The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached the milestone of 3,700 stakes for the first time in its history. This threshold was achieved following sustained net stake growth in recent years. In 2025, 94 new stakes were organized and only seven were discontinued, resulting in a net increase of 87 stakes (a 2.4% annual increase). Thus far in 2026, at least nine new stakes have been organized, although five stakes have been discontinued. See the table below for the net increase in the number of stakes per year since 2005.
| Year | Net New Stakes |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 28 |
| 2009 | 47 |
| 2010 | 31 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 45 |
| 2014 | 64 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 92 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 42 |
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 87 |
Stake growth remains one of the most important structural indicators of global Latter-day Saint growth, as the creation of new stakes is typically associated with increases in active membership, leadership development, and long-term institutional stability.Conversely, the discontinuation of stakes typically signals challenges such as declining activity rates, limited leadership depth, and insufficient convert retention or local membership growth to sustain stake-level operations. See below for a graph displaying the total number of stakes per year since 2005.
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Below are country-by-country updates since my last post on stakes and districts that have been created or discontinued.
DR Congo
Two new stakes and one new district were created in the DR Congo.
The Diulu DR Congo Stake was organized on December 28th, 2025, from a division of the Mbuji-Mayi DR Congo Stake (organized in 2016) and the Dibindi DR Congo Stake. The new stake includes the following six wards and one branch: the Bipemba 2nd, Dibindi 2nd, Diulu 1st, Diulu 2nd, Masanka, and Tshikila Wards and the Mpokolo Branch. The new stake is the Church's third stake in the city following the Mbuji-Mayi DR Congo Stake (organized in 2016) and the Dibindi DR Congo Stake (organized in 2022). One interesting note with the creation of this new stake was that it was created between Christmas and New Year's Day — an extremely rare occurrence in modern Church administration and likely a testament to the rapid growth of the Church in the country that necessitated an often inconvenient time of year to create the new stake.
The Ngandajika DR Congo Kabanda Stake was organized on January 11th from a division of the Ngandajika DR Congo Stake (organized in 2023). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Kabanda 1st, Kabanda 2nd, Kabidimba, Lunga, and Ngandajika Wards. There are now two stakes in Ngandajika.
The Mbandaka DR Congo District was organized on February 8th from three mission branches in the city of Mbandaka. The first branch in Mbandaka was organized in 2024. The new district is the Church's 10th new district to be created in the DR Congo since May of 2025.
There are now 46 stakes and 11 districts in the DR Congo. To illustrate the rapid growth of the Church in the country, there were only four stakes and three districts in 2005 and 13 stakes and four districts in 2015.
Utah
Two new stakes were created and five stakes were discontinued in Utah.
The Hurricane Utah Sky Mountain Stake was organized on January 11th from a division of the Hurricane Utah West Stake (organized in 1996). The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Sky Mountain 1st, Sky Mountain 2nd, Sky Mountain 3rd, Sky Mountain 4th, Sky Mountain 5th, Sky Mountain 6th, and Sky Mountain 7th Wards. There are now five stakes in Hurricane.
The Lehi Utah Willow Creek Stake was organized on March 1st from the Lehi Utah Willow Park Stake (organized in 2008). The new stake includes the following seven wards: the Colony Pointe, Green Park, Lehi 44th (Deaf), Meadow Vista, North Pointe (Portuguese), Pioneer Heights, and Willow Creek Wards. There are now 26 stakes in Lehi.
Five stakes were also discontinued in Utah. These stakes include the Murray Utah Little Cottonwood Stake (organized in 1971), the Murray Utah Parkway Stake (organized in 1992), the Salt Lake Granite Park Stake (organized in 1983), the South Salt Lake Stake (organized in 1941), and the Taylorsville Utah North Central Stake (organized in 1984). All five of these stakes are within approximately 7-8 miles of one another in the South Salt Lake, Murray, and Taylorsville areas where the Church has experienced steady decline for decades in active membership and congregation consolidations. Gentrification of urban neighborhoods, the exodus of young families to Utah County and beyond, and non-Latter-day Saints repopulating these historically strong Latter-day Saint strongholds appear to be the primary drivers of this decline. Based on current demographic and activity trends, an additional 1-2 dozen stakes in the greater Salt Lake City area may be discontinued over the next five years. While the number of stakes and congregations in the Salt Lake City area continues to slightly decline, state totals generally have been stable or have slightly increased in recent years.
