Hello, everyone! This is the first of the two posts with which I am starting my day. I wanted to let you all know that three of our apostles have been in the news recently, all for very inspiring reasons. Here are the details:
First of all, in the third and final Worldwide Devotional for the Church's Young Adults, the featured speaker, Elder David A. Bednar, encouraged those within the sound of his voice to be a welding link in their families. This encouragement and invitation is a continuation of the Church's ongoing efforts to get Latter-day Saints of all ages involved in Family History work. As one who was heavily involved with the extraction program, which was the precursor to indexing, I know just how much of a difference a few minutes can make in people's lives if they use those few minutes here and there to do family history. The prophecy of Malachi that Elijah would return to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers has been fulfilled, and, as modern revelation so eloquently and simply tells us, the welding link between fathers and children in any phase or location of the world is family history. During my six-year tenure as a temple worker, I observed so many people coming faithfully to the temple every week with the family names they had discovered and processed in the time since I had last seen them come in. It has well been said that we without our dead cannot be made perfect. I would encourage all of us to get involved with family history and temple work. In the meantime, you can find a more complete summary of Elder Bednar's inspiring message here. That was published on Sunday.
Also on Sunday, the United States English language Mormon Newsroom shared the story from the Mormon Newsroom in the Philippines about how Elder Neil L. Andersen came to that island nation to establish the 100th stake in the region, which was the Mandaluyong Stake and which was created from a division of the Makati, Makati East, and Manila Philippines Stakes. I found it quite intriguing to read that some of the units that will comprise this new stake come from the first stake that was ever created in the Philippines. It is also significant to know that the Philippines now becomes only the 5th nation to have 100 stakes.The other four are Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and Peru.
Other than what I have said here about this amazing milestone, I will not be going into specifics about the historical significance of this milestone, nor about the units that comprise this new stake. I feel extremely sensitive about the matter of infringing on the territory of others. I have before mentioned sites that I admire that inspire me which do such analysis and share such data far better than I could ever do. Since there are experts in that regard, I will not be trying to fill that role in this case. If you would like to read that report from the Philippines Newsroom on this milestone, click here/
Before I conclude by sharing the last apostolic news story for which I am writing this post, there was one thing I did want to note, and that is connected in a way to the milestone of 100 stakes in the Philippines. Anyone who has followed this blog to any extent whatsoever knows how much I love watching out for and rpeorting temple-related developments. Anyone who has followed temple developments within the last 1.5 years knows that when the second temple was announced for the Peruvian capital city of Lima, an official name for that temple followed in just under three weeks.
We likewise know that, up until now, it has been anyone's guess when an official name will be announced for the second temple for the Philippines capital city. I was therefore pleased and somewhat intrigued to read this article about the creation of this 100th stake for that nation. In referencing the temples in the Philippines, the article lists those in operation in Manila and Cebu City, then mentions the Urdaneta temple as being planned. And then, in reference to the second Manila temple, the article doesn't just call it "greater Manila area". It makes specific reference to Alabang, which is the name of the region in Muntinlupa City where the second Philippines Temple will rise. This makes me wonder if the Church is looking to call this temple the Alabang Manila Temple, much the same way that the second Provo Utah Temple is known as the Provo City Center Temple, with no mention whatsoever of its state. I welcome thoughts on this.
In the meantime, the last story I want to post about features a favorite apostle of mine, Elder Holland, whose talks always touch me the most out of any other addresses. As I have recently observed, the Church is coming out more in fsvor of religious freedom, but also is addressing more fully the refugee crisis with initiatives and extensive plans and public apppearances and addresses. Elder Holland, joined by Sister Sharon Eubank, who became the First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency last April, spoke at Windsor Conference about helping Yazidis, who are an Iraqi minority religion who have, in view of their faith, been abused and targeted by ISIS. The extent of that abuse has been labeled genocide. In their current plight, they are oppressed and not regarded as free to practice their own religious beliefs or even live normal day-to-day lives. In Elder Holland's address on the subject of the Yazidis, he observed that their current plight is no different than the horrors and atrocities which the early Saints had to endure for the first 15-20 years after the Church was reestablished upon the earth. The purpose of Elder Holland's address was to demonstrate that the history of the persecution of these early Saints should not have to be repeated with those Yazidis that are (or at least, should be) considered our brothers and sisters. He urged those in attendance who could use their influence to help this group to do so. To read a summary of his inspiring message, click here. From what I have been able to ascertain, the idea is to have similar conferences in the future focusing on issues like this, all with a view of affecting real change.
That does it for this post. Sorry it was more lengthy than I meant it to be. Your comments are always 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.
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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Wednesday, September 13, 2017
3 Apostles Featured in Recent Church News Articles
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, September 12, 2017
Yet Another Temple Construction Progress Report
Hello again, everyone! I am back again with another updated report regarding temple construction progress. I think we have seen an end to the time when days on end pass with no developments. I expect plenty additional progress to be reported in the remainder of this month (prior to General Conference, which will be marked on September 23 & 30 and October 1, when we will likely see additional temples announced, if my study in that regard has been any indication). So, what all has changed? Check out the latest report below. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 9/12/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions 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 to complete 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 12.56 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 appears to be very doable. 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 1 that has had
construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping
up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are
additionally 9 others are in various
phases of construction and 1 more
that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to
begin ASAP (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 completed,
preparing for open house:
158. Meridian Idaho
Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13; accepting
open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (which will
continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from
Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays); dedication
scheduled for Sunday November 19, 2017.
NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on
this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case,
I will pass that along.
Construction nearing completion;
dedication scheduled:
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Finish work underway on the interior; cultural celebration kick-off
meeting held; accepting open house reservations beginning Monday October 2,
2017 (which will continue to be accepted during the open house, which is
set to run tours from Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding
Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: I feel safe in asserting that the latest news for
this temple indicates that this temple is getting closer to completion. I am
keeping an eye on this and will pass more information along once I know more.
Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end
of next year (2018)):
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. My revised, more specific estimate has been
set for early-to-mid June. If I receive information that changes that belief, I
will be sure to pass it along.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; west side nearly finished;
hanging doors and installing millwork inside; completion anticipated sometime
during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Given what is known currently
about this temple’s progress, as well as the fact that the rededication of the
Frankfurt Germany Temple may happen prior to the dedication of this one, I am
setting a preliminary revised estimate of mid-to-late August for this dedication.
As more is known about how this temple continues to progress during the
remainder of this year, any adjustments will then be presented in subsequent
versions of this report.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof sheathing completed; steeple
framework installed; landscaping palm trees secured; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: While I fervently hope that
this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate,
information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this
temple will be closer to a year from now than any earlier. I am therefore setting
a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s
potential dedication timeframe.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: This temple, once thought to
be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one
dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional
information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late
October-early November 2018.
Under construction, completion
anticipated during 2019:
164. Durban South
Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary
housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion
anticipated sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As promised in previous
version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion
that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take
around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new
feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or
early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse
exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As part of my ongoing
research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led
me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in
mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Exterior walls rising; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As part of my efforts to
reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is
more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General
Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I
will pass that along.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Structural framing for main floor
underway; meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in
this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that
this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If
my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru
Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated
sometime during early 2020.
NOTE: As noted on other temples, I
have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After
considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed,
and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the
result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts
that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact,
my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was
given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we
could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it
would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once
this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that
thinking.
Construction pending:
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans being slightly
modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the first or second
quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime between early-to-mid
2020.
NOTE: With today’s notification
that full-scale operations are anticipated to begin in the first or second
quarter of 2018, I ran the numbers. As long as work begins by the last day of
June 2018, construction could conclude by leap day 2020, which would put the
dedication sometime in mid-to-late April or so. I will continue to evaluate
this update and will provide any further changes to and clarifications of my
thinking on this. For now, it is good to have heard of that update.
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: As previously noted, this
temple is anticipated to be somewhat comparable in size to the Kinshasa DR
Congo Temple. It is therefore my estimate that construction for this second
Caribbean temple will, as previously observed, take around 1.5 years less than the
time it took to build the first temple in that region. That would put the rough
estimate for this temple’s construction time-frame at around 2 years and 7
months. Assuming no delays and that full-scale construction will be able to
begin on this temple on Monday October 30, that would then put the dedication
somewhere around mid-August 2020, which would be on the earlier side of the
time-frame above. That said, I have also heard that this temple could progress
quickly enough to be the last one dedicated in 2019. I will keep an eye on all
of this information and will be sure to pass along any updates to my thinking
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. I have felt it might
happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and
have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid
August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Saturday September
30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section
on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change
the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an
expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be
wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the
rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known,
that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be
sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday October 2, 2017; rededication may
take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: The change of this temple’s
closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the
comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no
expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first
to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during
mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.
95. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 15, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that this
temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely
that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15
months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on
that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during
mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that
line of reasoning.
112. Asuncion Paraguay
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples
section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion
is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15
months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication
time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that
line of thinking will be noted in the future.
68. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: The date of this temple’s
anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for
temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in
North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this
renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in
mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation
process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along. For now, that would
put my estimate for this rededication sometime during mid-to-late August 2019.
94. Baton Rouge
Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February
1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This temple’s closure date
was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of
right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be
expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for
this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass
that along. For now, I wanted to note that I am estimating this temple’s rededication
may take place sometime during mid-September 2019.
13. Oakland California
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: With the date of this
temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the
Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for
an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation
is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems. With that in mind,
and knowing that this temple is anticipated to reopen before the end of 2019,
it is not hard to believe that a rededication could thus be set to take place
during mid-December 2019. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line
of thought and reasoning.
16. Washington D. C.
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: Given that this temple’s
completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version
of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation
is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion
estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is
comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation
will take around 20 months, which would put this temple’s rededication sometime
during mid-December 2019, and would mean that event would likely be the last such
temple-related event of that year. As with everything else, I will pass along
any updates and changes as I become aware of them.
Temples which have had a
renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:
7. Mesa Arizona Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been
announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in
which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the
exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact
closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the
stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and mechanical
systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit larger than the
Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and this renovation
is therefore not anticipated to take as long. With that in mind, I believe it
would be safe to set this temple’s potential rededication time-frame for late
May or early June 2020. I will pass along any updates to both the closure
time-frame and the rededication as I become aware of them.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until
the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a
groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below
reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now
known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for
news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these
events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am
keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I
receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something
more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it
will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And
speaking personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of
this as I will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the
privilege has always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this
regard.
Announced temples that may have a groundbrea/king
sometime within the next year (whether or not they happen in this order):
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. If that is verified
at any point within the next few months, it is not hard to believe that a
groundbreaking could follow in early-to-mid March of next year, if not sooner.
