I am a day or two late in reporting this (trying to deal with some health issues and prepare to celebrate the 90th birthday of a dear family friend (who is, without doubt, more of a surrogate grandfather figure and longtime family friend whom my family affectionately calls "Uncle George"), but a development happened that brought it to the forefront of my list of Church news to report. Here is the blog post about that development.
In the wake of the Louisiana disaster, many Church members who have the ability to do so have spared no expense in purchasing necessary supplies and journeying to Louisiana to administer relief. While the Church has appreciated those efforts from those individuals, the problem with that scenario is that they are not coordinating their plans with the local Church and governmental leaders who have certain procedures in place for such disasters. This results in confusion on whether or not such efforts are sanctioned.
In an effort to clear that up, the First Presidency today released a letter that they instructed local leaders to read in their congregations this Sunday. The wording of the letter in question makes it clear that the Church places high importance on going through the proper channels and coordinating such efforts. The First Presidency clearly outlines what members can and should do in such situations.
As one who has been fiercely loyal to and supportive of the direction and counsel from our leaders, whatever form it takes, I would encourage any of my readers who claim to sustain these Brethren to follow their wise advice in this instance. As I mentioned in previous posts, excess money that is not used locally for fast offerings and other efforts is sent to Church headquarters and dispersed as the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes sees fit. That includes building a reserve to send out massive monetary and humanitarian aid to help areas stricken by natural disasters.
I gained a testimony of this process a long time ago, and that was only refined as I served for two years with the Humanitarian program of the Church. Not only did our center prepare hundreds and even thousands of hygiene, school, and medical kits to send to Church headquarters to contribute to such a reserve, but as an avid student of the work of Church finances, I have enjoyed hearing the report each April that the offerings of the Church have been used according to Church policy. I further observed this process firsthand as an assistant ward clerk over finances and membership records in ensuring that each donation was accurately recorded and accounted for. And in that process, I observed that there was at least one of the two (if not both) counselors in the bishopric helping out with that process. When the donations had been entered correctly for the week, I observed a few times how those contributions were taken to the local financial institution our stake used that would send them on to the Church.
And now, of course, we have seen that process evolve into electronic donations being processed directly from our accounts when it has been feasible to do so. That simplifies things a lot. Wire transfers are so much more safe and secure. And of course, as we know, the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes was established by revelation to include the members of the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Even when new members have come into that Council, that has not changed how effective the process works. And now, the Church has assembled an audit committee comprised of both Church members and non-Church members with expertise in accounting practices to certify that all is done according to policy and as prescribed by revelation.
So we have no need to fear that our offerings are being properly handled. In the meantime, it is wonderful to observe how it all comes together. And, in getting back to the First Presidency's letter, we now have the word of the Brethren on their guidance about what to do in the face of natural disasters such as this. Let us follow them.
That does it for this post. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time. And may the Lord bless you all until my next post. Until that time, 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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Friday, September 1, 2017
Major Church News: First Presidency Releases Letter about Louisiana Disaster
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 31, 2017
Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello again, everyone! Hope you all are well. I began writing this post yesterday, but had to wait to finish it until today, due to some health issues that needed to be taken care of. With today marking the last day of August, we know that the Memphis Tennessee and Tokyo Japan Temples will officially close for their renovations in just under a month.
As previously noted, the Memphis renovation will change both the interior and exterior appearance of that temple. In the meantime, the Tokyo renovation will mostly involve upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems of the temple. Additionally, we also know that, as previously announced, the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple renovation is set to begin on October 14, and that the Asuncion Paraguay Temple will officially close just over two weeks later, on October 29, which will, as we know, be the day after the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple groundbreaking.
There are also five other temples that are set to close next year. While it is true that we do not yet have any information on the exact dates of those five closures, and that we do not have any solid information about how extensive these renovations will wind up being, what we do know is that, among those five, three of them are older temples, and the stated purpose of those renovations are to have their electrical and mechanical systems upgraded.
