Though I am somewhat behind on reporting Church news, I wanted to share several items that have really touched and inspired me in the last couple of days. At some point, I will hope to catch up on anything I missed, perhaps this weekend, but for now, here is a summary of the items that have impacted me so much in the last few days or so. Enjoy!
First of all, the Tabernacle Choir has announced that their 2018 tour will cover many major US and Canadian cities. For a description of the specific plans, click here.
The Church is offering aid in the aftermath of major disasters. Such aid has been sent to Texas and Southern Mexico. In relation to an additional disaster, Mormon Newsroom shared this report detailing how President Eyring recently visited areas in the Caribbean that were impacted by Hurricane Irma. Those reports were amazing to read.
I have before shared my thoughts on who might be in attendance at the final two temple dedications this year. In regards to that, I have new information. On the same day of the Meridian Idaho Temple dedication (Sunday November 19), Elders Oaks and Ballard will take questions from the Young Single Adult members of the Church. So it is obvious they will not be involved in the dedication, as the Face-to-Face event will originate from Logan, Utah. For more on the Face-to-Face event (including how YSA members who would like to can ask the questions they have, click here and here. As one who was a YSA for a while myself, I am grateful that the Church is now giving people in that age group (18-30) the opportunity to learn direct answers to their questions from general Church leaders.
For leaders of youth, the Church has released this article (written by Sister Carol F. McConkie about why the Young Women General Presidency & general board members are encouraging Young Women and their leaders to bring girl's camp home with them. There was also this article written by the Young Men General Presidency and general board, describing in greater detail what led up to the decision to discontinue the Church's formal chartered relationship for young men aged 14-18, why the new activity program needed to be instituted, and how young men presidencies & advisers can mentor and assist their quorum presidencies in using the new guidelines going forward.
As I have mentioned before, I spent my teenage years in a ward where the focus on Scouting was targeting 11-13 year old young men. Any of us that wished to do so were perfectly welcome to pursue our Scouting endeavors individually (thereby making each young man in that situation fully responsible for completing those Scouting milestones of their free will and choice), while the Teachers' and Priests' Quorum's weekly activities focused more on fulfilling the requirements of the Duty to God program.
This move the Church has made to focus Scouting efforts on those 11-13 and emphasizing the new guidelines for those young men of Teacher or Priest age is merely an extension and expansion on what many wards that I know of were already doing, and, as has already been mentioned, this new activity program fits all young men of that age worldwide, not just catering to those in the US and Canada, or anywhere else the Boy Scouts have formal troops organized. I am fully on board with these changes.
Next, this article describes the experience of the Latter-day Saint that was involved in the terrorist attacks in Barcelona last month. The Church News also published this article describes the feelings and memories that President Eyring and his son, Henry J., are having as President Eyring prepares to fill his assignment as the First Vice-Chairman for the Church Board of Education and a former president of Ricks College (now known as BYU-Idaho) to preside at the inauguration of his son, Henry J., as the 17th President of BYU-Idaho. Interestingly enough, that inauguration, set to be held on September 19, will coincide with when BYU-Idaho President Henry J. Eyring will mark his 54th birthday.
I have before spoken of how President Henry B. likely recused himself from participating in the decision that led to his son Henry J.'s appointment as president of BYU-Idaho, but, as his father noted in the article above, the new President Eyring has earned this assignment based entirely on his own educational qualifications and merits. And I am sure that, if pressed, the senior President Eyring would respond to this whole situation the same way that President Gordon B. Hinckley responded to his son Richard G.'s appointment as a General Authority Seventy, and say that his son has a wonderful mother, though he cannot recommend his father, and that no one should hold Henry J.'s relatiionship to Henry B. against him, as he (Henry J.) is powerless to help it.
Sorry if I got up on my soapbox for a bit there. I hate the fact that so many people make an issue out of nepotism in the Church. Each of us can and should (if any of us have not already done so) gain a testimony for ourselves that the process by which any Church leader is called and released is divinely instituted. There are many who are qualified to serve in such positions. But I know for a fact that certain leaders have been called to certain positions at certain times because they were meant to be in those positions. For a Church that believes and teaches the principle of foreordination, it should not come as a surprise that certain individuals have been called at certain times. If we have a testimony of the process by which those changes occur on any level (ward, stake, or general), then we should accept the "changing of the guard" rotation of responsibility. And if we do not have such a witness of the way that works, we should do whatever it takes to get one, then share it with those around us. And once we have that witness, we should willingly support those changes as they happen. As I have also observed previously, it is not our place to dispute the calling or decline to sustain anyone unless we know for a fact they have done something that would disqualify them from serving in those capacities, and, if we do have such knowledge, we should go through the proper channels to bring such information to the attention of the proper individuals. If we do not have such knowledge, or have not taken such steps, we have no right to silently or vocally decline to sustain those God has called.