That said, I could also see the Church identifying a site and having a
groundbreaking for this temple sometime after one is held for the Urdaneta
Philippines Temple, which is currently the oldest among those announced that
have not progressed beyond that point. More to come once more is known.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While
a specific site has not yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a
look on September 4, 2017 at some information for this temple shows some site
pictures. If a likely site has been identified but not publicly announced, then
that opens up the possibility that this temple could potentially have a
groundbreaking sooner than many (myself included) have previously thought,
either before the end of this year or in short order after next year begins. While
I won’t change the listed order for these announced temples yet, I did want to
note that this one and that one may be interchangeable, especially since there are
site photographs for this one, while we are still waiting for a site
confirmation for that one. As always, I will pass along any changes to this
line of thought as I make it.
173. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
could take place during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Despite
the statement made by Africa Southeast Area President Elder Kevin S. Hamilton
(who stated when this year began that a site announcement and groundbreaking
would happen for this temple in short order), with 2017 being more than 2/3
over, it is getting increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen
for this temple prior to the end of this year. As differing reports have
necessitated doing so, I have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly.
But it now appears certain that this temple will be one of those that will have
a site announcement and groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I
have considered my own thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point
during early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may
change, and I will pass that along as I am able to.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking anytime between September 2018 and the end of 2019:
174. Saratoga Springs
Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, when I
went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018,
one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four
Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this
temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable,
especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or
less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during
mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic
that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.
175. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, though
this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by
general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because
of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first.
However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this
temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that
event to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes
and goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of
thinking.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down
repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from
when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated
if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust
this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in
mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this
group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official
name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the
capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following
its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any
time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking
ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While some have (quite
accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona,
and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also
true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential
prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in
my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was
announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are
experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of
this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples
have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most
likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated
above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of
early-to-mid March 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates
to this line of reasoning and estimate.
178. Nairobi Kenya
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held
June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: I have before referenced the
media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority
Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this
temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I
have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years
after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was
typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has
led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid
May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable
that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If at any point Church
leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church
office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will
be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of
already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If
that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things,
including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am
confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take
place around early-to-mid June 2019. If such
speculation proves accurate within the next year or so, it is easy to assume
that a groundbreaking could follow as indicated here. I will pass along any
updates in this regard as I hear of them.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Regarding the growth of the
Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and
assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced
there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that
nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid
August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to
wait that long for that to happen. In the meantime, a
closer look at this temple’s listing on a number of the sources available to me
seem to indicate that a potential site has yet to be identified. That said, we
have seen the Lord move miraculously to get other temples started, so I could
see a groundbreaking during the time-frame indicated above, as long as a site
is identified within the next 1.5 years, which seems very possible. As always,
I will be sure to pass along any updates to this line of thought and reasoning.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, the
Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement of that
nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second
temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait.
With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more
rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years
for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate
for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I
will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil
Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And
while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after
this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is
known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As
with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of
thought as things develop.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y.
Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls
Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are
under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years.
While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from
2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those announcements
can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do so in his
behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years averages out
to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032, we could be
entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and when some will
be announced in between each April and October. Future versions of this report
will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard. Stay tuned for
that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.
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.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Yet Another Temple Construction Progress Update
Hello again, everyone! In the last 18 hours or so, so many developments have occurred for temples all around the world. Most significantly and importantly to me is that we now have a general time-frame within which construction is now anticipated to begin for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, which, as we know, had a groundbreaking last December but has not progressed beyond that point. The new information I got today indicates that work will get underway officially on that temple by the end of the second quarter of 2018, at very latest. In the meantime, that fits right in line with my theory on its completion estimate. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as soon as I learn of them. For now, here is the latest version of my report on that progress, such as it is. I should also like to note that the 100th stake was created in the Philippines this weekend, and you can depend on hearing an analysis of that milestone here in the coming days. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Comments continue to be welcome and appreciated. Until my next post, I wish you all the best.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 9/11/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions 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 to complete 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 12.57 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 appears to be very doable. 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 1 that has had
construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping
up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are
additionally 9 others are in various
phases of construction and 1 more
that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to
begin ASAP (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 completed,
preparing for open house:
158. Meridian Idaho
Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13;
accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (which will continue to be accepted during the open
house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11,
excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19,
2017.
NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on
this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case,
I will pass that along.
Construction nearing completion;
dedication scheduled:
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Finish work underway on the interior; cultural
celebration kick-off meeting held; accepting open house reservations
beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (which will
continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication
scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: I feel safe in asserting
that the latest news for this temple indicates that this temple is getting
closer to completion. I am keeping an eye on this and will pass more
information along once I know more.
Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end
of next year (2018)):
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. My revised, more specific estimate has been
set for early-to-mid June. If I receive information that changes that belief, I
will be sure to pass it along.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; west
side nearly finished; hanging doors and installing millwork inside;
completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Given what is known currently
about this temple’s progress, as well as the fact that the rededication of the
Frankfurt Germany Temple may happen prior to the dedication of this one, I am
setting a preliminary revised estimate of mid-to-late August for this
dedication. As more is known about how this temple continues to progress during
the remainder of this year, any adjustments will then be presented in
subsequent versions of this report.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof sheathing completed; steeple
framework installed; landscaping palm trees secured; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: While I fervently hope that
this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate,
information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this
temple will be closer to a year from now than any earlier. I am therefore setting
a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s
potential dedication timeframe.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: This temple, once thought to
be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one
dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional
information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late
October-early November 2018.
