I hope that any of you will let me know if there are any glaring errors, omissions, or over-estimations in this list. With that said, the updated list and notes follow below. In order to not distract from the flow of that information, I will be ending here and now as I always do: That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly-added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
Africa Southeast[2]:
Antananarivo Madagascar; Second DR Congo Temple (in Mbuji-Mayi or Lubumbashi; Maputo
Mozambique; Kampala Uganda
Africa West[3]:
Freetown Sierra Leone; Kumasi Ghana; Monrovia Liberia; Yamoussoukro Ivory Coast;
Benin City Nigeria
Asia[4]:
Ulaanbaatar Mongolia; Jakarta Indonesia; Singapore; Taichung Taiwan; Hanoi
Vietnam
Asia North[5]:
Osaka Japan
Brazil[6]:
Belo Horizonte; Florianopolis; João Pessoa Ribeirão Preto
Caribbean: Kingston
Jamaica[7]
Central America[8]:
Coban Guatemala; San Pedro Sula Honduras
Europe[9]:
Budapest Hungary; Edinburgh Scotland; Vienna Austria; Oslo Norway
Europe East[10]:
Vilnius Lithuania
Mexico: Queretaro/Torreon
Mexico[11]
Middle East/Africa North: Dubai/Abu
Dhabi United Arab Emirates[12]
Pacific[13]:
Port Moresby Papua New Guinea; Tarawa Kiribati; Pago Pago American Samoa;
Neiafu Vava'u Tonga; Savaii Samoa; Christchurch New Zealand
Philippines[14]: Angeles/Bacolod/Tacloban
Philippines
South America Northwest[15]: Santa
Cruz/La Paz Bolivia; Iquitos/Cusco Peru; Cali/Medellin Colombia
South America South[16]: Antofagasta/Valparaiso
Chile; Neuquen/Rosario Argentina; Ciudad del Este Paraguay
North America (including
the United States and Canada) [17]:
Canada[18]: Victoria
British Columbia; Lethbridge Alberta
North America Central[19]:
Missoula Montana; Pueblo/Colorado Springs Colorado; Wichita Kansas; Green Bay
Wisconsin; Des Moines Iowa; Rapid City South Dakota
North America Northeast[20]: Cleveland
Ohio; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania; East Brunswick New Jersey; Augusta Maine;
Montpelier Vermont
North America Northwest:
Fairbanks Alaska[21]
North America Southeast[22]:
Jackson Mississippi; Shreveport Louisiana; Jacksonville Florida; Knoxville
Tennessee; Savannah Georgia
North America Southwest[23]: Bentonville
Arkansas; Fort Worth Texas; Las Cruces New Mexico; Flagstaff Arizona; Elko/Ely Nevada
North America West:
Bakersfield California[24]
Utah[25]:
Herriman/Heber City/Tooele/Washington County Utah; Preston Idaho; Evanston
Wyoming
Result:
[1]Some have offered their
opinion that, with 19 new temples announced last year alone (which has resulted
in a current backlog of 27 temples, though 3 others have a groundbreaking
scheduled to occur roughly one month after this conference), no new temples may
be announced this go-round. While I understand (and appreciate) the rationale
behind such comments, from what others and I myself have directly or indirectly
heard, President Nelson may unveil his temple expansion plans during this
conference. Whether he does or not, the locations below (grouped by area, then
by likelihood within that area) represent the most likely locations in which I
feel such temples may be announced during this conference.
[2]The Africa Southeast Area
has experienced significant Church growth. With 1 dedicated temple in the area
currently, there are 2 under construction (1 of which will be dedicated the
week after conference, with the other anticipated to follow in 4-6 months), and
2 others announced (both of which have had sites procured, and could therefore
have a groundbreaking either later this year or early next year), I have found
5 other potential locations which may get a temple in the near future. Most of
these candidates are based on the mileage to the current temple(s), travel
rigor, or oversized temple districts. Additionally, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique
are fifth, seventh, and ninth respectively on the list of top ten nations with
the strongest Church presence that do not have a temple in any phase.
