Here at LDSDaily.com, we know that members of the church sure love temples. However, I would only hear about the status of a temple when it was announced, during the groundbreaking ceremony, the open house, the placement of the Angel Moroni, and the dedication. However, there is so much more going on with these sacred buildings that we just never hear about. So, we decided to post weekly (every Sunday) updates about the temples from around the world. What better way to stay up to date on what is going on with His holy houses.
Thanks to members of the church worldwide and our friends at LDSChurchTemples.com for providing these updates. If you have updates (including pictures or video) about a temple near you, feel free to send it to calledtoshare (at) ldsdaily.com.
Ground Broken For Barranquilla Temple
Construction Update: Elder Juan A. Uceda of the area presidency presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Barranquilla Colombia temple. Local government, police, and business leaders also attended the ceremony which was also broadcast to thousands of members throughout the country.
Temple Facts: The Barranquilla Colombia temple was announced in the October 2011 session of General Conference. The temple will serve members in the following six stakes and districts: Barranquilla Colombia El Carmen Stake, Barranquilla Colombia Hipodromo Stake, Barranquilla Colombia Paraiso Stake, Cartagena Colombia Los Alpes Stake, Cartagena Colombia Stake, Montería Colombia Stake, Santa Marta Colombia District, Sincelejo Colombia District, and Valledupar Colombia Stake. The Barranquilla temple will be the second temple built in Colombia. Estimated completion is early 2019.
Suva Fiji Temple Rededicated
Construction Update: President Henry B. Eyring rededicated the Suva Fiji temple this past Sunday in 3 sessions. The ceremony was attended by members, in spite of a cyclone having just passed through the area. The temple was closed for approximately 16 months to undergo renovation.
Temple Facts: The Suva Fiji temple was originally announced in May 1998, and dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley in June 2000. The temple was the first built in Melanesia and serves members in 7 stakes and 5 districts headquartered in Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.
Frankfurt Temple Renovation Progress
Construction Update: Renovation on the Frankfurt Germany temple continues as the new stake center is progressing, and construction has begun on the missionary housing facility. Park grounds are being expanded on the site for public enjoyment.
Temple Facts: The Frankfurt Germany temple was originally announced in April 1981, and dedicated by President Ezra Taft benson in August 1987. The temple was the fifth built in Europe and the second built in Germany. The temple closed in September 2015 for extensive renovation and is expected to reopen in July 2017.
Durban Temple Site Revealed
Construction Update: The site for the Durban South Africa temple has been revealed. The location has been identified as a hillside property overlooking the ocean in Umhlanga Rocks, located just north of Durban. Umhlanga is one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, known for having the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere.
Temple Facts: The Durban South Africa temple was announced in the October 2011 session of conference. The groundbreaking ceremony and site dedication will be held on April 9, 2016. The Durban temple will be the fifth built in Africa, and the second built in South Africa.
Windows & Glass Installed at Star Valley Temple
Construction Update: Window frames and temporary glass is currently being installed in the Star Valley Wyoming temple. The glass will eventually be replaced with colored art glass which will match the design motif. Art glass will be installed in the steeple as well.
Temple Facts: The Star Valley Wyoming temple was announced in the October 2011 session of General Conference. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in April 2015 by Elder Craig C. Christensen. The temple will be approximately 17,000 square feet, will serve members in the following six stakes: Afton Wyoming Stake, Kemmerer Wyoming Stake, Montpelier Idaho Stake, Montpelier Idaho South Stake, Soda Springs Idaho Stake, and Thayne Wyoming Stake. The Star Valley Wyoming temple will be the first built in the state of Wyoming. Estimated completion is early 2017.