There are now 643 stakes and seven districts in Utah.
Arizona
A new stake was created in Arizona on March 1st. The Queen Creek Arizona Frontier Stake was organized from the Queen Creek Arizona North Stake (organized in 2008). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Barney Farms, Crismon, Gateway Quarter, Langley Gateway, and Terravella Wards. There are now 10 stakes in Queen Creek.
There are now 121 stakes and three districts in Arizona.
Ecuador
A new stake was created in Ecuador on February 22nd. The Ibarra Ecuador Stake was organized from the Otavalo Ecuador Imbabura Stake (organized in 1997). The new stake includes the following five wards: the Ibarra Central, Iluman, Pucara, San Miguel, and San Roque Wards. Two wards and one branch were discontinued in the three previously operating stakes in Otavalo, resulting in each of the four stakes in the area now having five wards a piece. Otavalo appears to be a likely candidate for its own temple due to relatively high levels of member activity and leadership development for Latin America.
There are now 45 stakes and five districts in Ecuador.
Idaho
A new stake was created in Idaho on February 8th. The Shelley Idaho East Stake was organized from the Shelley Idaho Stake (organized in 1914) and the Shelley Idaho South Stake (organized in 1980). The new stake includes the following eight wards: the Shelley 2nd, Shelley 9th, Shelley 13th, Shelley 14th, Taylor 1st, Taylor 2nd, Taylor 3rd, and Taylor 4th Wards. There are now three stakes in Shelley.
There are now 148 stakes in Idaho.
Nigeria
A new stake was created in Nigeria on February 8th. The Ikot Use Ekong Nigeria Stake was organized on February 8th from the Eket Nigeria Stake (organized in 1996). The new stake includes the following five wards and one branch: the Edo, Idung Offiong 1st, Idung Offiong 2nd, Ikot Use Ekong, and Uquo Wards and the Akai Branch.
There are now 81 stakes and 13 districts in Nigeria.
Virginia
A new stake was created in Virginia on February 1st. Bella Vista Virginia Stake (Spanish) was organized from various stakes in northern Virginia. The new stake includes the following eight wards and one branch: the Bella Vista (Spanish), Little River (Spanish), Loudoun (Spanish), Occoquan River (Spanish), Old Town (Spanish), Potomac River (Spanish), Spring Lake (Spanish), and Sudley (Spanish) Wards and the Cub Run (Spanish) Branch. This marks the first Spanish-speaking stake to ever operate in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The Church in the United States appears to have reconsidered a previous policy reversal that disfavored the organization of Spanish-speaking stakes, which went into effect approximately 10–15 years ago, although all new Spanish-speaking stakes created in the past few years have been in Utah.
There are now 26 stakes in Virginia.
Zimbabwe
A new stake was created on February 1st. The Bulawayo Zimbabwe Luveve Stake was organized on February 1st from a division of the Bulawayo Zimbabwe Stake (organized in 2005) and the Nkulumane Zimbabwe Stake (organized in 2013). The new stake includes the following five wards and three branches: the Cowdray Park 1st, Emakhandeni, Gwabalanda, Mpopoma, and Njube Wards, and the Cowdray Park 2nd, Cowdray Park 3rd, and Luveve Branches. There are now four stakes in Bulawayo that were organized in 2005, 2013, 2024, and 2026. Bulawayo appears highly likely to receive a temple announcement in the foreseeable future due to rapid growth and distance from the newly dedicated temple in Harare.
There are now 13 stakes and two districts in Zimbabwe.
Cuba
A new district was created in Cuba in January. The Holguín Cuba District was organized from a division of the Havana Cuba District (organized in 2017). The new district includes the following five branches: the Buenaventura, Cabezo, Guaramanao, Holguín 1st, and Holguín 2nd Branches. The first branch in Holguín was created in 2021 and rapid growth has subsequently followed. There are now two branches in Holguín proper and three branches in surrounding small towns and villages. There have been no recent official Church membership figures published for Cuba, but there are likely more than 1,000 Latter-day Saints in this country of approximately 11 million people.
Tanzania
A new district was created in Tanzania on February 15th. The Dar es Salaam Tanzania Kigamboni District was organized from a division of the Dar es Salaam Tanzania Chang'ombe District (organized in 2022). Five new branches were organized in the district from 2024 until it divided. The new district includes the following three branches: the Chamazi, Kigamboni, and Mbagala Branches.