Madagascar is my top pick for this area. And in reference to a second DR Congo
Temple, I have personally favored Lubumbashi, but a recent report on the Church
growth blog pointed to the idea that a temple in Mbuji-Mayi might be more
imminently needed, so I have prioritized that pick.
[3]The
same factors I referenced above in previously (about significant Church growth,
the mileage and rigors involved, and temple district sizes) also applies to the
Africa West Area, as reflected by the five candidate cities listed here. With
only 2 temples currently operating, one more other construction, and one
announced, the Church growth blog noted recently that West Africa could have at
least 13 operating temples by 2030. There are a couple of big differences,
though. Only two of the five candidates do not have a temple in any phase. The
two are Sierra Leone and Liberia, which rank as the second and sixth
respectively on the aforementioned top ten list. Sierra Leone is my top pick for this area. And
while it may be difficult to know how soon a second Ivory Coast temple and a
third Nigerian temple may be announced, I have felt confident enough in my
picks to justify their selection.
[4]The Asian Saints, whose
ability to practice their faith has been somewhat limited at times by
governmental regulations, are nonetheless very faithful, as evidenced by recent
temple announcements for that continent. With the Hong Kong and Taipei temples
serving the Saints currently, the one in Bangkok is under construction, and two
others have been announced for Bengaluru and Phnom Penh. The factors first
mentioned in previously above also apply to the Asia Area, which is the largest
geographically in the Church. Of the locations listed, Mongolia is my favored
pick, since that nation is eighth on the aforementioned top ten list. Also,
President Hinckley publicly proposed a temple in Singapore, and Vietnam is a
dark-horse pick that I included based on reports of Church growth in the area.
[5]The Asia North Area of the
Church has seen some stagnated growth, to the point where some have suggested
that that area could be merged with the Asia Area. While I understand the
thinking behind that, and while I would not be surprised if such a merge occurs
in the near future, I have evaluated the area and seen at least one prospective
location where a temple could be built, with the main reasoning being the
factors previously mentioned in previously.
[6]Brazil
has been a Church stronghold for a while now. With six temples currently in
operation, both the Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temples will be
dedicated within the next year, during which time the Brasilia Brazil Temple is
likely to have a groundbreaking occur. With two other temples (Belem and
Salvador) awaiting a site announcement and groundbreaking, some may feel that
more Brazilian temples may be delayed. But my research indicates that, due to
the factors mentioned in previously, these cities are the next most likely
locations to have a temple announced. I personally favor Belo Horizonte, but
would be happy if any or all of these cities have a temple announced this
go-round.
[7]This city is another
dark-horse pick, but is on the list due to the factors mentioned in previously,
but also due to someone suggesting it elsewhere. And given what President
Nelson has done in terms of the 19 temples he announced last year, Kingston
could be another location for a smaller temple.
[8]A Church member living and
working in the Central America Area kindly informed me that a second temple to
serve the current Guatemala City temple district is the most imminent prospect
for the future in this area. As I studied that opinion, I concurred with him
that Coban would likely be the next Central American city in which a temple
will be announced. But I also feel (based on general consensus and according to
my research) that a San Pedro Sula temple may be on the horizon sooner rather
than later, so both cities are listed.
[9]The situation of Saints
living on the European continent is somewhat interesting. Where there are
centers of strength, significant growth has occurred. But in many European
nations, the Church has experienced some stagnated growth, which has
necessitated discontinuing some congregations in order to strengthen others
within the last year or two. But due to the factors I mentioned previously, it
appears likely that most (if not all) of the candidate cities that follow in this
section could get a temple, even if only a smaller one.
