Closing 84-85 LDS Churches in the Salt Lake Valley, yet building large housing developments in Colorado?

Before I post a photo of this year’s Fall Equinox (since I’ve received some criticism for only posting photos from hikes), I thought I would share two interesting recent developments about the LDS Church.

In a recent City Council meeting held on August 18, 2026, in Heber City, Utah, Steve Waldrip from the Utah Governor’s Office and Tony Kohler, Community Development Director, presented Utah housing plans and legislation. It was announced in this meeting that the LDS Church plans to close 84 to 85 of its chapels along the east side of the Salt Lake Valley.

Here’s the link, with the timestamp around 1 hour and 43 minutes:

https://hebercityut.portal.civicclerk.com/event/535/media

"At the (Utah) state level, we haven't been very focused on this and we're seeing the impacts of that. And again, I'm more familiar with sort of the Wasatch front impacts right now, where you have school closures happening at a massive scale. The LDS Church is closing 84, 85, meeting houses on the east side of the Salt Lake Valley. 
No. At once, in a very short period of time." 

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and then there is this:

Mormon Church Expands Its Real Estate Empire With 1,000-Acre Development Near Denver

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), through its real estate investment arm Property Reserve Inc. (PRI), is developing a large master-planned residential community called Tributary in Aurora, Colorado.

LINK TO TRIBUTARY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

www.realtor.com/news/trends/mormon-church-master-planned-community-denver-colorado-real-estate-portfolio/

LINK TO DENVER POST

Up to about 4,859 housing units, including single-family homes (roughly 435 acres designated for this) and multifamily/rental units (about 58 acres). Once fully built out, it is expected to house more than 12,000 residents. Plans include commercial and retail areas (including a King Soopers-anchored retail center), multiple parks and open spaces, trails, a recreation center, a school, a fire station, and mixed-use commercial spaces. Water service is planned to come from the City of Aurora. ------

Go figure: From closing down churchs to building up real estate developments

BIG REVEALS OF THE NEW SALT LAKE TEMPLE

Today, September 1, 2026, the Church held a special media event in the new west entrance building on Temple Square where President Dieter F. Uchtdorf announced the official theme for the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration. Governor Spencer Cox was the first speaker at this event. Reservations are now available to attend the open house next year which begins on April 5 through October 1, 2027. 

When the renovation was announced on April 19, 2019, the Church stated that the Salt Lake Temple would close on December 29, 2019, and remain closed for approximately four years, with an expected reopening in 2024. The project began primarily as an earthquake-proofing effort. Ordinance workers were told that the live endowment sessions would continue after the renovation.

However, since then, everything has changed. It is no longer the Salt Lake Temple I remember. The project is now more than three years behind its original schedule.

The floor plan has been heavily rearranged. The grand staircase connecting the first and second floors has been removed. The original progressive rooms and their hand-painted murals were removed or heavily reconfigured. The original baptismal font has been relocated from within the Salt Lake Temple foundation to the new north addition outside the historic temple structure. The live, room-to-room progressive endowment has been discontinued and replaced by stationary single-room film presentations.

Patrons no longer move from room to room during the endowment—Creation Room → Garden Room → World Room → Terrestrial Room → through the veil into the Celestial Room. Many of the 22 sealing rooms are now located underground in the north addition (especially on lower level 2, alongside the baptistries), rather than in the highest areas of the historic structure.

The original floor plan of the Salt Lake Temple reinforced the idea of ascending “higher and higher” toward the most sacred spaces. That architectural journey—a key part of the temple’s symbolism of returning to God’s presence—has been removed.

Many historians, architectural preservationists, and longtime members view these losses as significant. The progressive ascending floor plan, the hand-painted murals in the Creation, Garden, and World rooms, the grand staircase, and the architectural expression of spiritual ascent were unique features of one of the Church’s most iconic pioneer-era temples. Critics have described the removal of these elements as a major cultural and historical loss, noting that once they are gone, they cannot be fully recovered.

The Salt Lake Temple was designed with clear progressive, ascending symbolism. That carefully crafted architectural journey is no longer part of the experience.

Here are some photos of the scaled down model of the new Salt Lake Temple and the underground sealing rooms, baptism font and initiatory rooms.  

2026 Lunar Eclipse. A sign in the heaven that was meant to be seen.

"...There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth, distress of nations with perplexity, like the sea and the waves roaring. The earth also shall be troubled, and the waters of the great deep, men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of Heaven shall be shaken; and when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for the day of your redemption draws near.” 