In the meantime, there have been significant developments with several temples that I wanted to share as contained in the newest version of my report on temple construction progress. That report follows. Any comments continue to be welcome and appreciated, In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with you all until I post again. Until that time, I wish each and every one of you all the best.
As previously noted, the Memphis renovation will change both the interior and exterior appearance of that temple. In the meantime, the Tokyo renovation will mostly involve upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems of the temple. Additionally, we also know that, as previously announced, the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple renovation is set to begin on October 14, and that the Asuncion Paraguay Temple will officially close just over two weeks later, on October 29, which will, as we know, be the day after the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple groundbreaking.
There are also five other temples that are set to close next year. While it is true that we do not yet have any information on the exact dates of those five closures, and that we do not have any solid information about how extensive these renovations will wind up being, what we do know is that, among those five, three of them are older temples, and the stated purpose of those renovations are to have their electrical and mechanical systems upgraded.
In the meantime, there have been significant developments with several temples that I wanted to share as contained in the newest version of my report on temple construction progress. That report follows. Any comments continue to be welcome and appreciated, In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with you all until I post again. Until that time, I wish each and every one of you all the best.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 8/31/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION: As
referenced in previous version of this report, Elder Larry Y. Wilson, the
Temple Department Executive Director, stated in an interview given as the open
house for the newly renovated Idaho Falls Idaho Temple got underway that the
Church currently has around 80 sites under consideration for a subsequent
announcement within the next 15 years. While some, if not at least a majority,
of those 80 sites will make it to a subsequent announcement, it is significant
to think about. That would put the number of temples in any phase at around 260
or so in 2032. It is not hard to believe, therefore, that whether or not the
Church makes an official goal to do so, we could see a minimum of 200 operating
temples by or before the bicentennial (200th ) anniversary of the
restoration of the Church (which will take place on Saturday April 6, 2030.
With the Church only having to announce 18 additional temples and completing
the other 25 in any phase, all it would take to reach that milestone is for 3-4
temples being dedicated in each one of the 12.66 years between now and then,
which works out to 3 or 4 temples that will need to be dedicated each year. Since
the Church will be maintaining at least that average amount for the next 3
years at minimum, it seems very feasible. 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: The Church has 182
temples in any phase. There are 157 operating
temples, with 2 more that have
construction wrapping up prior to their already scheduled dedications later
this year. There are additionally 9 others are in various construction phases
and 1 more that had a groundbreaking
last year, with full-scale construction anticipated in the very near future
(hopefully before the end of this year). 1 other has a groundbreaking scheduled
(which will take place in just under 2 months. Of the temples that have been,
are now, and will shortly be undergoing renovations, we have 1 that has a
rededication scheduled (for the middle of next year), while 1 other is
undergoing renovation (with completion anticipated sometime in either late
summer or early fall next year), and another 4 have had their closure
dates set before the end of this year, in addition to 5 others that we know
will be closing early next year (the actual dates for each of those will be set
closer to the time). The remaining 12
are announced (with either a site announcement or groundbreaking
pending).
Construction nearing completion; dedication scheduled:
158. Meridian
Idaho Temple: Finalizing landscaping and interior work; open house reservations
will be accepted beginning on
Monday September 25, 2017 (the open house will run for
the three weeks between the Saturdays of October 21 and November 11, except for
the obvious exclusion of the relevant Sundays); dedication scheduled for
Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; open
house reservations will be accepted beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (the open house will run for just over three weeks: between
the Saturdays of October 21 and November 11, with the obvious exclusion of the
relevant Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: As
noted on the last version of this report published on this blog, it appears
that the work of landscaping for the temple grounds has concluded, signifying
that this temple is that much closer to its dedication.
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.
NOTE: In
view of the plans announced to rededicate the Jordan River Temple, and because
this temple has progressed more consistently than the Frankfurt Germany Temple,
it is my feeling that this temple will be dedicated at some point before the
annual July recess of the General Authorities. If I receive information that
changes that belief, I will be sure to pass it along.
161. Concepcion Chile Temple: Cladding progressing on tower
and east and west walls; decorative fence installation underway; hanging doors and installing millwork inside;
completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late
2018.