Sorry I keep getting off on tangents. It just bugs me when people cry nepotism or vocally manifest their opposition to sustaining our Church leaders without taking the proper steps to resolve their concerns. I hope no readers of this blog fall into that category. If any of you do, I would ask you to please listen to the direction of the First Presidency member leading the sustaining every six months and contact your stake presidents to get those concerns, whatever they might be, resolved.
In the meantime, the Church News section on LDS.org was updated today to include this article, which goes into more detail about the planned changes in curriculum for 2018. And this article describes how Elder Stevenson spoke at a nationwide conference in Korea for Young Single Adults and Single Adults.
And from the Mormon Newsroom, we have this article with guidelines on reducing suicide and depression, this article with updates on the Church's relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and this article sharing the latest news on Church aid being sent in response to Hurricane Irma.
Having completed this somewhat massive update on the latest Church news, I would simply like to request that all of us keep in our prayers those affected by natural disasters, and that we would continue to pray for progress on temples worldwide and for the leadership of this Church, particularly our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I still don't know whether or not he will be well enough to speak or even attend General Conference, but I am grateful that he was able to mark his 90th birthday just under a month ago, and I hope that he will continue to inspire us for however much longer the Lord wills that he should be the president of His Church. I likewise hope we will continue to include the other apostles in our prayers as well. As I have previously mentioned, the Church has been in this kind of territory before, with the ill health of Presidents Kimball and Benson in the last several years of their lives.
The interesting thing to me is that, from those periods of time to this, the only apostles that have been in the apostleship are Presidents Monson and Nelson and Elders Oaks, Ballard, and possibly Hales. So this is a new experience for everyone else. That said, I again express my gratitude that Presidents Eyring and Uchtdorf have had just over 9 years to learn first-hand how President Monson thinks and feels about important issues, and I know that they will continue to bring to him any matter about which they might have questions. So I have no doubts that the Church will continue to move on. In addition to two wonderful counselors, there are three (or possibly four) members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that have worked in various assignments with President Monson that can be of great help, and that, with the possible exception of the three junior apostles, all other apostles have likewise had a chance to work and serve alongside our prophet. Because of all of these reasons, I know that the Church is in great hands.
And I know that, no matter what anyone else might say, the Church has not yet and never will enact any kind of emeritus status for any of our apostles. Doing so would mean we would miss out on the final sermons of each of these Brethren prior to their passing, which would result in our missing the tender and inspirational final messages they would deliver. That is not in the plan now, and it never will be.
Again, sorry for all the tangents. That does it for this post. As always, I welcome any comments you might have. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best. May the Lord be with you all until then.
On this blog, I, James Stokes, share insights and analysis covering the latest news and developments reported about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My specific emphasis and focus is on the ministry of our current apostles, General Conference, and up-to-date temple information. This site is neither officially owned, operated, or endorsed by the Church, and I, as the autthor thereof, am solely responsible for this content.
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Friday, September 15, 2017
Massive Church News Update
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.
Updated estimates for future temple-related events
Hello, everyone! While there has been no notable progress reported on temples since I last posted about that subject yesterday, I have taken time to reassess and reevaluate when and how soon we might see future temple-related events. I wanted to share those thoughts with you all today. Again, I hope it is clearly understood, accepted, and appreciated that any developments are subject to the Lord's will and any local conditions and factors that may affect or impede that sequence of events. As with anything else I post, I welcome feedback on these adjustments. In the coming days, I hope to be able to post an updated version of my estimated timeline for temple-related events. Until then, thank you for the privilege of your time. May the Lord be with each of you until my next post.
Temple Construction Progress
(current as of 9/15/17)
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 various
phases (operating, undergoing renovation (which counts as operating), under
construction (new ones not yet dedicated) or announced (with either a site
announcement or groundbreaking pending). 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 underway;
open house reservations will start being accepted
beginning Monday September 25, 2017, and will be available for the three week period spanning Saturday October 21 and
Saturday November 11, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday
November 19, 2017.
