NOTE ON
ANNOUNCED TEMPLES: While I once felt confident in projecting potential
groundbreaking estimates for these announced temples, on October 28, 2017, I
determined that it would be best to simplify this section by listing these
temples in their announced order, with the exception of those that are farther
along. Then on November 10, 2017, I took another look at new information on
these temples and reordered them further. I will keep an eye out for any
developments and reorder this list again as often as that becomes necessary
going forward. Additionally, where I have felt it would be appropriate, I have
provided notes about some of the factors that may affect how soon future
groundbreakings will occur. Since we already know that 2018-2020 are going to
be busy years for temple-related developments, it would not surprise me at all
if, in view of Elder Wilson’s statement referenced above, we have at least ten
more announced during that same time, nor would it surprise me if many of the
temples in this section progress to a groundbreaking (and perhaps even a
dedication) during that time as well. I am keeping an eye on all of this and
will let you know once I find out more information.
Announced temples:
171. Lima Peru Los Olivos
Temple: Planning and preliminary construction phase; awaiting official site
announcement.
NOTE: As
previously noted, the contractor for this temple said that a year of
preliminary work would be needed prior to this temple’s groundbreaking. If, as
previously indicated, that year began in March 2017, this temple could easily
have its groundbreaking in the early-to-middle part of next year.
172. Brasilia Brazil Temple:
Planning and approval; site inspected by Church engineers on June 21, 2017.
NOTE: This
temple is this far up on the list because it has had a site identified and
inspected. How soon a groundbreaking might happen is unclear. But since a site
has been identified and inspected, it may be sooner rather than later.
173. Greater Manila
Philippines Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official name announcement.
NOTE: As
with the Brasilia temple, this temple is in this position on this list because
a site has been identified. An official name is anticipated to be announced for
this temple at some point in the near future. How soon a groundbreaking might
happen is anyone’s guess. But with a site identified already, it may be sooner
rather than later/
174. Pocatello Idaho Temple: Planning and approval; probability increases for likely temple site; official
confirmation is pending.
NOTE: On
November 10, I received word of additional evidence that is indicative that the
land annexed into Pocatello two days after its April 2017 announcement would
indeed be the location for the temple. I
am keeping my eye on all of this and will continue to pass along any and all
updates as I make them.
175.
Bangkok Thailand Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement.
NOTE: If,
as some members have speculated, an existing Church office building is
reconstructed into a multi-purpose building that will serve as not only an
office building, but a chapel and the temple as well, and if that is confirmed,
we could easily see a groundbreaking for this temple sooner rather than later.
176. Urdaneta Philippines Temple: Awaiting government
approval and official site announcement.
NOTE: This
temple, announced in October 2010, has been subjected to numerous delays. While
I hope to see a groundbreaking for it sooner rather than later, there could be
more delays in store for this temple. That said, the reports I have received
indicate that a site announcement and groundbreaking could occur in short order
next year. If that does happen, we could see a groundbreaking sooner rather
than later.
177.
Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement.
178.
Quito Ecuador Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement.
NOTE: While
the first Ecuadoran Temple had a 14-year waiting period between its
announcement and its subsequent groundbreaking, this temple is not anticipated
to take anywhere near that long between its 2016 announcement and whenever its
groundbreaking occurs. As with everything else, I am keeping my eye out for
devel
179.
Harare Zimbabwe Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement.
NOTE:
Shortly after this temple was announced (in April 2016), Elder Kevin S.
Hamilton, who presides over the Church in the Africa Southeast Area, stated
that a site announcement and groundbreaking would occur in short order during
2017. Since that time, no progress has been made in that regard. Hopefully that
will change soon.
180.
Belem Brazil Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement.
181.
Nairobi Kenya Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site
announcement; media event held June 14, 2017.
NOTE: While
the media event is a good initial step for providing information on this
temple, in his remarks at this event, Elder Sitati (our native Kenyan GA
Seventy, who also has a role as an Assistant Executive Director of the Temple
Department (both of which make it understandable that the Church would ask him
to represent them for the event), Elder Sitati indicated that it usually takes
the Church 2-3 years after an announcement to locate a suitable site (whether
owned by the Church or not) plan and conduct a groundbreaking, and start the construction
progress. With that in mind, it may be 2019 or 2020 before the groundbreaking
occurs for this temple. I hope we will not have to wait that long to have all
of that happen for this temple, but time will tell.
182. Saratoga Springs Utah
Temple: Planning and approval; awaiting official site announcement.
NOTE: Though Utah temples
(particularly those in Utah County) have been known to have a site
announcement, groundbreaking, and construction process much more quickly than
temples elsewhere, until a site is announced, it has felt wise to have this
temple at this spot on this list. As soon as anything changes in that regard, I
will pass such news along.
ADDITIONAL GENERAL NOTE: As I
have repeatedly emphasized, Elder Wilson stated in late April 2017 that the
Church had a list of 80 potential temple sites that are under active
consideration for a subsequent announcement during the 15 years following that
statement.
Unless the First Presidency
elects to do so between now and then, General Conference in April 2018 would be
the next opportunity for such announcements. And though not all of the 80
currently on the list will go on to be announced within that time, and while
others may be added to that list in the coming years, with 14 years remaining,
if anywhere close to 80 temples are announced, that works out to around 6 new
temples per year. I am keeping an eye on all of this, and will be sure to post any
additional news once I hear of it.