NOTE: This
temple has moved up and down on this list a great deal since its groundbreaking
in mid-October 2015 by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez. In the temple construction
progress report I posted two days ago, this temple had been anticipated to be
the third temple dedicated this year. I was very much surprised and gratified
to find that this temple would likely be finished sooner than expected.
162. Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof
decking attached; baptismal font concrete to be repoured; searching for
landscaping palm trees; 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: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary housing; waterproofing
and backfilling entrance buildings; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: Further
general study on my part on traditional timeframes for construction has shown
that, barring anything unexpected, this temple will more than likely be
dedicated closer to the end of 2018 than the beginning of 2019. If anything
changes my thoughts in that regard, I will be sure to pass that update along.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse
exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: If,
as noted above, the Durban South Africa Temple is indeed dedicated before the
end of 2018, then it is more than likely, in my opinion, that we will likewise
see this temple dedicated closer to early 2019 than the middle of it. I will
pass along any changes to that line of thought.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction
underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: While
it was once thought by many, myself included, that this temple and the one set
to rise in Winnipeg Manitoba could be interchangeable in terms of their likely
future completion estimates, the subsequent lack of progress in Winnipeg has
solidified my opinion that this temple, and the two below, may be finished well
in advance of the one in Winnipeg. If my thoughts in this regard change, I will
note that in future versions of this report.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Preparing to pour main floor slab of
temple; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime
during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: While
most sources available to me have indicated that the Lisbon temple will be
dedicated closer to the end of the year than the middle of it, I also know that
the unexpected can happen and almost always does. That said, I will be keeping
an eye out for any and all developments on this front and will pass along any
updates.
168.
Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion
anticipated sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: While
this temple has continued to make steady and significant progress, the temple
for Winnipeg, which will, by comparison, be significantly smaller, has not been
able to see full-scale construction begin. Therefore, it is very likely indeed
that
Construction pending:
169.
Winnipeg Manitoba Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting
full-scale operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated
sometime between late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: As
previously noted, once full-scale construction begins on this temple, because
it is a somewhat smaller edifice (being built to currently serve just the one
stake in Manitoba for now), construction is anticipated to take roughly 20
months. With that in mind, this temple will need to have full scale
construction begin by no later than April or May of next year in order for it
to be completed on the very latest side of this estimate. As always, once more
is known, I will pass that along.
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: Barring
anything unexpected, full-scale construction on this temple is anticipated to
begin on the Monday following its groundbreaking. Also, because this temple is
anticipated to be somewhat comparable in size and design to the Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo, construction is anticipated to last for
around 2 years and 7 months or so, which is 1.5 years shorter than the
construction of the only other temple in the Caribbean Area, the Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic Temple was (as the construction process for that temple took
4 years and 1 month).
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; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after
both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the
Rome Italy Temple. Once more is known about how soon that might be, I will pass
the information along.
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: As mentioned in previous versions of this report, all that is
known about the renovation process for this temple is that it will alter both
the interior and exterior appearance of it. While my study of the prospects for
expansion of temples scheduled for renovation is ongoing, I learned in the last
month that it may not be as likely as I thought that this temple’s renovation
will involve an expansion. Once more is known, I will pass that along. Either
way, the renovation begins in just under a month.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: As previously mentioned, the stated purpose for this temple’s
renovation is to bring electrical and mechanical systems up to date and up to
code. While it is a smaller temple from the Kimball era, an expansion does not
seem likely for this temple.
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: As noted above on the Memphis temple, an expansion does not seem
likely for this temple either. If I find information that suggests that is part
of the plan, I will pass it along.
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 this temple is the most recently dedicated of those scheduled
for renovation, it is anticipated that the renovation process will be swifter.
As mentioned above on both the Memphis and Oklahoma City temples, an expansion
of this temple does not seem likely. Once more is known, I will pass that
along.