Construction nearing completion;
dedication scheduled:
159. Cedar City Utah
Temple: Finish work underway on interior; cultural celebration kick-off meeting
held; open house reservations will start being accepted beginning Monday October 2, 2017, and will be available for the
duration of the open house, which is set to run for 22
days (roughly 3.15 weeks) between Friday October 27 and Saturday
November 18, excluding Sundays; dedication scheduled for Sunday
December 10, 2017.
NOTE: With the open house set to begin in roughly 1.41 months, it seems
apparent that construction is concluding. How close that is to actually being
the case remains to be seen. But if the finish work on the interior is the last
thing that needs to be completed, then the construction could be concluded by
this time next week. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates as
I learn of them.
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 already-announced rededication for the Jordan River Temple (which
is set for May 20), 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. I have set a more specific estimate for the time-frame of this
event for early-to-mid June. And if what happened this year is any precedent
for what might occur next year, perhaps the exact date might be two weeks from
that rededication, which would put the exact date of this dedication as Sunday
June 3. As always, I will be sure to pass along any updates I might make to
this estimate.
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: Barring
anything unexpected, this temple will almost surely be dedicated shortly after
the rededication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple. If, as anticipated, that
rededication takes place in early August, then this temple’s rededication could
follow, and I have felt to venture an exact date of August 19, but I could also
see that event pushed back to either August 26 or September 2. If something
happens to change my thinking on this, I will pass that along.
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: In
view of all that is currently unknown about the timing of this temple’s
completion, while I would hope that this event will be closer to the earlier
side of this estimate than the latter part of it, I have revised my estimate
for this event to either happen on September 16 or 23, or, if not on either of
those weeks, then I could see it occurring after General Conference, on either
October 21 or 28. As with anything else, I will post any updates that may be
needed to this theory as I become aware of their necessity.
163. Barranquilla
Colombia Temple: Pouring concrete curbing and walkways; preparing to clad
tower; completion anticipated sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: This
temple, as already noted, has been subjected to numerous delays in terms of its
completion. Once thought that this temple would be one of the first three to be
dedicated in 2018, will more than likely be the last one dedicated this year.
In terms of a potential specific date for this event, I would venture that it
could happen on either November 4, 11 or 18. As with everything else, I will be
sure to pass along any updates to this estimate.
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: While it was once thought that this temple could be either the
second-to-last or the last one dedicated in 2018, new information points to the
notion that it is more likely to occur in the early months of 2019. If I were
to pinpoint a more specific range for this event, I might put it at roughly
around late February or early March. Since I also hope that this temple will
make more rapid progress than currently believed, if anything happens within
the next year or so that opens up the chance of this dedication occurring in
2018, I will be sure to keep my eyes open and 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: The
timing on the dedication of this temple will largely depend on how soon the
Durban temple is completed. If it happens that that event is marked prior to
the end of 2018, then that would put this event earlier than anticipated. Until
more is known, I have felt a preliminary estimate of late April or early May
would be appropriate. I will be sure to note any changes to this thinking.
166. Rio de Janeiro
Brazil Temple: Crews preparing to pour exterior walls; completion
anticipated sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: With
so much unknown about what will happen in the next year and a half, and knowing
that there may be several temples that are currently scheduled for renovation
that could and possibly will have a rededication within the first half of 2019,
I would venture that the dedication of this temple will happen in early-to-mid
August. As with everything else, I will update this estimate as often as it may
need to be updated in the 22 months between now and then.
167. Lisbon Portugal
Temple: Structural framing for main floor underway; meetinghouse cladding
progressing; completion anticipated sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: With
what is known about the progress this temple has made and is expected to make
within the next two years or so, and with the knowledge that many of the
temples currently scheduled for renovation will likely have their rededication
set for the first 8 or 9 months of 2019, I am estimating that this temple will
be dedicated sometime during late October or early November. I will be sure to
pass along any updates to this estimate as I am able to make them between now
and then.
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: While
my study has verified that this temple’s dedication is more likely to occur in
the early months of 2020 than prior to the end of 2019, what is not as clear is
how quickly during early 2020 that dedication might occur. Until more is known,
I am venturing an estimate of late February or early March, which would allow
this dedication to take place during the Peruvian fall season.