[10]This area of the Church
has also experienced stagnated growth to the point that some have suggested
that the Church could consolidate it into the Europe Area. Additionally,
although President Nelson boldly announced a temple in April of last year for a
major yet-to-be-determined city in Russia, the political and religious
oppression existing in that nation makes it hard to know how soon that temple
will be built. With that in mind, a temple in Vilnius makes a lot of sense. And
that is especially true given the public proposal for such a temple which was
made by then-Elder M. Russell Ballard in May 1993. Although Elder Ballard noted
that prospect might not occur for 50 years or so, based on what has been said
about President Nelson’s temple expansion plans, the prospect seems imminent
enough to include it on my list for now.
[11]The relevant factors in
notes 13 and 20 also apply in a way to Mexico (where centers of strength have
seen excellent growth in some respects, but in others, massive congregational
consolidates have also occurred within the last couple of years. Based on these
facts, it may be difficult to know how soon another temple may be announced for
Mexico, especially since one was announced for Puebla last October. But the
cities of Queretaro and Torreon have been identified by a Church member living
in Mexico as likely to get a temple in the near future, so both are on this
list.
[12]As recently as a year ago,
if someone had suggested a temple for the Middle East/Africa North Area, I
would have dismissed it as an impossibility. But within the last year, we have
seen President Nelson announce temples for areas which I felt would not get a
temple for 15-20 years, and with that in mind, a temple in this area seems
feasible, if only a smaller one. Although the bulk of Church membership in this
area is comprised of military personnel, the United Arab Emirates represent a
stronghold of the Church in this area. And with that in mind, a smaller temple
in either of the two most populous cities in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi
respectively), feels like it may be more practical than I would have believed
this time last year.
[13]The Pacific area is another
stronghold of Church growth. With 10 temples currently operating there (and one
other announced), it seems logical to assume that other temples will be needed
to serve the area. Most (if not all) of the factors I mentioned previously
apply equally to this area. Additionally, New Guinea, Kiribati, and American
Samoa are ranked first, third, and fourth respectively on the aforementioned
top ten list of nations. So I have no doubt the Pacific Area will see temples
announced in each of these cities within the next decade, if not sooner.
[14]The Church has two
operating temples in the Philippines (Manila and Cebu City). The temple
announced in October 2010 for Urdaneta had a groundbreaking ceremony in
January. And with the last 3 sets of temple announcements, the Philippines has
seen temples announced for the greater Manila area (which will be located in
Muntinlupa City), Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. If that is any indication of what
might happen in the future, then other temples may be needed for the
Philippines, and the cities mentioned here seem to have the best likelihood.
[15]The
entire South American continent has experienced massive Church growth. Having
previously discussed Brazil, in reference to the South America Northwest Area,
I wanted to observe that there are 7 operating temples there. 1 more is
currently under construction in Arequipa Peru (for which a dedication is
anticipated before the end of this year) Two others have been announced: the
Lima Peru Los Olivos and Quito Ecuador Temples, both of which could have a
groundbreaking within the next 2-3 years, though hopefully sooner if all goes
well. And while I have personally-favored candidates here, a second temple in
Bolivia may be the most imminent prospect. For Bolivia and Colombia, I have
listed two potential locations each due to my inability to narrow those down to
one.
[16]The
South America South Area has likewise seen very significant and rapidly
expanding growth. So again, with President Nelson’s extensive temple-building
plans in mind, I have considered the most imminent prospects for future temples
in this area, and the factors mentioned in previous notes hold true here as
well. Currently, this area of the Church is served by 6 operating temples (1 of
which is closed for renovation), and there were 2 more announced for this area
last year. With that in mind, the 5 locations listed in this section seem to
have the strongest case in their favor of a temple announced in the near
future. And for Argentina and Chile, I list two cities each because the sets
for each nation are about even in terms of their likelihood.
[17]Although
the North American continent (primarily in the United States) has seen somewhat
of a stagnating growth situation, in light of the recent increased mentions of
President Nelson’s ambitious temple-building plans, the likelihood is extremely
high that the US and Canada will be included in whatever the plans are to
expand the number of temples worldwide. The locations listed below represent
what I believe are the most imminent prospects for each of the now-8 North
American areas of the Church.