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: While a closure date has not yet been announced for this temple,
it is possible that the closure could happen within the last week of 2017. In
the meantime, as noted above on temples that will close in 2017, and based on
feedback I received from a contact in North Carolina, an expansion for this
temple does not seem to be in the plans. If I find information that changes my
thinking on that, I will be sure to pass it along.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This temple is listed above the Oakland one for now because they
are in alphabetical order. Whenever a more precise closure date is known for
either, I will pass that along. For now, as noted on other temples scheduled
for renovation, I don’t know how likely it is that this temple could be
expanded. Once I know more, I will pass that along as well.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: When the renovation closure for this temple was announced, the
Church stated it was necessary because the electrical and mechanical systems
needed to be brought up-to-date. So it seems doubtful that anything else will
be done during this renovation. Once we know more about what will be involved
(including the exact closure date), I will pass that along.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: The stated purpose for this temple’s renovation is to bring
electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date. Because this temple is larger
than both the Tokyo Japan and Mesa Arizona Temples, I am estimating that it
will be the last of the bunch to be rededicated. Once more is known about this
process (including an exact closure date), I will pass that along.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: As previously noted, the stated purpose for this temple’s
renovation is to bring electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date. And since
this is the second time this temple has been renovated, it seems likely that it
could be the first temple to be rededicated in 2020. As the process unfolds and
more is known about its progress, I will pass along any adjustments to this
line of thought.
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: If the information I have
received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of
preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior
to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. While there has been no evidence to
corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me
to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise
announcement of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other
temples that will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that
doesn’t happen, I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple
will be the first to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen
sooner rather than later.
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: While numerous delays
prevented this temple from making any progress since its announcement almost
seven years ago, those delays are at an end. Since it seems likely that the
Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple will be the next one to have a groundbreaking
(either before the end of this year or during the first part of next year), it
seems logical to assume that this temple could follow shortly thereafter. More
to come once more is known.
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take
place during mid-2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, shortly
after this temple was announced in April 2016, Elder Hamilton made a statement
that indicated a site announcement and groundbreaking would follow for this
temple in short order once 2017 began. Nearly eight months of 2017 have come
and gone with nothing new happening for this temple. For that reason, it seems
safe to assume that it will be the third temple of this announced group to have
a groundbreaking. While some have said it could happen by the end of this year,
it seems more likely that it will not take place until the middle of next year
at earliest. If my thinking in that regard changes, I will pass that along.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: When I was encouraged to take
another look at the order in which announced temples could have a subsequent
groundbreaking, I felt impressed to find out, on average, how long it has taken
for temples in Utah County to get from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on
that average, it seems likely that, if a site is announced for it soon, this
temple could have a groundbreaking at the time indicated above, and perhaps
well ahead of the other temples listed below. If my thinking on that changes, I
will pass it along.
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: Even though this temple has
already had a site identified, and that site has been inspected by Church
engineers, over the course of the last several months, I have done considerable
study on when announced temples have gone on to have a groundbreaking. And that
study, combined with valuable feedback from experts on this subject, has led me
to believe that this temple’s groundbreaking is more likely to happen towards
the middle or end of 2018 than the beginning of it, especially because other
temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking first. I will continue to
pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: The note on the temple above
applies to this temple as well. Though it has had a site confirmed already,
because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking prior to this
one, it has felt wise to push this estimate back. In the meantime, we could
also hear any day an announcement about the name for this second temple for the
capital city of the Philippines. As more information is released, I will pass
that along.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: Two potential locations have
been noted as potential locations for this temple site. Until a site
confirmation happens, a groundbreaking time-frame may be hard to pin down.
However, Idaho is well within the “Mormon corridor (of which Arizona and Utah
are also a part), and temples in that area generally get built relatively
easily and quickly. That said, as previously noted, I have felt it wise to push
the estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking back to this point because the
temples above seem more likely to have a groundbreaking prior to this one. That
said, there could be an equal chance that this temple could have a
groundbreaking in either late 2018 or early 2019. I will pass along updates as
I learn of them.
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: I was pleased to hear of the
media event held for this temple two months ago. During that event, Elder
Joseph W. Sitati, the first GA Seventy from Kenya, mentioned that it usually
takes a year or two after temple announcements for a groundbreaking to happen.