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: In
view of the recent announcement that full-scale work would not begin on this
temple until sometime within the first six months of 2018, it seems to be a
safe assumption that there is little, if any, chance that this temple could be
completed by the end of 2019. With the 20-month estimate that has been given
for the construction process of this temple, I have felt that a dedication
could follow by late February or early March 2020. As the next 9 months come
and go, and as we see what happens during that time, any alterations that are
necessary will be made to this estimate.
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: This
temple is anticipated to be comparable in size and design to the Kinshasa DR
Congo Temple, which will have taken around 2.58 years by the time it is
dedicated. If this temple takes around that same length of time, then its
dedication could follow just before the general authorities take their July
recess in 2020. Until more is known, I want to be more conservative, so I will,
at least for the moment, estimate this temple’s dedication will take place
sometime during early-to-mid August 2020. As always, as progress is made on
this temple, I will pass along any updates to this theory.
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: As I have previously noted, this temple will
likely be dedicated sometime after both the rededication of the Jordan River
Temple and the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple, but prior to the dedication
of the Concepcion Chile Temple. Until more is known, I am setting that estimate
for Sunday August 5 or 12. As with everything else, I will be sure to pass
along any changes to this estimate.
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. And as we also know, 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 will put the subsequent rededication of this
temple in either late April or early May. As this process gets underway and
moves forward, I will be sure to pass along any updates to this adjustment.
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: As
previously noted, the stated purpose for the renovation of this considerably
smaller temple from the Kimball era will be to update electrical and mechanical
systems. It does not therefore appear as though an expansion or enlargement is
part of that plan. Therefore, a 30-month estimate for this temple’s renovation
seems more than reasonable, which would then put its subsequent rededication
sometime in late April or early May. As this process gets underway and unfolds,
I will be sure to pass along any changes to this estimate.
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: The
interesting thing about this temple’s renovation plans is that any mention of
it closing on the date specified (or even at all in 2017) has been removed.
Probably just a technical glitch. In the meantime, unless an expansion of this
temple is planned (which is unlikely at this point), a 15-month estimate seems
reasonable for this temple’s completion, which would put the dedication
sometime during mid-March 2019. That will likely change as this process
continues, but for now, it seems safe.
68. Raleigh North
Carolina Temple: Scheduled to close for renovation on Wednesday January
10, 2018; rededication may take place sometime during mid-2019.
NOTE: I
have previously mentioned the comment I received from a member contact in North
Carolina regarding the Saints in that area having been advised that this temple’s
renovation plans would not involve an expansion of any kind. Between that and
the timelines specified above within which new temples may be dedicated, I would
venture a prediction that this temple’s rededication may take place in early-to-mid
June 2019. That is an adjustment from the time-frame I suggested previously,
but it seems to be a sound conclusion.
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: Until
more is known, I have felt it safer to assume that the renovation for this
temple will not involve or include an expansion of any kind. Therefore, a
15-month estimate seems to be safe for an initial adjusted projection, and, in
also taking into account the new temples anticipated to be dedicated around
this same time, it is my feeling that this temple’s rededication may only
follow round about early-to-mid September 2019, which would be towards the
earlier side of this estimate. As this process unfolds, we will know more, and
any adjustments can be made as might be needed.
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: In
view of the Church’s statement that the purpose of this renovation is to
upgrade electrical and mechanical systems, and because this temple is older and
somewhat larger, an initial estimate of 18 months seems warranted for that
process. Therefore, it is my feeling that the rededication of this temple will
follow in mid-December 2019. Of course, as the process gets underway in six or
so months, that will change as more is known.
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: With
what is currently known about this temple’s renovation (having confirmed the
exact date, and also knowing that it is mainly to upgrade and update the
mechanical and electrical system), in taking the larger size of this temple
into account (which will extend the process), a 32-month estimate seems
appropriate. That would put this temple’s rededication sometime around early-to-mid
November 2020. As the next year unfolds, more will be known, and any
adjustments will be provided.
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: Because
the Mesa temple has been renovated once before, it is not anticipated to take
as long to complete this renovation (which is being done primarily to upgrade
the electrical and mechanical systems throughout the temple). Therefore, an
initial estimate of 26 months seems appropriate, which would put the estimate
for this temple’s rededication somewhere around early-to-mid September 2020.
Within the next year, this process will be well underway, and more will be
known about any adjustments that may need to be made. Until then, it seems to
be a sound adjustment to what I have previously stated.
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: After
running the numbers to find out how long it has taken, on average, for other
Utah County temples to go from announcement to groundbreaking, I have felt it
wise to change my estimate to early-to-mid September. Obviously, if we do not
hear of a site announcement for this temple within the next 9 months or so,
that will need to be pushed back. But until more is known, it seems sound.