There is now one stake and four districts in Tanzania. The first stake in Tanzania was organized in January of 2025.
71 comments:
From social media:
"The Ampitatafika Madagascar Stake was organised this past Sunday. It is the 4th stake in the island nation's capital city of Antananarivo (pop. 1.3 million), and the 2nd to be organised there over the past 2.5 years. A series of marquees was erected to accommodate all attendees."
This is great news, but I find these growth trends somewhat puzzling. What do you think caused numbers to decline so rapidly after 2016, and why were the increases in 2025 so drastic?
I'm going to predict that Nigeria will hit 100 stakes in the next 1 or 2 years.
Saw a facebook post from Church of Jesus Christ Edmonton about a local member who is serving in the first missionary companionship assigned to Telluride, Colorado. Working on building up a branch there, in a photo it appears there may be around 20 members of a group there.
If anyone is interested, here is a link to my current Church Map project.
I'm drawing what I consider the USA Mission boundaries as of July 2025, using Matt's Stake Boundaries as a template. I've redrawn the Utah Missions and 3 Idaho Missions and both Montana Missions and the Colorado Fort Collins Mission boundaries in the United States Central Area, in a pinkish color border.
I have the rest of the old mission boundaries hidden from view, and my Temple Districts including the borrowed 200mi/3hr radius from Logan's map, also hidden from view.
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1OcupgIeo6LW4Uxr_Xwt_dkCFtg0oXfIv?usp=sharing
You're welcome.
Chris D. I would love to connect with you. My email is nephijulien@gmail.com
With the change in thresholds for stakes the US created a lot of stakes the past two years even though there was little unit growth to go along with it. Now that all that could split with the new standards have, I'd expect the next few years to not have a ton of US stakes created, maybe even a net negative as Utah continues to contract more than grow.
Internationally they raised the standards of wards and stakes to be the same as the US. Fortunately this doesn't appear to have affected the number of international stakes being created, but has caused there to be a less wards being created from branches for the time being. The number of new branches are uncharacteristically exploding, especially in Africa, and you can expect that a couple years from now the number of wards and stakes will also explode as those mature from branches to wards.
I would think 4,000 stakes would be a milestone not 3,700
Antananarivo Madagascar Ampitatafika Stake (2322889)
Organized on 1 March 2026
- Ambohidrapeto Ward
- Ambohimanarina Ward
- Ampitatafika Ward
- Itaosy Ward
- Tanjombato Ward
Assigned Mission: Madagascar Antananarivo South Mission
Assigned Temple: Johannesburg South Africa Temple
Ward Branch Updates 03/03/26:
From the Taylorsville Utah North Central Stake (516910), both Mackay Meadows Ward (114073) and Sunnybrook Ward (169021) have been consolidated.
54 Mar 03, 2026 Sunnybrook Ward West Valley City, Utah
55 Mar 03, 2026 Mackay Meadows Ward West Valley City, Utah
From the Lagos Nigeria Ikorodu Stake (2184362), the Ori Okuta Branch (2292068), renamed Ori Okuta Ward (2292068).
21 Mar 03, 2026 Ori Okuta Ward Ikorodu, Nigeria
From the Fayetteville Georgia Stake (510947), the Lake Jodeco Branch (Spanish) (1983679), renamed the Lake Jodeco Ward (Spanish) (1983679).
22 Mar 03, 2026 Lake Jodeco Ward (Spanish) Jonesboro, Georgia
From the Goldsboro North Carolina Stake (515426), a new Haitian Creole speaking ward organized. Calypso Branch (Haitian-Creole) (2324911). Just a few weeks ago they organized a Spanish branch also.
60 Mar 03, 2026 Calypso Branch (Haitian-Creole) Calypso, North Carolina
From the Mar del Plata Argentina Stake (511536), the recently organized, Acantilados Branch (2326361).
61 Mar 03, 2026 Acantilados Branch Mar Del Plata, Argentina
From the Paynesville Liberia Stake (2026996), the recently organized FDA Branch (2326736)
62 Mar 03, 2026 FDA Branch Monrovia, Liberia
From the Great Salt Lake Utah District (Correctional Facility) (2171775), recently organized new branch, Ogden Transitional Branch (2325446). Also organized the Henry 2nd Branch a few weeks ago.