Given that statement and the fact that the temples listed above this one will
likely have a groundbreaking first, it seemed wise to adjust my estimate. If my
thinking on this changes, I will pass that along.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: As noted previously, some
Thai members and other members familiar with that country have speculated that
an existing Church office building (owned since 2008) will be reconstructed
into an edifice that not only houses Church offices, but the temple and a meetinghouse
as well, similar in concept to the temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New
York. If that is confirmed within the next year or so, I could see a
groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will pass along any updates on
this as I receive them.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Growth trends in the Ivory
Coast have led some to speculate that a second (and even a third) Ivory Coast
temple could be among the 80 referenced above. Regarding this temple, until
more is known about it, this estimate seems wise.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Even though Ecuador’s first
temple had a 14-year wait between its site announcement and groundbreaking, the
growth of the Church in South America has been a clear indicator that the
Church won’t have to wait that long for this groundbreaking. Because of the
others listed above that are expected to have a groundbreaking first, it seems
likely that the time-frame above will be likely for this temple’s
groundbreaking. As always, I will adjust this as more becomes known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: While it seems almost certain
that the Brasilia Brazil Temple will have a groundbreaking sooner than this one
(as we still do not know where in Belem this temple will be built), what is not
known is whether this temple will indeed be the last of the current bunch to
have a groundbreaking. As progress is made on temples in the next year or so,
hopefully that will be cleared up. And, as always, I will continue to pass
along updates and changes to this line of thinking.
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 80 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.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Church News Updates
Hello, everyone! I am posting today with a few significant albeit minor Church news updates. First of all, this article describes how newly acquired fragments of the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon have come in to the hands of the Church History Department personnel who are busy working to preserve it. I hope each of you will enjoy the article about it as much as I did.
Next, this article shares remarks by well-respected BYU professor Brad R. Wilcos, who is often called upon to speak and share motivational or inspirational remarks with youth and young adults. Brother Wilcox focused his address on six types of salvation that are offered to all mankind through the grace and the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Finally, while I myself never have been and never will be a big football fan, for any readers of my blog that do enjoy such things, this article features an interview with BYU athletic director Todd Holmoe, who spoke on what's ahead for BYU sports during the fall semester of 2017.
That does it for this update. I will be back before too much longer with an updated version of my temple construction progress report. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, feel free to let me know your thoughts on this post if you feel so inclined, and may the Lord bless you all. Until I post again, I wish each and every one of you all the very best.
Next, this article shares remarks by well-respected BYU professor Brad R. Wilcos, who is often called upon to speak and share motivational or inspirational remarks with youth and young adults. Brother Wilcox focused his address on six types of salvation that are offered to all mankind through the grace and the atoning sacrifice of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Finally, while I myself never have been and never will be a big football fan, for any readers of my blog that do enjoy such things, this article features an interview with BYU athletic director Todd Holmoe, who spoke on what's ahead for BYU sports during the fall semester of 2017.
That does it for this update. I will be back before too much longer with an updated version of my temple construction progress report. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, feel free to let me know your thoughts on this post if you feel so inclined, and may the Lord bless you all. Until I post again, I wish each and every one of you all the very 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.
Sierra Leonean Church Members Help to Clean Connaught Hospital
Hello, everyone! I am posting yet again, this time to pass along a great news story from the Mormon Newsroom website. In this report featured on the Ghana Mormon Newsroom website, it was noted that Saints in the Freetown region are helping to clean and fix up a hospital in Connaught. It was nice to hear how, even in the midst of their own recovery from the aftermath of the Sierra Leone mudslide, members mobilized so quickly to take care of this much-needed cleanup project. I continue to hope and pray that Latter-day Saints throughout the world that are in the midst of natural disasters will be blessed. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments are welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, may the Lord bless you all.
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, everyone! I am back again, this time with an updated copy of my temple construction progress report. In light of the developments I reported several hours ago regarding temple progress, and because there have been a few other developments since that time (including one or two that I find significant, even if no one else shares that opinion), I wanted to pass along the updated version of that report. It has been interesting to see the day-to-day developments relating to temple construction progress on a day-to-day basis.