175. Brasilia Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: While
I once believed and asserted that this temple would have a groundbreaking in
fairly short order once 2018 began, especially since as site had been confirmed
and inspected, in the interim, I have discovered that there is merit in believing
that other temples that were announced earlier than this one, although the
temple above this one is an exception to that notion. Until more is known, I
have felt that a preliminary estimate of late October or early November 2018.
As more is known, I will make any adjustments that may be necessary.
176. Alabang Manila Temple: Planning phase;
site confirmed; awaiting official name announcement; groundbreaking may take
place sometime during late 2018.
NOTE: As previously noted, the name above is my own speculation, and is
subject to change based on whenever anything more official may be announced at
Church headquarters, which I think will happen sooner rather than later. I will
be just as happy if I find I am wrong on this temple’s name as I would be if I
am right. Either way, since a site has been confirmed, I am predicting that a
groundbreaking could follow sometime during mid-December 2018. As always, I
will continue to pass along any changes to this estimate, and will also pass
along the official name for this temple whenever it is announced.
177. Pocatello Idaho:
Planning phase; awaiting site confirmation; groundbreaking may take place
sometime during early 2019.
NOTE: Even
though this temple is in the “Mormon corridor”, where temples have been known
to go up very quickly, for this temple’s groundbreaking estimate, I looked at
the average time-frame within which other Idaho temples have gone from
announcement to groundbreaking. And in that regard, I have become convinced
that this temple’s groundbreaking could take place in early-to-mid March 2019.
I will be sure to post any updates to this theory as I find out more. It will
also be easier to estimate once an official site is confirmed. The most likely
site (in my opinion) has been annexed into the city of Pocatello, but until it
is confirmed or denied that the temple will be built there, it is best to be
conservative in this 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: As
previously noted, Elder Sitati stated during the media event for this temple
that the Church generally takes one to two years from a temple’s announcement
to have a groundbreaking. In that regard, the general time-frame above seems
wise. As to a more specific estimate, I could see it happening in early-to-mid
May. As more information comes in about this temple, I will make any needed
adjustments.
179. Bangkok Thailand
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during mid-2019.
NOTE: If
the Church verifies member speculation (that an existing Church office building
will be rebuilt, renovated, and repurposed into a multi-purpose Church office,
meetinghouse, and temple) at any point in the next year or so, a groundbreaking
could easily happen during this time. Until more is known, an estimate of
early-to-mid June seems sound. I will pass along any information that changes
that.
180. Abidjan Ivory
Coast Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement;
groundbreaking may take place sometime during mid-to-late 2019.
NOTE: While
an official site announcement is still pending, we do know that the Church is
thriving in the Ivory Coast to such an extent that many are saying that nation
may get a second and possibly even a third temple within the next 15-30 years.
We will have to see how accurate that is. In the meantime, for this temple, the
timing of a future groundbreaking will largely depend on how soon we hear about
a potential site location. Wanting to be as conservative as I can, I will say
that I could see this groundbreaking potentially happening in early-to-mid
August. Until more is known, that is a change from what I have previously
posted. As with everything else, I will pass along any updates.
181. Quito Ecuador
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: While
the Ecuadoran Saints had to wait 14 long years between the announcement and
groundbreaking for the first temple in that nation, this temple is not anticipated
to have nearly as long of a wait. If a site is announced for this temple within
the next year, a groundbreaking could happen sooner than anticipated herein.
Until more is known, I have felt an estimate of early-to-mid September would be
safe for this groundbreaking. I will be sure to pass along any updates to this
estimate.
182. Belem Brazil
Temple: Planning phase; awaiting official site announcement; groundbreaking may
take place during late 2019.
NOTE: While
I would hope with all my heart that this temple will not be the last of the
current lot to have a groundbreaking, until more is known, I have felt it wiser
to be conservative in my estimates for when it will occur. It is almost
certain, however, that the Brasilia Brazil temple, which has already had a site
confirmed, will have a groundbreaking before this one, even though that one was
announced a year later. Wanting to be as conservative as I can, I will say that
I think we could see this temple’s groundbreaking in late October or early
November. As the next year passes, I will pass along any adjustments to this
line of thinking.