Under construction, completion
anticipated during 2019:
164. Durban South
Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary
housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion
anticipated sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As promised in previous
version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion
that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take
around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new
feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or
early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse
exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As part of my ongoing
research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led
me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in
mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As part of my efforts to
reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is
more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General
Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I
will pass that along.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Structural framing of main floor underway;
meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in
this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that
this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If
my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru
Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated
sometime during early 2020.
NOTE: As noted on other temples, I
have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After
considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed,
and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the
result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts
that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact,
my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was
given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we
could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it
would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once
this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to
that thinking.
Construction pending:
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; plans
being slightly modified; full-scale operations anticipated to begin in the
first or second quarter of 2018; completion anticipated sometime
between early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: With
today’s notification that full-scale operations are anticipated to begin in the
first or second quarter of 2018, I ran the numbers. As long as work begins by
the last day of June 2018, construction could conclude by leap day 2020, which
would put the dedication sometime in mid-to-late April or so. I will continue
to evaluate this update and will provide any further changes to and clarifications
of my thinking on this. For now, it is good to have heard of that update.
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: As previously noted, this
temple is anticipated to be somewhat comparable in size to the Kinshasa DR
Congo Temple. It is therefore my estimate that construction for this second
Caribbean temple will, as previously observed, take around 1.5 years less than
the time it took to build the first temple in that region. That would put the
rough estimate for this temple’s construction time-frame at around 2 years and
7 months. Assuming no delays and that full-scale construction will be able to
begin on this temple on Monday October 30, that would then put the dedication
somewhere around mid-August 2020, which would be on the earlier side of the
time-frame above. That said, I have also heard that this temple could progress
quickly enough to be the last one dedicated in 2019. I will keep an eye on all
of this information and will be sure to pass along any updates to my thinking
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. I have felt it might
happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and
have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid
August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Saturday September
30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section
on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change
the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an
expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be
wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the
rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known,
that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be
sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday October 2, 2017; rededication may
take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: The change of this temple’s
closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the
comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no
expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first
to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during
mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.
95. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 15, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that this
temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely
that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15
months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on
that time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during
mid-March 2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that
line of reasoning.
112. Asuncion Paraguay
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017; rededication
may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples
section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion
is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15
months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication
time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that
line of thinking will be noted in the future.
68. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: The date of this temple’s
anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for
temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in
North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this
renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in
mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation
process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along. For now, that would
put my estimate for this rededication sometime during mid-to-late August 2019.
94. Baton Rouge Louisiana
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February 1, 2018;
rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This temple’s closure date
was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of
right now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be
expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for
this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass
that along. For now, I wanted to note that I am estimating this temple’s
rededication may take place sometime during mid-September 2019.
13. Oakland California
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With the date of this
temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the
Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for
an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation
is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems. With that in mind,
and knowing that this temple is anticipated to reopen before the end of 2019,
it is not hard to believe that a rededication could thus be set to take place
during mid-December 2019. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line
of thought and reasoning.
16. Washington D. C.
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: Given that this temple’s
completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version
of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation
is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion
estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is
comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation
will take around 20 months, which would put this temple’s rededication sometime
during mid-December 2019, and would mean that event would likely be the last such
temple-related event of that year. As with everything else, I will pass along
any updates and changes as I become aware of them.
Temples which have had a
renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:
7. Mesa Arizona Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been
announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in
which the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the
exact dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact
closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the
stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and
mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit
larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and
this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. With that in
mind, I believe it would be safe to set this temple’s potential rededication
time-frame for late May or early June 2020. I will pass along any updates to
both the closure time-frame and the rededication as I become aware of them.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until
the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a
groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below
reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now
known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for
news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these
events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am
keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I
receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something
more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it
will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And
speaking personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of
this as I will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the
privilege has always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this
regard.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking sometime within the next year (whether or not they happen in
this order):
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, and I am projecting that such an event could happen
in either late April or early May of 2018. I will pass along any changes to
this line of thinking as I make it. In the meantime, since the Urdaneta
Philippines Temple listing does include photographs of the anticipated site location
while this temple’s actual site location remains a question mark until a
groundbreaking for either is set, the argument could be made in favor of
switching this one and that one. I am doing more research into whether or not
that even needs to be considered and hope to post the results of that study,
whatever those may be, sometime between the next few days and the following
week.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While a specific site has not
yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017
at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has
been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility
that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many
(myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year
or in short order after next year begins. I don’t feel confident enough at this
point to change the listed order of this temple, but it does give me hope that
something will happen sooner rather than later. It is my personal conjecture
that this groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid June 2018. And, as
mentioned above regarding this temple and the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple,
there are site photographs for this one, while we are still waiting for a site
confirmation for that one. This means that this temple could have a
groundbreaking prior to that one. Whenever either of these two groundbreakings
does wind up taking place, the other one is sure to follow shortly thereafter,
perhaps within a month of the first. As always, I will pass along any changes
to this line of thought as I make it.
173. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
could take place during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: I have previously referenced
the statement made by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who has served as president of
the Church’s Africa Southeast Area since August 2016. He was quoted as saying
that this temple would have both a site announcement and groundbreaking in
fairly short order in 2017. With 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting
increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior
to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I
have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain
that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and
groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own
thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during
early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change,
and I will pass that along as I am able to.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking anytime between September 2018 and the end of 2019:
174. Saratoga Springs
Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, when I
went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018,
one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four
Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this
temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable,
especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or
less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during
mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic
that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.
175. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, though
this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by
general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because
of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first.
However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this
temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that
event to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes
and goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of
thinking.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name
announcement; groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down
repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from
when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated
if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust
this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in
mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this
group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official
name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the
capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following
its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any
time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking
ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While some have (quite
accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona,
and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also
true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential
prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in
my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was
announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are
experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of
this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples
have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most
likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated
above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of
early-to-mid March 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates
to this line of reasoning and estimate.
178. Nairobi Kenya
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held
June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: I have before referenced the
media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority
Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this
temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I
have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years
after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was
typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has
led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid
May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable
that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If at any point Church
leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church
office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will
be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of
already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If
that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things,
including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am
confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take
place around early-to-mid June 2019. In the less than 2 years between now and
then, that will likely change, and I will pass along any adjustments I do wind
up making.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Regarding the growth of the
Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and
assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced
there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that
nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid
August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to
wait that long for that to happen. As always, I will be sure to pass along any
updates to this line of thought and reasoning.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, the
Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement of that
nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second
temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait.
With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more
rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years
for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate
for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I
will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil
Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And
while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after
this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is
known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As
with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of thought
as things develop.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y.
Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls
Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are
under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years.
While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from
2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those
announcements can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do
so in his behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years
averages out to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032,
we could be entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and
when some will be announced in between each April and October. Future versions
of this report will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard.
Stay tuned for that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.
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.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Further updates reported on temples worldwide
Hello again, everyone! Hope you all are well on this Sabbath Day. I am posting with yet another copy of my temple construction progress report because of things that have been reported on that progress within the last 18 hours or so. The developments, such as they are, show that the Church is getting closer to completing some of these temples. Enjoy, and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord continue to bless you all in all you do.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 9/10/17)
NOTE ABOUT FUTURE TEMPLE
CONSTRUCTION: As referenced in previous versions 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 to complete 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 12.57 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 appears to be very doable. 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 1 that has had
construction conclude (and is preparing for its open house) and 1 more that has construction wrapping
up prior to its already scheduled dedication later this year. There are
additionally 9 others are in various
phases of construction and 1 more
that had a groundbreaking last year, (with full-scale construction anticipated to
begin ASAP (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 completed,
preparing for open house:
158. Meridian Idaho
Temple: Practices for youth cultural celebration to begin September 13;
accepting open house reservations beginning Monday September 25, 2017 (which will continue to be accepted during the open
house, which is set to run tours from Saturday October 21-Saturday November 11,
excluding Sundays); dedication scheduled for Sunday November 19,
2017.
NOTE: While I have not yet confirmed that construction has concluded on
this temple, it seems to be a safe assumption. If I find that is not the case,
I will pass that along.
Construction nearing completion;
dedication scheduled:
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Finish work underway on the interior; cultural
celebration kick-off meeting held; accepting open house reservations
beginning Monday October 2, 2017 (which will
continue to be accepted during the open house, which is set to run tours from
Friday October 27-Saturday November 18, excluding Sundays); dedication
scheduled for Sunday December 10, 2017.
NOTE: I feel safe in asserting
that the latest news for this temple indicates that this temple is getting
closer to completion. I am keeping an eye on this and will pass more
information along once I know more.
Under Construction (completion anticipated by the end
of next year (2018)):
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. My revised, more specific estimate has been
set for early-to-mid June. If I receive information that changes that belief, I
will be sure to pass it along.
161. Concepcion Chile
Temple: Cladding progressing on east side of temple; west
side nearly finished; hanging doors and installing millwork inside;
completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: Given what is known currently
about this temple’s progress, as well as the fact that the rededication of the
Frankfurt Germany Temple may happen prior to the dedication of this one, I am
setting a preliminary revised estimate of mid-to-late August for this
dedication. As more is known about how this temple continues to progress during
the remainder of this year, any adjustments will then be presented in
subsequent versions of this report.
162. Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple: Roof sheathing completed; steeple
framework installed; landscaping palm trees secured; completion anticipated
sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: While I fervently hope that
this temple will be completed closer to the earlier side of this estimate,
information that I came across last night indicates the completion of this
temple will be closer to a year from now than any earlier. I am therefore setting
a preliminary estimate of mid-to-late September 2018 for this temple’s
potential dedication timeframe.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: This temple, once thought to
be among the first completed in 2018, may now turn out to be the last one
dedicated in 2018, if current trends continue. In view of additional
information I received recently, I am setting a new estimate for late
October-early November 2018.
Under construction, completion
anticipated during 2019:
164. Durban South
Africa Temple: Temple roof slab poured; brickwork continues at missionary
housing; waterproofing and backfilling entrance buildings; completion
anticipated sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: As promised in previous
version of this report, I did some more research that pointed to the notion
that, barring anything unexpected, the completion of this temple may take
around 1.5 years rather than just the 1 that I thought. It is therefore my new
feeling that the dedication of this temple will be around late February or
early March 2019. If my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
165. Fortaleza Brazil
Temple: Applying waterproofing membrane to temple exterior walls; meetinghouse
exterior walls rising; completion anticipated sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As part of my ongoing
research, I studied when this temple might be completed. And that study has led
me to conclude that the completion of this temple will likely happen in
mid-to-late May 2019. If that changes, I will pass that along.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Construction underway on temple substructure; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: As part of my efforts to
reevaluate potential completion estimates, I discovered that this temple is
more likely to be dedicated following the annual July recess of the General
Authorities, perhaps by early-to-mid August. If my thinking on that changes, I
will pass that along.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Structural framing of main floor underway;
meetinghouse cladding progressing; completion anticipated sometime
during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: While I hope I am wrong in
this regard, my additional research on this temple points to the notion that
this temple may only be dedicated by late October or early November of 2019. If
my thinking on that changes, I will pass that along.