Just think of what has happened just over the last few months: we learned several other temple renovations were being planned, we had the unexpected announcements of both the rededication information for the Jordan River Utah Temple and the groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, and my thinking has been changed numerous times on which cities may soon get a temple, how soon temples that have not progressed beyond an announcement might have a groundbreaking, and the order in which temples that are or will be commencing construction or renovation might subsequently have a dedication or rededication. The study of these things has been a grounding influence and blessing to me as my wife and I continue to muddle through our various health issues.
So here is that report. Let me know your thoughts on these developments. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all.
Just think of what has happened just over the last few months: we learned several other temple renovations were being planned, we had the unexpected announcements of both the rededication information for the Jordan River Utah Temple and the groundbreaking for the Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple, and my thinking has been changed numerous times on which cities may soon get a temple, how soon temples that have not progressed beyond an announcement might have a groundbreaking, and the order in which temples that are or will be commencing construction or renovation might subsequently have a dedication or rededication. The study of these things has been a grounding influence and blessing to me as my wife and I continue to muddle through our various health issues.
So here is that report. Let me know your thoughts on these developments. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all.
Temple Construction Progress Update
(current as of 8/30/17)
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 12.60 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; open house reservations
will be accepted beginning on Monday September 25, 2017 (with the open house
set to run between October 21 and November 11); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
159. Cedar
City Utah Temple: Hanging interior light fixtures; installing art glass; open
house reservations will be accepted beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (with the
open house set to run between October 27 and November 18); dedication scheduled
for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: Yesterday,
it was noted regarding this temple that landscaping was progressing. In a check
done around the time when the 29th became the 30th, that
information was no longer included on this temple’s status. This indicates to
me that landscaping has concluded, which is a significant milestone, as it
leaves just the temple’s interior to be finished.
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.
NOTE: Barring anything unexpected,
I have felt it safe to assert my opinion that this temple’s completion will
likely be closer to the middle of the year than the end of it, and I have felt
that is especially true given that the three other temples below this one will
likely be completed as the year comes to a close. If I get information that
changes my thinking on this matter, I will pass it along.
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: Temple roof slab poured; brick work
continues at missionary housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance
buildings; 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 be sure to pass that along.
Under construction, completion
anticipated within the next 2-3 years:
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple
exterior walls; meetinghouse exterior walls rising; completion
anticipated sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: In view of my feeling that
the Durban temple will be completed before the end of 2018, I am likewise as
certain that this temple’s completion will be closer to the first part of 2019
than the middle of it, especially since we have operating temples scheduled for
renovation that are anticipated to be completed closer to the middle of 2019
than the beginning of it. As with anything else, if my thinking on this
changes, I will pass that along.
166. Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple: Construction
underway on temple substructure; completion anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
167. Lisbon
Portugal Temple: Preparing to pour main floor of temple; meetinghouse cladding
progressing; completion anticipated sometime during late 2019.
168. Arequipa Peru Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated
sometime during late 2019.
NOTE: Since
full-scale construction is still pending for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple
below, and since this temple has made very steady progress, I have changed my
estimate for the completion of this temple to before the end of 2019. If I need
to change that again, I will do so.
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 between late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: On
August 29, 2017, many sources available to me removed any estimated completion
date from this temple. However, I ran the numbers, and those tell me that as
long as the Church is able to start full-scale construction on this temple
before the end of this year, then it is almost certain that a dedication could
follow at around the time indicated below. If 2017 ends without any progress
being made in that regard, I will reevaluate things.
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: Based on the knowledge that
this temple will be somewhat comparable in size to the Kinshasa DR Congo
Temple, and because this temple’s groundbreaking will happen prior to the end
of the year, I have felt an initial 3-year estimate for its completion would be
appropriate. Once work gets underway in earnest on this temple (which, by all
reports, looks to be able to happen by the Monday after the groundbreaking), we
will know more about when it might be completed, which will continue to change
depending on how fast work progresses. I will be sure to pass along any updates
to my line of thought and reasoning on this.