NC: Luke 12:17

According to NASA, all 50 states were able to view at least a portion of the lunar eclipse (blood moon), weather permitting.

I had an interesting experience yesterday. I woke up early to watch the sunrise in preparation for seeing the moonrise that evening—and then watching it eclipse in Earth’s shadow. The sun rose perfectly between the two peaks of Mount Olympus. On the left, the peaks are jagged and square-like; on the right, the peak is more rounded. It felt symbolic of the male and female aspects of the same mountain.

I had planned to head up into the mountains that evening with a group to observe the rising moon in the east. Hours before we were set to leave, a storm moved in from the west. The forecast looked unpromising, and I began to doubt we’d see the eclipse at all. We called off the hike—there was no point trekking up in the dark only to stare at clouds.

But the storm passed quickly, leaving a welcome window of clear skies. The approaching clouds trailing behind it stayed held at bay. I headed up to Guardsman Pass alone to witness the lunar eclipse. I feel the heavens wanted this sign to be seen.

Friends across the country—from the East Coast, the Midwest (Cincinnati), and the West Coast in California—sent me their photos and let me know they saw it too.

Below are a few of the photos I took yesterday, beginning with the sunrise, the Doppler radar of the storm, the approaching clouds, and the lunar eclipse itself. I’m grateful I was able to witness it.

"SOME FEW"

A photo taken by a friend on our morning sunrise hike on July 11, 2026. 

This past weekend on Saturday (7-11) was the second anniversary of the passing of my father. Hard to believe it has already been two years now. In way to honor him,  I spent Friday night  camping under the stars at an elevation above 10,000 feet on top of the Grand Mesa. I wish I could have captured with my camera what the night sky looked like. Never seen the stars so bright. 

Ten years ago, I went up to the Grand Mesa in Colorado and camped up there for the fall equinox. I posted about it here: High on a Mountain Top. It brought back alot of memories being back up on the Grand Mesa. 

I woke up early and begin hiking around 4:30 a.m. to make it to the summit of Crag Crest to see the sunrise. Grateful for the “some few” who joined me. Here are a few photos.

I heard the term "salutary vertigo" in a talk given on Sunday in Grand Junction on the Law of Adoption. It was Part 3 on the Holy Order. The term came from a quote by Samuel Brown in a BYU Studies article in 2013. I wasn't quite sure what that term meant. Here is the definition:

Salutary = beneficial, healthy, or good for you 
Vertigo = dizziness or a spinning, disorienting sensation.

Put together, “salutary vertigo” refers to a beneficial kind of dizziness or intellectual disorientation. It describes the unsettling but ultimately helpful feeling you get when you encounter ideas, practices, or a worldview that are so different from your own that they shake your assumptions and make the familiar world feel temporarily unstable. It is not a negative dizziness (like confusion or nausea). Instead, it is portrayed as a positive, corrective experience — like having your mental framework gently (or not so gently) knocked off balance so you can see things more clearly. 

Throughout the entire trip, I felt this “salutary vertigo”—not only because I hit my head while running up the mountain and got a mild concussion, but also because I was learning new concepts that were originally part of the Gospel as restored through Joseph Smith. Specially the Law of Adoption.  Here is a quote from the talk: 

"The words “root” and “branch” are genealogical, or familial. They indicate ancestors and posterity. When the “root” and “branch” are destroyed in that coming day, the surviving “children” will be genealogically connected to the “fathers.” Correctly understood, the prophecy of Malachi is about adoption. This talk will clarify and reaffirm the need for adoption as an actual ordinance or rite that must return to connect some few back to Abraham before the coming great and dreadful day of the Lord’s return."

"A great deal of what Joseph Smith taught has been lost, limited, or rejected. It is not an overstatement to say that the loss of adoption may be the most serious of all that was left behind. It is so important that the world will be cursed and utterly wasted at the return of Christ if it is not restored. Joseph was first alerted to this on September 22, 1823, when Nephi repeated the prophecy that the failure to reconnect to the fathers would result in “the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” Christ also quoted this warning to the Nephites and required them to add it to their scripture."  

DS Talk given in Grand Junction. The Holy Order Part 3.

What’s interesting is that I tripped over a root or branch on the hike and really bloodied up my face. Maybe it was a reminder that I’m getting older, but symbolically it showed me the importance of paying attention to the roots and branches—and the deeper importance of being connected to them.

An observation: Tripping over the root/branch is such a direct, physical way of being forced to notice it. My body literally got yanked into contact with it. Instead of just walking past something subtle and easy to overlook, the stumble makes the root/branch impossible to ignore in that moment. It’s almost like the path itself said, “Hey… down here. Don’t forget this part exists.”