Temples anticipated to be completed sometime during 2020:
168. Arequipa Peru
Temple: Setting rebar for second floor structural walls; completion anticipated
sometime during early 2020.
NOTE: As noted on other temples, I
have done more research lately on when each temple might be completed. After
considering the potential time-frame in which this temple might be completed,
and the excellent feedback I got on that point from experts in this field, the
result of my additional study on this issue is that I concur with the experts
that have suggested early 2020 as a more likely completion time-frame. In fact,
my calculations on this temple (keeping in mind the 28-month estimate that was
given at one point for this temple’s completion) have led me to believe that we
could see a dedication in late February or early March of that year, as it
would be the tail end of the summer months for that region. As always, once
this temple makes more progress, I will be sure to pass along any changes to
that thinking.
Construction pending:
169. Winnipeg Manitoba
Temple: Groundbreaking held Saturday December 3, 2016; awaiting full-scale
operations; acquiring building permits; completion anticipated sometime
between early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: Until construction begins in
earnest on this temple, it may be difficult to pinpoint an exact completion
time-frame, so I have felt it wiser to be more conservative in my estimates.
That said, we do know that construction is anticipated to take around 20 months
once it begins. With that in mind, the time-frame above is very reasonable, as
long as the full-scale construction begins within the next 11 months or so. I
for one hope it will not take that long for that to happen, and I will be sure
to pass along any updates to this temple’s status or estimated time-frame. However,
until work does get underway, I want to be conservative in my estimate for this
temple’s dedication estimate, and I am thus offering a preliminary estimate for
late April or early May 2020. If construction gets underway at any point before
the end of this year or within the early months of next year, that completion
estimate will, obviously, be moved up. Just wanted to note that, for what it’s
worth.
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: As previously noted, this
temple is anticipated to be somewhat comparable in size to the Kinshasa DR
Congo Temple. It is therefore my estimate that construction for this second
Caribbean temple will, as previously observed, take around 1.5 years less than
the time it took to build the first temple in that region. That would put the
rough estimate for this temple’s construction time-frame at around 2 years and
7 months. Assuming no delays and that full-scale construction will be able to
begin on this temple on Monday October 30, that would then put the dedication
somewhere around mid-August 2020, which would be on the earlier side of the
time-frame above. That said, I have also heard that this temple could progress
quickly enough to be the last one dedicated in 2019. I will keep an eye on all
of this information and will be sure to pass along any updates to my thinking
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. I have felt it might
happen sometime after the annual July recess of the General Authorities, and
have thus set my estimate for that rededication to take place in early-to-mid
August. If I need to change that, I will pass that information along.
Renovations Scheduled (official
closure dates announced):
80. Memphis Tennessee
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Saturday September
30, 2017; rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid
2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s adjusted completion date was confirmed by the redone Temples section
on the Church’s website. As also previously noted, this renovation will change
the interior and exterior look of the temple. Whether or not that involves an
expansion, I have felt that an 18-month estimate for that process would be
wise, which gives us an actual estimate of mid-to-late May 2019 for the
rededication. As the renovation process actually unfolds and more is known,
that will change, but it seems to be a safe estimate for the moment. I will be
sure to pass along any changes to that estimate.
18. Tokyo Japan Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday October 2, 2017; rededication may
take place sometime during early-to-mid 2020.
NOTE: The change of this temple’s
closure date was confirmed by the same source mentioned above. With the
comparatively smaller size of this temple, and with the knowledge that no
expansion is planned, it is obvious that this temple will likely be the first
to be rededicated in 2020, and I am estimating that will happen sometime during
mid-March. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any needed adjustments.
95. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 15, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: While it is true that this
temple has more room for expansion than Memphis does, it does not seemly likely
that such an expansion is part of the plan. Therefore, a revised estimate of 15
months seems likely for the completion of that renovation process. Based on that
time-frame, I am also estimating a subsequent rededication during mid-March
2019. As that process unfolds, I will pass along any changes to that line of
reasoning.
112. Asuncion Paraguay
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday October 29, 2017;
rededication may take place sometime during early-to-mid 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, this
temple’s official closure date was not changed when the layout of the Temples
section on the Church’s website was redone. As also noted, unless an expansion
is planned (which seems unlikely at this point), a completion time-frame of 15
months seems reasonable. That puts this temple’s potential dedication
time-frame sometime during late April or early May 2019. Any changes to that
line of thinking will be noted in the future.
68. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: The date of this temple’s
anticipated closure has now been confirmed by the Church’s new beta site for
temples. In addition, as previously noted, I heard from a member contact in
North Carolina that the Saints in that area were told shortly after this
renovation was announced that it would not involve an expansion. With that in
mind, a 15-month estimate seems to be appropriate for this temple’s renovation
process. As more is known about this, I will pass it along. For now, that would
put my estimate for this rededication sometime during mid-to-late August 2019.
94. Baton Rouge
Louisiana Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Thursday February
1, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: This temple’s closure date
was also confirmed by the Church’s beta site for temple information. As of right
now, it doesn’t look like plans are in the works for this temple to be
expanded. I am predicting, therefore, that a 15-month estimate may be wise for
this temple’s completion. As more is known, if my thinking changes, I will pass
that along. For now, I wanted to note that I am estimating this temple’s
rededication may take place sometime during mid-September 2019.
