
announcement within the next 15 years. While many of those temples make it to a
subsequent announcement, it is certain that a few of them could either be
eliminated or replaced, with others added. If we take Elder Wilson at his word,
that means that by sometime in 2032 (likely the end of that year), the Church
could have at least 260 temples in any phase of construction. That being the
case, it seems very safe to assume that the Church could easily have 200
operating temples either by or before the 200th anniversary of the
Church’s restoration and reestablishment (which will take place on Saturday
April 6, 2030). That will be easily doable if the Church dedicates 43 temples (the
25 currently in any phase and 18 new ones announced) in the 12.65 years between
now and then, which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated
each year. For my part, I will be keeping my eyes open for any developments and
will pass such news along as I hear of it.
CURRENT TEMPLE STATUS: 157 operating temples; 2
more have construction wrapping up
prior to their dedications later this year; 9 others are in various construction
phases; 1 had a groundbreaking last year, with full-scale
construction anticipated in the very near future; 1 has a groundbreaking scheduled (which will take place in just
under three months; 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 for those 5 will be set closer
to the time); the remaining 12* are announced (with
either a site announcement or groundbreaking pending). TOTAL: 182 temples in any stage.
*NOTE: Though this number had been italicized in previous
versions of this report, I determined to put it in bold on August 6, 2017
because the number of announced temples is definite information, though it is
always subject to change in the future based on other temple announcements or
whenever groundbreakings will be set.
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; 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: Attaching roof deck; site
grading of grounds underway; concrete poured for baptismal font; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
162. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on tower and east and west walls; decorative fence
installation underway; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
164. Durban South Africa
Temple: East soffit temple wall poured; laying brick at temple and missionary
housing; utility work continues; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: In studying this temple’s
potential completion time-frame, I have become convinced that the dedication
for it will take place closer to the end of 2018 than the beginning of 2019. If
my thinking on that theory changes, I will pass it along.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to exterior
walls; 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.
168. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Foundation walls and columns nearing completion; cladding the
meetinghouse; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
169.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for main floor structural walls; completion
anticipated sometime during late
2019-early 2020.
Construction pending
(anticipated to start anytime):
167. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: As noted above on both the
Arequipa Peru and Lisbon Portugal Temples, changing the completion estimate for
this temple in turn necessitated changing the numbering again. Until something
comes along to change my thinking again, I have felt it is warranted.
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.
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.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
95. Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation on October 14, 2017; rededication may take place sometime
during early-to-mid 2019.
112. Asuncion Paraguay Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation on October 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2019.
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. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during early-to-mid
2018.
NOTE: This
temple is the oldest of those currently announced that has not progressed at
all beyond an announcement. Due to some local opposition and governmental
red-tape that caused delays, the estimate for when and how soon a site
announcement and groundbreaking might happen in the near future has been pushed
back again and again. Now that those delays are over, the only question is how
soon things might happen. I have heard from some who say we could see both a
site announcement and groundbreaking before the end of this year. But since
that is looking less likely now, it has felt wiser to push the estimate back
into next year. And I also wanted to note that on August 6, 2017, I switched
this temple and the Harare Zimbabwe Temple because this one is farther along in
its status (planning and approval) than that one (which is merely in planning).
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning phase; awaiting
official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place during mid-2018.
NOTE: In
spite of the statement by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton (made last year) that a site
announcement and groundbreaking would happen in short order once 2017 began,
there has been no change in this temple’s status. It has felt wise to push the
groundbreaking estimate to 2018. And since the status on this temple (planning
phase) is behind that of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple (planning and approval
phase), I have made what I feel is a necessary adjustment in my thoughts. Once
more is known, I will continue to adjust as it may be needed in the near
future.
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,do so ocodo 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.
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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