Paying attention — Not just to where my feet are going, but to the living structure underneath everything. Being connected to it — Roots don’t just sit there; they’re the actual lifeline. They anchor, they nourish, they communicate with the rest of the tree and even with other trees. Sometimes these little “accidents” on hikes feel like nature’s version of a gentle (or not-so-gentle) tap on the shoulder.  

LAYING DOWN WEAPONS OF WAR

Forty years ago, I watched the movie, The Mission, as preparation for spending two yeares serving my own mission in the Amazon region of Brazil. Needless to say, it had a profound impact on me. This 1986 film opens with a powerful scene where a Jesuit priest is tied to a large wooden cross by Guarani warriors high above the Iguazu Falls. They push the cross (with the priest tied to it) into the fast-moving river. The cross floats downstream, picks up speed, and is swept over the edge of the massive waterfall. The priest is violently pummeled and battered by the thundering water and rocks as he and the cross tumble down the falls to his death. 

Needless to say, I was glad I returned home safely after my two year service. 

This past week I watched this segment from the movie. I felt it was worth sharing.  Just a little back story about this scene. The main character is Rodrigo Mendoza, who is a hardened former slave-trader and mercenary whose hands are stained with violence. Most devastatingly, he killed his own brother in a jealous rage. As an act of radical atonement, he has chosen the harshest possible penance: to carry every instrument of his old life up the near-vertical cliffs and thundering waterfalls of Iguazu Falls.Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui91q7Y9xPk

Symbolic summary: 

Tied to his waist by thick rope is a massive, bulging net crammed with weapons of war—swords, breastplates, helmets, shields, and the tools of conquest and enslavement. These are not lightweight props. They are heavy, clanging, awkward objects that constantly snag on rocks, roots, and undergrowth. With every step upward, the bundle drags him backward and downward. 

Symbolically, the weapons represent:

• His violent past and the blood on his hands.
• The weight of unrepented sin — guilt, pride, and the dehumanizing life he once led.
• The chains of the old self that refuse to let go easily.

The physical dragging downward is the perfect visual metaphor for how sin and guilt operate on the soul: they don’t just slow you down — they actively pull you back, threaten to make you fall, and make redemption feel almost impossible. Every time the net catches and yanks him, it is sin’s gravitational pull trying to reclaim him. Every time he slips and has to claw his way forward again, it is the soul’s struggle against its own fallen nature.

The Jesuits Priest accompanying him are moved to pity and try (at one point) to cut the rope and free him. Mendoza refuses. He re-ties the burden himself and continues. This is not masochism for its own sake; it is a deliberate, chosen participation in suffering — a physical enactment of the biblical truth that the yoke of sin is crushing, while true repentance demands we carry the full weight until grace intervenes.  

At the summit, the very indigenous people Mendoza once captured and sold into slavery confront him. 

One raises a knife to his throat… and then, in an act of astonishing mercy, cuts the rope instead. The weapons of war plunge into the roaring river below and disappear. The dragging burden is finally released — not by Mendoza’s strength, but by the forgiveness of those he had wronged.

The image of the man bent double, dragged down by the very weapons he once wielded, is one of cinema’s most powerful visual metaphors for the burden of sin and the cost of redemption. It shows that the things we once used to dominate others can become the very things that nearly destroy us — until mercy, not our own effort, finally cuts us free. 

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Sidenote: 

A few weeks ago, there was a small gathering of men where a couple of men presented some thoughts. Here is a brief summary: 

 Groups often become trapped trying to prove who is correct rather than humbly approaching God together for revelation. People must first recognize their own weaknesses and seek God's mercy before expecting divine answers.

 Many religious and social movements fail because they insist on complete agreement rather than cooperation on shared goals. They seek converts to have people be on their side versus seeking for allies. Seeking converts require complete agreement on every issue. Seeking allies means working together where common ground exists despite disagreements.

It was suggested that people often begin with divisive issues rather than starting with common faith in Christ. Communities should first establish shared devotion to Christ and then work through disagreements afterward.

A statement attributed to Joseph Smith that said  organizations often fail because they do not sit in disagreement long enough to separate "gold from dross."

"Joseph Smith arose to give some instructions to the council & especially to the committee. He commenced by showing, that the reason why men always failed to establish important measures was, because in their organization they never could agree to disagree long enough to select the pure gold from the dross by the process of investigation.”  The Joseph Smith Papers, Council of Fifty, Minutes, March 1844–January 1846 (the relevant document is “Minutes and Discourse, 4 April 1844”).