13. Oakland California
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Monday February 19,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2019.
NOTE: With the date of this
temple’s renovation closure having been confirmed by the beta site for the
Church’s temple information, and knowing that an 18-month estimate is wise for
an initial prediction, primarily because the stated purpose for this renovation
is to upgrade and replace mechanical and electrical systems. With that in mind,
and knowing that this temple is anticipated to reopen before the end of 2019,
it is not hard to believe that a rededication could thus be set to take place during
mid-December 2019. I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of
thought and reasoning.
16. Washington D. C.
Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Sunday March 4,
2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: Given that this temple’s
completion date has been officially confirmed by the LDS Church’s beta version
of their temple section, and given that the purpose of this temple’s renovation
is to upgrade and update electrical and mechanical systems, the completion
estimate above seems likely, especially in view of the fact that this temple is
comparatively larger. I am venturing an initial estimate that this renovation
will take around 20 months, which would put this temple’s rededication sometime
during mid-December 2019, and would mean that event would likely be the last such
temple-related event of that year. As with everything else, I will pass along
any updates and changes as I become aware of them.
Temples which have had a
renovation announced but for which an exact closure date is not yet known:
7. Mesa Arizona Temple:
Scheduled to close for renovation in May 2018 (exact date has not yet been
announced); rededication may take place sometime during mid-to-late
2020.
NOTE: In the 24 hours or so in which
the adjustments of all other renovation dates became necessary as the exact
dates were clarified, this temple remained the one for which a more exact
closure date is not yet confirmed. In the meantime, as previously noted, the
stated purpose of this renovation is to upgrade and update the electrical and
mechanical systems of this temple. Even though this temple is quite a bit
larger than the Tokyo Japan Temple, it has been renovated once previously, and
this renovation is therefore not anticipated to take as long. With that in
mind, I believe it would be safe to set this temple’s potential rededication
time-frame for late May or early June 2020. I will pass along any updates to
both the closure time-frame and the rededication as I become aware of them.
NOTE ON FUTURE GROUNDBREAKINGS: Until
the prophet (or those he authorizes to do so in his behalf) announces a
groundbreaking for any or all of these temples, the timeframes listed below
reflect merely my own thoughts, theories, and conjectures, based on what is now
known about how soon any of them might happen. I continue to hope and pray for
news of other groundbreakings, but time will tell how imminent any of these
events will be, and whether or not they will unfold as presented below. I am
keeping an eye out for developments and will pass along any updates as I
receive them, including any and all changes to these estimates. Until something
more official comes out, this information should not be taken as gospel, as it
will be consistently altered as developments change these estimates. And
speaking personally, I will be just as happy if I am proven wrong on any of
this as I will be if anything in this section is proven right. For me, the
privilege has always been the opportunity to contribute to discussions in this
regard.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking sometime within the next year (whether or not they happen in
this order):
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, and I am projecting that such an event could happen
in either late April or early May of 2018. I will pass along any changes to
this line of thinking as I make it. In the meantime, since the Urdaneta
Philippines Temple listing does include photographs of the anticipated site location
while this temple’s actual site location remains a question mark until a
groundbreaking for either is set, the argument could be made in favor of
switching this one and that one. I am doing more research into whether or not
that even needs to be considered and hope to post the results of that study,
whatever those may be, sometime between the next few days and the following
week.
172. Urdaneta
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval phase; awaiting government
approval and official site announcement; groundbreaking could take place
sometime during mid-2018.
NOTE: While a specific site has not
yet officially been confirmed for this this temple, a look on September 4, 2017
at some information for this temple shows some site pictures. If a likely site has
been identified but not publicly announced, then that opens up the possibility
that this temple could potentially have a groundbreaking sooner than many
(myself included) have previously thought, either before the end of this year
or in short order after next year begins. I don’t feel confident enough at this
point to change the listed order of this temple, but it does give me hope that
something will happen sooner rather than later. It is my personal conjecture
that this groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid June 2018. And, as
mentioned above regarding this temple and the Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple,
there are site photographs for this one, while we are still waiting for a site
confirmation for that one. This means that this temple could have a
groundbreaking prior to that one. Whenever either of these two groundbreakings
does wind up taking place, the other one is sure to follow shortly thereafter,
perhaps within a month of the first. As always, I will pass along any changes
to this line of thought as I make it.
173. Harare Zimbabwe
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking
could take place during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: I have previously referenced
the statement made by Elder Kevin S. Hamilton, who has served as president of
the Church’s Africa Southeast Area since August 2016. He was quoted as saying
that this temple would have both a site announcement and groundbreaking in
fairly short order in 2017. With 2017 being more than 2/3 over, it is getting
increasingly less likely that we will see anything happen for this temple prior
to the end of this year. As differing reports have necessitated doing so, I
have moved this temple down and up again repeatedly. But it now appears certain
that this temple will be one of those that will have a site announcement and
groundbreaking during 2018, if not before. And as I have considered my own
thoughts on this, I have felt that might happen at some point during
early-to-mid August. As the time between now and then passes, that may change,
and I will pass that along as I am able to.