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.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
October 2017 General Conference Predictions--Final Version
Hello, everyone! Given that the first session of this October's General Conference will take place just over two weeks from today, I wanted to post the final version of my predictions for that General Conference. Before doing so, I should like to note that while there have been certain patterns of rotation in effect for each General Conference, there have also been some very unpredictable elements every six months. In particular, I am most in doubt about how accurate my predictions for the Women's Session may be. Since we have had changes in the make-up of the Relief Society and Primary General Presidencies, and since I am anticipating that the Young Women General Presidency may be changed next April, it is hard to know who among the women auxiliary leaders may be called upon to speak this time. That said, the rotation that has prevailed for the Young Women General Presidency of late makes me think Sister Oscarson will be asked to represent that presidency this go round. And since Sister Bingham will likely give her official response to her new calling as Relief Society President in the general sessions, that makes me think that we will likely hear from Sister Sharon Eubank. And if the General Young Women's President and the First Counselor in the Relief Socieety General Presidency are speaking, then it would make the most sense if the Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency spoke, which would give Sister Franco her first opportunity to speak since her call. And, barring anything unexpected, since President Eyring spoke in the General Women's Session, it is not hard to believe that President Uchtdorf will do so.
Any other speakers are where they are during this General Conference because that has made sense according to the usual rotational pattern. But I did also want to note that if President Monson and Elder Hales do speak back to back in the Sunday Morning Session, there may be reason to believe another speaker may be called upon that is not listed here, likely another General Authority Seventy.
Aside from these notes, the only thing I wanted to note is that I have changed my list of temples somewhat since I last posted it, and I hope you all enjoy those changes. If you have any feedback for me, please let me know in the comments below. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with each and every one of you until my next post.
Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Pago Pago
American Samoa; Neiafu
Vava'u Tonga
Any other speakers are where they are during this General Conference because that has made sense according to the usual rotational pattern. But I did also want to note that if President Monson and Elder Hales do speak back to back in the Sunday Morning Session, there may be reason to believe another speaker may be called upon that is not listed here, likely another General Authority Seventy.
Aside from these notes, the only thing I wanted to note is that I have changed my list of temples somewhat since I last posted it, and I hope you all enjoy those changes. If you have any feedback for me, please let me know in the comments below. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord be with each and every one of you until my next post.
October 2017 General
Conference Predictions
Speaking Order
(Text in brackets indicated what actually happened.)
Session
|
Conducting
|
Speaker
|
General Women’s
|
Joy D. Jones
|
Christina B.
Franco
|
|
|
Sharon Eubank
|
|
|
Bonnie L.
Oscarson
|
|
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
Saturday
Morning
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
|
|
Bishop W.
Christopher Waddell
|
|
|
Jean B. Bingham
|
|
|
Elder David A.
Bednar
|
|
|
Elder Massimo
De Feo
|
|
|
Elder O.
Vincent Haleck
|
|
|
Elder Jeffrey
R. Holland
|
Saturday Afternoon
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
(Sustaining of
Church Officers)
|
|
|
President
Russell M. Nelson
|
|
|
Elder Dale G.
Renlund
|
|
|
Elder Larry Y.
Wilson
|
|
|
Elder Joni L.
Koch
|
|
|
Elder Ian S.
Ardern
|
|
|
Elder Quentin
L. Cook
|
|
|
Elder Ronald A.
Rasband
|
Saturday
Priesthood
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
President
Thomas S. Monson
|
|
|
Elder D. Todd
Christofferson
|
|
|
Elder Patrick
Kearon
|
|
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
|
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
Sunday Morning
|
President
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
|
President
Thomas S. Monson
|
|
|
Elder Robert D.
Hales
|
|
|
Elder Juan A.
Uceda
|
|
|
Neill F.
Marriott
|
|
|
Elder Gary E.
Stevenson
|
|
|
Elder Adilson
de Paula Parrella
|
|
|
Elder Brian K.
Taylor
|
|
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
Sunday
Afternoon
|
President Henry
B. Eyring
|
Elder Neil L.
Andersen
|
|
|
Tad R.
Callister
|
|
|
Elder David F.
Evans
|
|
|
Elder M.
Russell Ballard
|
|
|
Elder Taniela
B. Wakolo
|
|
|
Elder Jose L.
Alonso
|
|
|
Elder Dallin H.
Oaks
|
Changes in
General Church Leadership
Presidency of
the Seventy: Elders Donald L. Hallstrom and Richard J. Maynes released from
the presidency, Elders Juan A. Uceda and Patrick Kearon sustained.