 Rather than rushing to a resolution, it is often better to clearly state positions, thoughtfully reason through differences, seek understanding through persuasion rather than coercion, and allow time for greater clarity and understanding to emerge.

Just as organizations must work through conflict constructively, husbands and wives should seek revelation together. Neither spouse should seek to dominate the other. Instead, they should first identify and build upon their common ground, bringing only unresolved differences before God in humility and faith, seeking His guidance.

The central message is that Zion, unity, and divine guidance cannot be achieved through force, majority votes alone, or an insistence on proving who is right. They require humility, patience, honest communication, mutual respect, strong families, and a sincere collective desire to seek and follow God's will together.

THE PERFECT DAY

Photo on a hike for the Summer Solstice in 2015.

The summer solstice will occur this Sunday, June 21, at 2:24 AM MDT. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with 15 hours and 3 minutes of sunlight. Sunrise is at 5:57 AM, and sunset is at 9:01 PM. If you include twilight (the light before sunrise and after sunset), the day feels even longer—closer to 17+ hours of usable light.


It is also Father’s Day on this year’s summer solstice.

Male and female, yin and yang, dark and light all play an important role in summer and winter solstice observances. According to Chinese philosophy, yang forces are more potent during the summer solstice. Yang represents the masculine principle—light, heat, and activity—and is associated with the sun, heaven, and strength. Yang is strongest at the summer solstice but begins to decline immediately afterward. Yin (darkness, rest, and inward energy) then begins to gradually increase. The cycle is always shifting; it is never static.

Here is a beautiful quote about the summer solstice, in which it is symbolic of the “perfect day”:

"The scriptures tell us the connection between acquiring light and truth and obedience to the commandments is direct, immediate and inescapable. It can be acquired in no other way. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.” A “perfect day” seems clear enough. Cloudless and clear, at the apex of the summer solstice, a “perfect day” would be filled with light and warmth. That kind of symbol powerfully captures an image. The image is suggesting to us what standing in God’s presence would be like. The Millennium would be a “perfect day” in which the “light of the earth” will dwell among mankind. So that is what we seek. But how does one “receive light” and “continue in God” so as to receive more light?"

"This principle is explained further: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." This is another way of describing the same growth in grace. From a lesser to a greater degree you progress in light and truth as you obey the commandments. That growth increases the brightness of the light in the mind of the obedient “until the perfect day.” Think about what is implied by this phrase. A perfect day would be bright, clear, warm and at the zenith of the summer solstice. If you were trying to find a metaphor for being in God’s presence, you would use such a phrase. That is what receiving the Second Comforter is like; the Perfect Day, in which there is no longer shadow, darkness or clouds. There is clarity, vision and warmth. To get there you must keep the commandments"

The Second Comforter - Conversing with the Lord through the Veil, KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS, pg. page 56)

Sidenote:

Across the world, cultures observe the summer solstice as a meaningful spiritual moment tied to the sun, nature, and renewal, expressed through traditions that reflect shared themes of light, unity, and reverence. From Austria’s mountaintop bonfires to Tasmania’s tradition of welcoming the longest day with an ocean swim at sunrise, and from witnessing the sunrise at Stonehenge to gatherings at the pyramids of Giza, these observances often incorporate fire, ritual, and community. Together, they symbolize rebirth, warmth, and a connection to a higher power. Despite cultural differences, these practices share a common purpose: recognizing the longest day of the year as a sacred time for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. 



Austrians celebrate the June 21 solstice by continuing a medieval tradition of lighting mountaintop fires, blending historical roots with religious symbolism.



Stonehenge was built to align with the summer and winter solstices, and every June 20–21, crowds gather to witness this ancient tradition of watching the solstice sunrise.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is positioned between the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu at sunset on the summer solstice, with the sun setting between them to evoke the ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for “horizon.

In the city constructed by the Mayans, people gather to celebrate the summer solstice near the Temple of Kukulcán. Due to its construction, one side is always illuminated in light, while the other — is engulfed in darkness.


In Tasmania, the summer solstice tradition involves sunrise swims where people gather at beaches or river mouths to swim as the sun rises—symbolizing renewal, energy, and a deep connection to nature.

Addendum:

Joseph and his brother Hyrum left Illinois to escape mob violence on the summer solstice of 1844. At the behest of friends, he returned across the Mississippi River to surrender to the Illinois authorities the day after the solstice. Four days later, as sunlight began its decline, both were slain.