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; roof slab poured for basement addition; rededication
anticipated sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: This temple appears to be on track to be dedicated sometime after
both the rededication of the Jordan River Utah Temple and the dedication of the
Rome Italy Temple. Once more is known about how soon that might be, I will pass
the information along.
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: As mentioned in previous versions of this report, all that is
known about the renovation process for this temple is that it will alter both
the interior and exterior appearance of it. While my study of the prospects for
expansion of temples scheduled for renovation is ongoing, I learned in the last
month that it may not be as likely as I thought that this temple’s renovation
will involve an expansion. Once more is known, I will pass that along. Either
way, the renovation begins in about a month.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation on September 29, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during
early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: As previously mentioned, the stated purpose for this temple’s
renovation is to bring electrical and mechanical systems up to date and up to
code. While it is a smaller temple from the Kimball era, an expansion does not
seem likely for this temple.
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: As noted above on the Memphis temple, an expansion does not seem
likely for this temple either. If I find information that suggests that is part
of the plan, I will pass it along.
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 this temple is the most recently dedicated of those scheduled
for renovation, it is anticipated that the renovation process will be swifter.
As mentioned above on both the Memphis and Oklahoma City temples, an expansion
of this temple does not seem likely. Once more is known, I will pass that
along.
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: While a closure date has not yet been announced for this temple,
it is possible that the closure could happen within the last week of 2017. In
the meantime, as noted above on temples that will close in 2017, and based on
feedback I received from a contact in North Carolina, an expansion for this
temple does not seem to be in the plans. If I find information that changes my
thinking on that, I will be sure to pass it along.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This temple is listed above the Oakland one for now because they
are in alphabetical order. Whenever a more precise closure date is known for
either, I will pass that along. For now, as noted on other temples scheduled
for renovation, I don’t know how likely it is that this temple could be
expanded. Once I know more, I will pass that along as well.
13. Oakland California Temple: Scheduled to
close for renovation in February 2018; rededication may take place sometime during
mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: When the renovation closure for this temple was announced, the
Church stated it was necessary because the electrical and mechanical systems
needed to be brought up-to-date. So it seems doubtful that anything else will
be done during this renovation. Once we know more about what will be involved
(including the exact closure date), I will pass that along.
16. Washington D. C. Temple: Scheduled to close
for renovation in March 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: The stated purpose for this temple’s renovation is to bring
electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date. Because this temple is larger
than both the Tokyo Japan and Mesa Arizona Temples, I am estimating that it
will be the last of the bunch to be rededicated. Once more is known about this
process (including an exact closure date), I will pass that along.
7. Mesa Arizona Temple: Scheduled to close for
renovation in May 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: As previously noted, the stated purpose for this temple’s
renovation is to bring electrical and mechanical systems up-to-date. And since
this is the second time this temple has been renovated, it seems likely that it
could be the first temple to be rededicated in 2020. As the process unfolds and
more is known about its progress, I will pass along any adjustments to this
line of thought.
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: If the information I have
received about this temple and its progress is correct, the year of
preconstruction which the contractor for this temple mentioned was needed prior
to its groundbreaking began in March 2017. While there has been no evidence to
corroborate that this process has indeed begun, it seemed to be enough for me
to move this temple below Haiti’s first. Some have said that the surprise announcement
of the Port-au-Prince groundbreaking may mean we could have other temples that
will have a groundbreaking by the end of this year. But if that doesn’t happen,
I think it is safe to assume and to assert that this temple will be the first
to have a groundbreaking next year, and that it will happen sooner rather than
later.
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: While numerous delays
prevented this temple from making any progress since its announcement almost
seven years ago, those delays are at an end. Since it seems likely that the
Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple will be the next one to have a groundbreaking
(either before the end of this year or during the first part of next year), it
seems logical to assume that this temple could follow shortly thereafter. More
to come once more is known.