NOTE: These
changes, announced on May 3, became effective on August 1. For that reason,
they will likely be ratified by sustaining vote. However, because there has
also been a time or two when such changes have not been so ratified, I would
not be surprised if this is not noted. Until further notice, I have felt it
would be wiser to include the information.
RESULT:
|
General
Authority Seventies: Elders Stanley G. Ellis, Larry R. Lawrence, and W. Craig
Zwick released as General Authority Seventies and granted emeritus status.
NOTE: Elder
Ellis turned 70 in January this year, just as Elder Zwick did in June, and
Elder Lawrence did in August, so it would make sense if these men were
released and granted emeritus status.
RESULT:
|
Area Seventies:
Releases and sustainings.
NOTE: It has
been customary for most changes in area seventies to take place in April,
when President Uchtdorf leads out in the sustaining vote, and for only a few
to take place in October, when President Eyring leads out in the sustaining.
Since we are talking about an October General Conference, it would make sense
if only a few changes happened this go-round.
RESULT:
|
Temple
Predictions:
3+
temples announced in any of the following locations:
ADDITIONAL
NOTE: After thinking further about those temples I feel are most likely in the
near future, I first narrowed down then expanded, then revised these selections
again. I am again listing them by the geographical area of the Church under
which they fall and then by likelihood within each of those areas. As always,
these are nothing more than my own thoughts, backed up by either research or
the opinions of others I have trusted in this matter. The Lord decides where He
needs His temples to be built, and those decisions are manifested to those
authorized to receive such revelation (the prophet, or, in our current
situation, those authorized to represent him in so determining).
Africa
Southeast: Antananarivo Madagascar; Maputo Mozambique; Lubumbashi DR Congo;
Cape Town South Africa
Africa
West: Benin City/Lagos Nigeria; Kumasi Ghana; Freetown Sierra Leone; Yamoussoukro
Ivory Coast; Monrovia Liberia
Asia:
Phomn Penh Cambodia; Jakarta Indonesia; Taichung Taiwan; Ulaanbaatar Mongolia;
Singapore; Hyderabad/Rajahmundry India
Brazil:
Belo Horizonte; Salvador
Caribbean:
San Juan Puerto Rico
Central
America: Managua Nicaragua; San Pedro Sula Honduras; Guatemala City Guatemala
(2nd temple)
Europe: Praia
Cape Verde; Budapest Hungary; Vienna Austria; Edinburgh Scotland
Mexico:
Puebla; Queretaro
North
America Central: Missoula Montana; Green Bay Wisconsin; Rapid City South Dakota
North
America Northeast: Richmond Virginia
North
America Northwest: Salem Oregon
North
America Southeast: Bentonville Arkansas
North
America Southwest: Fort Worth Texas; Flagstaff Arizona; Henderson Nevada
Pacific: Auckland New Zealand; Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Pago Pago
American Samoa; Neiafu
Vava'u Tonga
Philippines:
Davao/Cagayan de Oro
South
America Northwest: Maracaibo Venezuela; Santa Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos Peru
South
America South: Valparaiso Chile; Neuquen Argentina
Utah
North: Layton Utah
Utah Salt
Lake: Tooele Utah
Utah
South: Heber City Utah
Notes about
potential temple sites:
1. For the Africa Southeast Area, the two
possibilities listed seem to be the most likely ones. With the growth of the
Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a second temple seems imminent,
even without knowing how the one that will be dedicated in Kinshasa will affect
any potential future temples. While Elder Neil L. Andersen proposed a temple
for the Kasai region, Lubumbashi seems more likely. As always, I will pass any
new information along as I become aware of it.
2. Regarding the Africa West Area, the LDS
Church growth blog reports that, if current growth trends continue, that area
could have 13 temples by the year 2030. Along with that, we know that there are
two dedicated and one announced in that area already. And I figured the 4 in
the list above might be more likely sooner rather than later. So that means
that 7 of the 13 may have been identified. In the Africa West Area, second
temples for Ghana and Nigeria seem likely, especially now that all Nigerian
cities have been reached by the Church. And Sierra Leone may also get a temple
soon simply by virtue of being so far distant from the temple district under
which it falls. Additionally, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde come in at #6 and #10
respectively in terms of the top ten countries/dependencies with the strongest
LDS presence but without a temple, making them very viable candidates for the
future, if not immediately. I have also heard some say that a second and
possibly a third Ivory Coast temple may be announced within the next 10-15
years depending on how quickly the first one progresses.