3 Mar 03, 2026 Ogden Transitional Branch (Correctional Facility) Ogden, Utah
From the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi Mission (2050722), recently organized a new branch. The Tshilenge Branch (2322994), located just southeast of Mbuji-Mayi.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/wards/2322994
64 Mar 03, 2026 Tshilenge Branch Tshilenge, Democratic Republic Of Congo
Also, recently, From the recently organized Tshintenge Democratic Republic of the Congo District (2297515), the Lukalaba Branch (2284618), was transferred to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi Mission (2050722). Unknown date.
It’s interesting to see the Aliso Niguel ward closed in Orange County, CA. There was a new stake organized in the area a couple years ago and a couple new wards were created in San Clemente.
One thing to keep in mind in baptisms have been significantly up in the United States over the last 2 years. I am hoping this will start translating into more new church units soon.
In general New church units lag behind baptisms and stakes lag behind the creation of wards and branches.
The fact that DR Congo has gone from 13 stakes and 4 districts to 46 stakes and 11 districts in 10 years is hard to process.
I would not be surprised if Nigeria reaches 100 stakes before it has a second temple dedicated. I believe the Aba Nigeria Temple district is the largest at present. With only 11,700 square feet if you analyze the ordinance capacity to membership ratio it is probably even more so the most over extended.
I believe the Mexico City Temple alone has 8 planned temples that will take from its district. Aba has only 6. Mexico City is over 100,000 square feet and serves fewer stakes.
Just that alone tells me that it is highly likely there will be additional temples announced in Nigeria soon.
Today, the Leon Mexico Stake and the Guanajuato District are holding a conference to create a new stake for the Leon metropolitan area, which was previously the largest city in Mexico with only one stake. It will absorb the district's units.
This winter the Stockholm Sweden South stake has been consolidated. The Katrineholm Branch has been dissolved with the members now attending the Norrkoping Ward. The Visby Branch on the island of Gotland has been changed into a group connected to the Vasterhaninge Ward. In addition to that the Hagersten Ward has been dependent on other wards for leadership for years. Their attendance is well below what you normally see in a ward.
As mentioned in my last post here is my predictions for April Conference (March 2026 to August 2026 since I put my predictions out a month early). I don't expect much in the way of announcements per President Oak's comments last conference.
Based on his comments, I believe we'll likely see 1-5 temples announced this conference season. There's a lot of backlog to still go through; not just with temples but with meetinghouses as well, so the number of announcements will likely be low. Even with the backlog, added need for a temple will likely arise in an area without an announcement, likely keeping announcements above 0.
Historically, here's my record:
Total Oct 2023 to Feb 2026: 68 Announced
28 Top 20 (41.2%)
18 Somewhat likely 40 (26.5%)
46 Total for top 60 (67.6%)
Note there's been a few conferences where I didn't have a full 20, 40, or 60 for these categories. Had they've been filled the rate may have been a little higher.
A growth curiosity, the Curitiba Brazil São Lourenço Stake (514950), had conference this weekend 3/7-3/8/26. And has another conference scheduled in 2 weeks on March 22nd. And a 3rd in September 2026. With 6 Wards and 1 Branch, currently. In itself not enough to split. So im guessing either a GA visit or a merger with another stake? Your guess is as good as mine.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/514950
Found this on another site posted earlier today.
From the Arvada Colorado Stake (503169), name changes and one merger:
Arvada 1st Ward (33863) - > Colorado Hills Ward (33863)
Arvada 2nd Ward (94439) - > Table Mountain Ward (94439)
Arvada 3rd Ward (33839) - > Ralston Creek Ward (33839)
Arvada 4th Ward (105473) - > Majestic View Ward (105473)
Arvada 5th Ward (162256) - > Discontinued. Unknown date last 8 months.
Arvada 6th Ward (165409) - > Stanley Lake Ward (165409)
Arvada YSA Ward (170186) - > No Changes
Arvada Branch (Spanish) (2143259) - > No Changes
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/503169
As I mentioned above, the Curitiba Brazil São Lourenço Stake (514950) having a Conference today and 2 weeks from today on the 22nd of March. Located in the Northwest part of the city. Another Stake on the Southeast of the city, neighboring Curitiba also is in the same schedule. although not bordering each other directly. for possible mergers. I'm inclined to believe maybe a regional conference for a GA visit instead. Or a major announcement.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/514950
The São José dos Pinhais Brazil Jardim Ipê Stake (2114569) also had conference today and 2 weeks from now on the 22nd.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2114569
Looks like the District Facebook Group page has already updated to the new Stake name.