[18]For purposes of
simplification, I have chosen to list my temple candidates for Canada in a
separate section from those elsewhere in the United States. So the North
American areas listed below will not include these Canadian candidate cities.
Of the two, Lethbridge may be more of a long shot. But Victoria has been
mentioned to me as a prospect due to the cost and arduous nature of the journey
to worship at the Vancouver British Columbia Temple.
[19]As mentioned in previous
notes, on the one hand, it may be difficult (if not impossible) to gauge the
imminent likelihood of any locations. But as also mentioned, in view of some of
the relevant factors, I can see the merits of each location listed here. Particularly,
I heard a report of a public proposal of a temple for Missoula Montana. Pueblo
made the list due to a report I received of high attendance numbers at the
Denver Colorado Temple. For Kansas, Iowa, and South Dakota, mileage is the main
factor driving my choices, and a temple (if only a smaller one) seems likely
for all three states in the near future. A temple in Iowa could be named for
Mount Pisgah, a significant landmark in the pioneer history of the Church.
[20]Given the steady growth of
the Church in Ohio and Pennsylvania, second temples for each seem to be likely
sooner rather than later. And New Jersey, Maine, and Vermont may each be
eligible for a temple of their own given the distance factor, and the rigors of
travel involved in getting to their currently assigned temples.
[21]The Saints in both
Fairbanks and Juneau have an arduously lengthy journey to get to their assigned
temple in Anchorage. While both may have equal merits in terms of their
eligibility for a temple of their own, my research shows Fairbanks may be first
in line for such a prospect. But I would anticipate temples in both cities
within the next 5-15 years, if not sooner.
[22]Since the Saints in
Jackson currently have an arduous journey to get to their assigned temple, it
is my opinion that a temple will be announced in that city sooner rather than
later. And an arduous journey also factors in to my reasoning for temples in
Shreveport, Jacksonville, Knoxville, and Savannah. If, as I anticipate,
President Nelson plans to prioritize the mileage factor and also filling in the
gaps that exist in temple district coverage, then any or all of these may
simply be a matter of time.
[23]Things are a little tricky
for this area of the Church. Given that the Saints assigned to the districts of
temples over the Mexican border might possibly have a harder time accessing
those temples in the future, some have offered very specific opinions about the
merits of some of the candidate cities which are listed here. But I am basing
my theories on the potential location of an Arkansas temple on information from
a friend indicating that land has been held in reserve in that city for a
temple for several years now. And I am basing my picks for temples in Texas and
New Mexico on the opinion of someone living within the current Dallas Texas
Temple district. This individual noted that Fort Worth would almost certainly
be the next Texas city to get a temple. So if border issues arise, those could
be ameliorated by a temple in Las Cruces, which would likely also cover El Paso
for the time being. Arizona and Nevada both fall under the “Mormon corridor”,
and I have heard that Flagstaff may well be the most likely Arizona city to get
a temple. Both Elko and Ely have arduous journeys to their assigned temples in
Utah, so It seems to be just a matter of time before one (or both) of them get
a temple of their own, and I feel the next Nevada temple location is too close
to call.
[24]With a temple announced
last October for Yuba City, a temple in Bakersfield might potentially be
delayed, but however long it might take, I am reasonably confident that that
city will be the next one in California to get a temple of its’ own, as I have
been anticipating such a prospect for almost as long as I have been offering my
thoughts on future temple locations.
[25]A temple site was publicly
mentioned as being held in reserve in April 2005 for a temple in the Southwest
Salt Lake Valley. Though no official confirmation has occurred, if my research
is correct, the land in question has been the subject of a border dispute
between Herriman and Bluffdale cities, but is currently owned by the city of
Herriman. For Heber City, Tooele, Preston, and Evanston, they all seem to have
an equal likelihood of having a temple announced in the near future. And Elder
Steven E. Snow, who was born in Washington County, recently told the Saints
there at a stake conference that someone from the Temple Department had
indicated to him that a third Washington County temple would be needed in the
not-too-distant future. For these reasons, I couldn’t narrow any of these
selections down, at least not for the moment.