Announced temples that may have a
groundbreaking anytime between September 2018 and the end of 2019:
174. Saratoga Springs
Utah: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place sometime during mid-to-late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, when I
went to reevaluate the potential sequence of temple-related events for 2018,
one thing I looked at extensively was the average time in which the other four
Utah County temples have gone from announcement to groundbreaking. And if this
temple holds to that average, then the time-frame above seems very reasonable,
especially if the site for this temple is confirmed within the next 9 months or
less. I am venturing a more specific time-frame for this event to be during
mid-September 2018. As the next year passes, we will know just how realistic
that might be, and I will pass along any adjustments I feel impressed to make.
175. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, though
this temple has already had a site confirmed and officially inspected by
general Church engineers, I have moved it down to this spot primarily because
of the others above it that are anticipated to have a groundbreaking first.
However, I would love nothing more than to see things happen sooner for this
temple. Until more is known, I am offering a preliminary estimate for that event
to take place in late October or early November. As the next year comes and
goes, I will be sure to pass along any adjustments to this line of thinking.
176. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning phase; site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As noted above, this temple has also been moved up and down
repeatedly. Though a site has been confirmed, we are at least a year away from
when most experts feel this groundbreaking will take place. I would be elated
if it happens sooner, but until more is known, I have felt it wiser to adjust
this estimate. As to a specific time-frame, I am estimating that could happen in
mid-December, which would be right in the middle of the dry season for this
group of islands. Additionally, as noted above, we are waiting for an official
name announcement, which is anticipated anytime. The second temple for the
capital city of Peru had an official name announced under three weeks following
its announcement, so an official name for Manila’s second temple may come any
time in the near future, either before or shortly after its groundbreaking
ceremony. I will be sure to post any changes to my thinking on any of this.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: While some have (quite
accurately) observed that temples in the “Mormon corridor” of Utah, Arizona,
and Idaho generally get started more quickly than temples elsewhere, it is also
true that this temple has not had a site confirmed (though two potential
prospects have been widely discussed, and one of those, the most likely one, in
my opinion, was annexed into the city of Pocatello 4 days after the temple was
announced). Having been advised to do so by a couple of good friends who are
experts on temple matters, I looked at how I should adjust the placement of
this temple. After I ran the average time-frames in which other Idaho temples
have gone from announcement to groundbreaking, I determined that it is most
likely that this temple could have that happen within the time-frame indicated
above, and I have felt bold enough to venture a more exact time-frame of
early-to-mid March 2019. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates
to this line of reasoning and estimate.
178. Nairobi Kenya
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; media event held
June 14, 2017; groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: I have before referenced the
media event at which Elder Joseph W. Sitati, our first General Authority
Seventy from Kenya, shared information and answered media questions about this
temple. That aside, this temple is still in the very preliminary stages, so I
have felt certain that a groundbreaking for it may happen around two years
after the media event, as Elder Sitati indicated a 1-2 year time-frame was
typical for a temple to go from announcement to groundbreaking. My study has
led me to conclude that a more precise time-frame may be during early-to-mid
May 2019. As the next 18 months transpire, we will know just how reasonable
that estimate might be, and I will make any adjustments that are needed.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If at any point Church
leaders verify member speculation about this temple (that an existing Church
office building, which has been owned and used by the Church since 2008, will
be rebuilt and renovated into a multi-purpose edifice in the mold of
already-existing similar temples in Hong Kong China and Manhattan New York. If
that is not the Church’s intent, that will, of course, change a lot of things,
including how soon a groundbreaking might take place. Until more is known, I am
confident enough to venture my prediction that such a groundbreaking may take
place around early-to-mid June 2019. In the less than 2 years between now and
then, that will likely change, and I will pass along any adjustments I do wind
up making.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: Regarding the growth of the
Church in the Ivory Coast, recent trends there have led some to believe and
assert that there may be a reason to have 1 or 2 additional temples announced
there within the next 15 or 20 years. Regarding this first temple for that
nation, I have felt that we could see a groundbreaking around early-to-mid
August of 2019, although I hope that the Ivory Coast Saints will not have to
wait that long for that to happen. As always, I will be sure to pass along any
updates to this line of thought and reasoning.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: As previously noted, the
Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement of that
nation’s first temple for it to progress to a groundbreaking. This second
temple, for the Ecuadoran capital city, is not anticipated to have such a wait.
With other temples announced after this one but that have progressed more
rapidly, I hope the Saints in this city will not have to wait another two years
for progress on this temple, but until more is known, I am setting my estimate
for this groundbreaking for mid-to-late October, after General Conference. I
will continue to hope for it to happen sooner, but for now, it seems sound.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: Though the Brasilia Brazil
Temple was announced a year after this one, it seems to be further ahead. And
while I hope and pray that we will not have to wait until almost 5 years after
this temple’s announcement for its subsequent groundbreaking, until more is
known, I am estimating that it will happen during early-to-mid November. As
with everything else, I will be sure to pass along any changes to that line of
thought as things develop.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As noted above, Elder Larry Y.
Wilson stated in an interview on the last day of April 2017 (as the Idaho Falls
Temple Open House was underway) that the Church has 80 potential sites that are
under consideration for an official announcement within the next 15 years.
While it is also true that all 12 temple sites that have been announced from
2015 to now have been made during the April General Conference, those
announcements can come any time the Church president or those authorized to do
so in his behalf feel impressed to make them. Since 80 temples in 15 years
averages out to 5 new announcements per year between now and sometime in 2032,
we could be entering an era where a few are announced in each conference and
when some will be announced in between each April and October. Future versions
of this report will feature any and all ongoing developments in this regard.
Stay tuned for that, and thank you for the privilege of your time.
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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