Estaca León Aeropuerto México
https://www.facebook.com/groups/distritogto/
Other Matt here.
Aliso Niguel Ward was created only back in 2017, geographically pretty small taking in most of Laguna Woods (55+ community) .
Laguna Woods is now absorbed back in the Lagina Hills Ward.
Laguna Hills and Aliso Viejo becoming more diverse, it wouldn't surpise me if a new Tagalog and/or Korean unit is created at some point for the stake.
An interesting fact, may or may not be Growth related. The Raleigh North Carolina Stake (503991) has 4 Stake Conferences planned this year. The first was this weekend, 3/7-3/8. The second in April, the third in May and the fourth in October 2026.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/503991
The Bremerton Washington Stake (503290), has 3 conferences planned this year. One today 3/7-3/8, the second in May, and the third in August 2026.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/503290
The Democratic Republic of the Congo Kolwezi Mission (2245744), recently organized a new branch. I'm having difficulty locating the community or village called Sabongo on the Meetinghouse. And at time of this post no Meetinghouse Marker on the map for the unit yet.
Sabongo Branch (2309580)
65 Mar 08, 2026 Sabongo Branch
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/wards/2309580
From the Catarman Philippines Stake (558990), a new Ward organized.
Catarman 3rd Ward (2308797)
42 Mar 08, 2026 Catarman 3rd Ward Catarman, Philippines
From the Davao Philippines West Stake (2029014), a new Ward organized.
Tugbok Ward (2324970)
43 Mar 09, 2026 Tugbok Ward Davao City, Philippines
From the Arvada Colorado Stake (503169), the Arvada 5th Ward (162256) recently discontinued as i posted yesterday the other Ward name changes from another site.
56 Mar 09, 2026 Arvada 5th Ward Arvada, Colorado
From the Durango México Del Valle Stake (523534), the Hidalgo Ward (385476) was recently discontinued.
57 Mar 09, 2026 Hidalgo Ward Durango, Mexico
The Aeropuerto Ward (388491) has been renamed the Cobalto Ward (388491) within last 8 months.
From the Calgary Alberta Fish Creek Stake (512737), the Centennial Branch (Portuguese) (2251280), recently upgraded to Ward status.
23 Mar 08, 2026 Centennial Ward (Portuguese) Calgary, Canada
From the Les Palmes Haiti Stake (2118920), a new Branch recently organized.
66 Mar 09, 2026 Miragoane Branch Miragoane, Haiti
From the Coffs Harbour Australia District (614025), the Narrabri Branch (307157) was recently consolidated.
21 Mar 09, 2026 Narrabri Branch Narrabri, Australia
From the Durango Colorado Stake (506141), the Silverton Branch (95079) was recently consolidated.
22 Mar 09, 2026 Silverton Branch Silverton, Colorado
The Cleveland Ohio Temple will be dedicated in August. The Lindon Utah Temple just had its open house phase began.
Great News. A 7th Stake in the Lubumbashi DRC area organized.
A temple appears highly like for Likasi and/or Kolwezi given all of the growth in the southern DR Congo.
Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of Congo Bel-Air Stake (2322854)
Organized on 8 March 2026
From Ruashi Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake (2106566):
- Bel-Air Ward
- Bongonga Ward
- Kilobelobe Ward
From Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake (527475):
- Kiwele Ward
- Neflier Ward
- Nyashi 2nd Ward
Mission: Democratic Republic of the Congo Lubumbashi Mission
Temple: Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple
I have attended the historic Stake Conference in my Stake (Leon Mexico), and a new Stake has been created (Leon Mexico Aeropuerto Stake) from Leon Mexico Stake and Guanajuato Mexico District.
The following is what consists of in each Stake:
Leon Mexico Stake
Arbides Ward
Echeveste Ward
Azteca Ward
Campestre Ward
San Francisco del Rincon Ward
Lagos de Moreno Branch
Leon Mexico Aeropuerto Stake
Las Torres Ward
Olimpica Ward
Parque del Sur Ward
Silao Ward
Guanajuato Ward (two branches have been combined)
I noticed two maps that show the New Mississippi Jackson Mission. Both place Shreveport in that mission and leaving Tupelo in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission. Tupelo Mississippi Stake came to the Arkansas Little Rock Mission from the Mississippi Jackson Mission after it was dissolved.
The Shreveport Stake has never been part of the same area as Jackson Mississippi since the creation of areas in the 1980s. However, this change and inclusion of this stake would not surprise me.