3. While I was double-checking for
additional temple sites, I quickly figured out that Asia could be a great
candidate for several new temples, and these are the most likely locations that
I could find. While all of them make sense in terms of President Monson’s
desire to have every Church member within 200 miles of a temple, I have grouped
them by the number of Church units. Additionally, I know that temples have been
proposed for New Delhi India (in 1992 by Elder Maxwell) and for Singapore (in
2000 by President Hinckley). Church membership in those countries stand as
follows: Cambodia: nearing 14,000; India: just over 13,000; Mongolia: nearing
11,500; Indonesia: nearing 7,300; Singapore: nearing 8,400. According to a
statistical profile written by a Church Growth expert, India may not actually
get a temple until there is a stronger Church presence to support. For now, it
seems that the order I have placed them in may be the most likely order by which
they might be announced. On July 28, I added one for Taichung Taiwan, since
further research indicates Taiwan may be ready for a second temple. As more
information comes to light, I will make any adjustments that might be
necessary.
4. In Brazil, the two cities above seem to
be the most imminent possibilities. It would also not surprise me at all if the
Church held off on announcing any other Brazilian temples until the two under
construction and the other two announced ones are closer to completion. As I
have mentioned previously, I had felt prior to General Conference last April
that Brazil's next temple would be built in Brasilia, but didn't think it would
be announced until the one in Belem made more progress. So more Brazilian
temples may be announced soon, but they also might not. Once more is known, I
will make any adjustments needed.
5. Central America may be needing several
new temples, based on what my research shows. Then-Elder Nelson proposed a
temple for Managua in 2012, and I recently learned that land has been set aside
for such a temple for several years. Additional research done on July 28, 2017
showed that temples could be needed in the other cities listed in the Central
America Area, and they are listed in order of likelihood for that to happen.
6. While I said when posting my last list
of possibilities that any new European temples might be put on hold until the
Church evaluates how the dedications of the Paris France and Rome Italy Temples
and the rededications of the temples in Freiberg and Frankfurt Germany have
affected temple attendance for European Saints, in going over the current and
future districts, I was reminded that I had heard from several people that
Budapest Hungary would be the next European temple. And Vienna Austria makes
sense in terms of President Monson's expressed goal to have every member within
200 miles of a temple. Until more information is known, these additions seemed
to be sound.
7. Of the many cities in
Mexico, I know Puebla has been widely mentioned as the most likely site for the
next temple in that nation. I have also felt at times that Queretaro could be a
feasible possibility. If and when I feel I can narrow down or add new options,
I will do so.
8. In the
Pacific, I know that the first two cities have been mentioned to me as having
sites purchased, and once Church growth and temple activity from these areas
warrant an official announcement for them, it will happen. Of the two, Auckland
seems more likely. Further study which I did in late July confirms that the
other two locations listed may be possible.
9. While
Church growth in the United States has stagnated somewhat of late, except in
the “Mormon corridor” of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, I have heard at one time or
another that each of the temples I listed above could potentially be As part of
my efforts to expand my predictions, I decided to include these cities again on
this list. Until I know more about US growth, these seem to be sound changes. I
also know, as I have previously noted, that land has been set aside in
Bentonville Arkansas and Missoula Montana for future temple sites, with an
official announcement anticipated once unit growth and activity in the current
temple districts warrant that happening.
10. As a state that is constantly expanding
its outreach, Utah has 18 temples either in operation or in various stages of
construction. Layton and Tooele have often been mentioned to me by name as
possibilities. I added Heber City in late July after a couple of comments led
me to do so. Each of these seem likely. I also know that we are still waiting
to have the Southwest Salt Lake Valley temple mentioned by President Hinckley
announced at some point. Some have said that this temple has been announced
already, but the research I have done proves otherwise.
Final
note: As with everything else I put together, these are no more than my own
thoughts, feelings, and observations based on the research I have done and the
reports I have received. I hope that is absolutely understood and accepted. No
one can know the mind of the Lord relating to His Church except those
authorized to receive revelation regarding their own spheres of responsibility.
While I am always gratified when my predictions turn out to be correct, I am
even more appreciative of the many times developments do not take place as I
project they will. At the end of the day, the Lord is the only one who can
determine best how to further His work, and He manifests His will to those
authorized to lead the Church and make decisions. Just wanted to end on that
note.
RESULT: The following temples were announced, much to my great delight:
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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