There has been a significant effort to gather and preserve documents related to Hyrum Smith. It is the most comprehensive single source of material related to Hyrum available today. The work to prepare this research project for publication continues. The hope was to release the first volume this Sunday, on the summer solstice, but there is still much to be done. I want to express my deep gratitude to all those who have worked so hard. Featured below is a concept for the book cover, created by my close friend Bob Sonntag—one of four designs created for the four volumes.

BURDENS WE CARRY

It has been months since I last posted. The struggles of life are real, and I think we often underestimate the burdens others carry.

I recently learned about a Native American tradition called a burden basket. These baskets are part of a ritual used to hold the burdens we can no longer bear.

Traditionally, burden baskets are made of cedar wood, as the cedar tree is believed to absorb tears, anger, and sorrow. People would write their burdens on a slip of paper and place them inside the basket, allowing it to hold their grief, pain, and sorrow.

As part of the ritual, the basket is later burned, and the ashes are scattered in a peaceful place—symbolizing release, healing, and moving forward. 

 

I take great comfort from this blogpost: 

".. in the coming day when death, sickness and pain have passed away, and God will wipe away every tear from every eye, that it will include wiping away God’s own tears from His eyes. For God has not been unmoved by our disappointments, aloof from our broken hearts, and distant from our cries. He has been and is present throughout it all. He understands, cares, and weighs every moment of our plight, and intends to comfort us always. Whether in life or in death, He is intimate and affected." 

"We need to abandon old ways and begin anew. Until we are open to the new truths offered through the Gospel, we can’t even start the journey. We’re headed in the wrong direction and don’t even know it. First, we need to realize our direction is wrong. Then, stop going that way. When we turn to the new direction, we’ve begun repenting. From repentance comes light and truth. At first, just turning to face the new direction is a great revelation. But you’ve not seen anything until you walk in that direction for a while. As you move toward the light and receive more, the world itself changes meaning and nothing you used to think important remains important." Excerpt from the definition of "Becoming as a Little Child", Glossary, Covenant Christian Edition Scriptures


Below are few photos I have taken over the past two months that have been peaceful places for me.

Sunrise Hike in the Wasatch Mountais 

Salt Lake Temple - Today is the 133 year anniversary of the dedication on April 6, 1893

 The cornerstone was placed on April 6, 1853. It took 40 years to build. Dedicated 133 years ago today, on April 6. 1893. 

A lot has changed over the years,  not only the inside of the Salt Lake temple but to the overall beauty of Temple Square. 

Gone are many of the mature trees, lush grass, intimate courtyards, and vibrant gardens. In their place are expansive concrete plazas, paved walkways, and large, modern white buildings that some find somewhat stark or plastic-like in appearance.

Photos of Temple Square before the reconstruction: 

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CURRENT PHOTO AS OF TODAY - APRIL 6, 2026 (still in progress after 6 years of being closed) 

At least some things never change in their beauty. God's Creation. Some photos taken a few weeks ago on the Equinox. Photos of The Sunrise, The Sunset and The Evening moon in the night sky on the Spring Equinox 2026.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMEMBERING

LOOK BACK AGAIN AND SEE:

Almost 10 years ago I drove up to Boise. I was asked to put together a video to be shown at a conference up there. I used photos that I had taken on some hikes and a trip to Israel with my wife back in 2012.  I came across it again this past week. I had forgotten I had created it. It was fun to watch it and remember my experiences at each place I took those photos.  The word remember is an important word. It even has more meaning in the Hebrew translation of the word. 

To remember in Hebrew, is not just a passive recollection, but actively calling something to mind. To honor it, like we do at a memorial like the unknown soldier grave. To remember is an sacred of act, especially in solemn or covenantal settings.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=howqzRWap0k&list=RDhowqzRWap0k&start_radio=1

Sidenote:  

I just got back from being with the same friend that asked me to create the above video. On my drive up, I spent an incredible afternoon on pristine land, untouched from Babylon. Majestic animals roamed the fresh green grass just beginning to emerge. Clear signs that the spring equinox is drawing near.I hiked up to a crystal clear spring of living water flowing out of a mountain. I hiked up to a crystal-clear spring of living water flowing straight out of the mountain, with vibrant green vegetation thriving along its banks.

I stood outside in a windy, cloudy and raining morning waiting for a special delivery that had experiences multiple delays and plenty of opposition. This private truck pulled up. 

As soon as we began to unload the contents, the morning rain storm passed, the clouds parted, and the sun came out. I believe we can experience that symbolically every time we read our scriptures.