This new mission is commonly sourced by Chris and by mission call. My question is what is the source for these new boundaries, or are these guesses?
3,700 may not seem much of a milestone when compared to 4,000, but I would definitely call it a milestone for this year. Since 2018, the church has added a net 44.4 stakes per year with a median of 43 stakes per year. Last year was an outlier with a net increase of 87 stakes (the most since 2016). From 2020 to 2024, there had only been an average/median net increase of 34 stakes per year.
Based on current growth, I would expect the 4,000th stake sometime between mid 2028 and early 2029.
The Freetown Sierra Leone, the first stake in Sierra Leone, was the church's 3,000th stake and created in 2012. Now there's 11 stakes in Sierra Leone.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/2012/12/8/23224894/churchs-3-000th-stake/
This time last year, there were 14 new stakes. So far this year there's 10 reported. This year has so far been more than typical but still behind last year.
If it hasn't already has one, it would make since for the church to have a Nigeria and other countries with several announcements to have a country specific legal & engineering team dedicated to getting temples through its government regs and construction.
As for other announcements in Nigeria, even with demand, the church may wait till other announced temples are further along.
It could easily be a consolidation as neighboring stakes are large either. It could also help boost support for local unit leaders if fewer stake leaders are needed. But as you mentioned, it could also be just a GA visit.
From the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Lukunga Stake (2130890), a 6th Ward organized recently. The Kanza Ward (2326191).
44 Mar 10, 2026 Kanza Ward
From the Granada Spain Stake (449180), the Marbella Branch (2326183), recently organized.
67 Mar 10, 2026 Marbella Branch Marbella, Spain
From the Guaymallén Argentina Stake (522759). now has 7 Wards and 2 Branches, with the recently organized Costa de Araujo Branch (2325217).
68 Mar 10, 2026 Costa de Araujo Branch Costa De Araujo, Argentina
From the Sunshine Coast Australia Stake (525758), the Mundubbera Branch (2310929) was recently organized.
69 Mar 10, 2026 Mundubbera Branch Mundubbera, Australia
The Europe Central Turkic and Persian-Speaking District (2236303) has been renamed. And now only includes Turkiye and Azerbaijan.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2236303
When are you flogging to post your temple predictions?
Two interesting developments. The caring for those in need report came out. Evidently there are just over 13,000 missionaries classed as welfare and self reliance services missionaries.
The annual level of giving rose by $103 million, from $1.45 billion to $1.58 billion.
The staggering number though is total volunteer hours went from 6.6 million to 7.4 million. That is a significant jump.
The Nigeria Abuja Mission (2217473) recently organized the new Mangu Nigeria District (2311054)
4 Mar 10, 2026 Mangu Nigeria District
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2311054
Also, the Kenya Nairobi West Mission (2012995) recently organized the Bomet Kenya District (2326450).
5 Mar 10, 2026 Bomet Kenya District
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2326450
From the Taylorsville Utah Stake (502367), the Millrace Ward (Spanish) (461318) recently discontinued.
58 Mar 10, 2026 Millrace Ward (Spanish) Taylorsville, Utah
From the Viamão Brazil Stake (2103559), the Vila Gaucha Ward (232785) recently discontinued.
59 Mar 10, 2026 Vila Gaucha Ward Viamao, Brazil
From the North Logan Utah Green Canyon Stake (525359), the North Logan 5th Ward (2197561) recently discontinued.
60 Mar 10, 2026 North Logan 5th Ward North Logan, Utah
From the Newburgh New York Stake (526959), the Newburgh 2nd Branch (Spanish) (232866), renamed the New Windsor Ward (Spanish) (232866).
The Newburgh 1st Ward (45292) renamed Newburgh Ward (45292).
24 Mar 10, 2026 New Windsor Ward (Spanish) New Windsor, New York
From the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Mont Ngafula Stake (550965), the Mont Ngafula 2nd Branch (2253305) renamed the Mont Ngafula 2nd Ward (2253305).
25 Mar 10, 2026 Mont Ngafula 2nd Ward Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo
Also the Congelos Branch (2328615) recently organized in same Stake.
71 Mar 10, 2026 Congelos Branch
From the Okotoks Alberta Stake (274240), the Diamond Valley Branch (370231) renamed the Diamond Valley Ward (370231)
26 Mar 10, 2026 Diamond Valley Ward Turner Valley, Canada
From the Portland Oregon Stake (501328), the Multnomah Branch (2316986) recently organized.