173. Harare Zimbabwe Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking could take
place during mid-2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, shortly
after this temple was announced in April 2016, Elder Hamilton made a statement
that indicated a site announcement and groundbreaking would follow for this
temple in short order once 2017 began. Nearly eight months of 2017 have come
and gone with nothing new happening for this temple. For that reason, it seems
safe to assume that it will be the third temple of this announced group to have
a groundbreaking. While some have said it could happen by the end of this year,
it seems more likely that it will not take place until the middle of next year
at earliest. If my thinking in that regard changes, I will pass that along.
174. Saratoga Springs Utah:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: When I was encouraged to take
another look at the order in which announced temples could have a subsequent
groundbreaking, I felt impressed to find out, on average, how long it has taken
for temples in Utah County to get from announcement to groundbreaking. Based on
that average, it seems likely that, if a site is announced for it soon, this
temple could have a groundbreaking at the time indicated above, and perhaps
well ahead of the other temples listed below. If my thinking on that changes, I
will pass it along.
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: Even though this temple has
already had a site identified, and that site has been inspected by Church
engineers, over the course of the last several months, I have done considerable
study on when announced temples have gone on to have a groundbreaking. And that
study, combined with valuable feedback from experts on this subject, has led me
to believe that this temple’s groundbreaking is more likely to happen towards
the middle or end of 2018 than the beginning of it, especially because other
temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking first. I will continue to
pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: The note on the temple above
applies to this temple as well. Though it has had a site confirmed already,
because other temples are almost certain to have a groundbreaking prior to this
one, it has felt wise to push this estimate back. In the meantime, we could
also hear any day an announcement about the name for this second temple for the
capital city of the Philippines. As more information is released, I will pass
that along.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during late 2018-early 2019.
NOTE: Two potential locations have
been noted as potential locations for this temple site. Until a site
confirmation happens, a groundbreaking time-frame may be hard to pin down.
However, Idaho is well within the “Mormon corridor (of which Arizona and Utah
are also a part), and temples in that area generally get built relatively
easily and quickly. That said, as previously noted, I have felt it wise to push
the estimate for this temple’s groundbreaking back to this point because the
temples above seem more likely to have a groundbreaking prior to this one. That
said, there could be an equal chance that this temple could have a
groundbreaking in either late 2018 or early 2019. I will pass along updates as
I learn of them.
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: I was pleased to hear of the
media event held for this temple two months ago. During that event, Elder
Joseph W. Sitati, the first GA Seventy from Kenya, mentioned that it usually
takes a year or two after temple announcements for a groundbreaking to happen.
Given that statement and the fact that the temples listed above this one will
likely have a groundbreaking first, it seemed wise to adjust my estimate. If my
thinking on this changes, I will pass that along.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: As noted previously, some
Thai members and other members familiar with that country have speculated that
an existing Church office building (owned since 2008) will be reconstructed into
an edifice that not only houses Church offices, but the temple and a
meetinghouse as well, similar in concept to the temples in Hong Kong China and
Manhattan New York. If that is confirmed within the next year or so, I could
see a groundbreaking happen at around this time. I will pass along any updates
on this as I receive them.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Growth trends in the Ivory
Coast have led some to speculate that a second (and even a third) Ivory Coast
temple could be among the 80 referenced above. Regarding this temple, until
more is known about it, this estimate seems wise.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Even though Ecuador’s first
temple had a 14-year wait between its site announcement and groundbreaking, the
growth of the Church in South America has been a clear indicator that the
Church won’t have to wait that long for this groundbreaking. Because of the
others listed above that are expected to have a groundbreaking first, it seems
likely that the time-frame above will be likely for this temple’s groundbreaking.
As always, I will adjust this as more becomes known.
182. Belem Brazil Temple:
Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may take
place during late 2019-early 2020.
NOTE: While it seems almost certain
that the Brasilia Brazil Temple will have a groundbreaking sooner than this one
(as we still do not know where in Belem this temple will be built), what is not
known is whether this temple will indeed be the last of the current bunch to
have a groundbreaking. As progress is made on temples in the next year or so,
hopefully that will be cleared up. And, as always, I will continue to pass
along updates and changes to this line of thinking.
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 80 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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