Also, within last 8 months, the Portland Ward (30368), renamed the Harrison Park Ward (30368). Unknown date.
And the Cherry Park Ward (26336) was discontinued. Unknown date.
70 Mar 10, 2026 Multnomah Branch (Spanish)
When are you going to post your temple predictions?
As you mentioned, the 2 branches in question are:
1) Marfil Branch (379123) - > renamed Guanajuato Ward (379123)
2) Mirador Branch (136646) - > discontinued / merged.
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/421391
David, could you please elaborate? As far as I know i have not posted any official nor unofficial maps od that mission...Yet. If i referenced it, it was from the Mission Call app game potential boundaries. The one on my online USA Missions maps that is hidden from view was drawn by the Cumorah Foundation back when the old Mississippi Jackson Mission existed. And an approximate boundary, not official at that.
Here are the links to the OLD Mission Boundaries on Matt's Cumorah Foundation International Atlas - by states.
1) Stakes in Mississipi (the OLD Jackson mission boundaries highlighted inn brown. Last updated September 2023.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=11eik1JjWiINwjSjj7g0RXeJY4o8&msa=0&ll=31.981462740557678%2C-90.48065143359375&spn=3.166806%2C5.817261&z=7
2) Stakes in Louisiana (again the OLD Jackson mission 2 portions in Louisiana highlighted in same brown. Last updated October 2017.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hwah7iNGmYDsyC2tXtWmBgcCPJM&msa=0&ll=31.517200331408908%2C-90.99426303906249&spn=3.224655%2C5.817261&z=7
3) Stakes in Arkansas (again the OLD Jackson mission 2 portions in Arkansas, highlighted in same brown. Last updated September 2016)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1WuyQkfAhfoNPPxklRuYTQRV7Jos&msa=0&ll=33.94884171969342%2C-92.9937742109375&spn=3.092924%2C5.817261&z=7
Or do you refer to a "potential boundary" marked on the Mission Call game with no reliable sources listed.
https://missioncall.app/worldmap.html?destination=details&missionId=mississippi-jackson
Personally, I would love to just copy and paste the "possible" 2026 boundaries directly from the Mission Call app. But I'm not tech savvy enough to do the Leaflet format to Google .kmz format. And my unpaid Copilot won't do the conversion for me. So i don't spend thousands of hours redrawing from approximate Stake boundaries in each mission.
https://missioncall.app/worldmap.html
Seems pointless now with announcements not being done at GC
“Guay” (Guaymallen) there’s nothing more than a small word when I was there back in the mid 70s. So excited to see a state there and another new unit in that area.
A 3rd Stake in Benin recently organized.
13 Mar 11, 2026 Cotonou Benin Akpakpa Stake
Cotonou Benin Akpakpa Stake (2320924) (6 Wards, 2 Branches)
From the Cotonou Benin Stake (1948431):
Akpakpa Ward (1021036)
Avotrou Ward (1995189)
Dowa Branch (2297116)
Finagnon Ward (1902377)
Jericho 1st Ward (1995219)
Jericho 2nd Ward (2239868)
Porto Novo Ward (2032961)
From the Cococodji Benin Stake (2125889):
Gbegame Branch (1902792)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/2320924
That 55+ community could explain it. If the ward is demographically older and its growth forecasts are sharply negative, that could be a reason to consolidate it, especially if it has very few youth.
In the Benin realignment of Wards + Branches, the Cococodji Benin Stake (2125889) Atrokpocodji Ward (2230186) was transferred to the old Cotonou Benin Stake (1948431).
Stakes have been smaller the last few years. That enables more groth.
From the Ashaiman Ghana Bethlehem Stake (2181177), the Mataheko Ward (2313375), recently organized.
45 Mar 11, 2026 Mataheko Ward Mataheko, Ghana
From the Reconquista Argentina District (2121891), the 5th branch reccently organized. Avellaneda Branch (2326310)
72 Mar 11, 2026 Avellaneda Branch Avellaneda, Argentina
From the Nigeria Benin City Mission (1926853), 2 new branches organized in recent past (+/- 8 months).
Ore Branch (2319314)
Owo Branch (2329301)
73 Mar 11, 2026 Owo Branch Owo, Nigeria
From the Matadi Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake (2168448), the Mvuzi Branch (2178419), was recently renamed the Mvuzi Ward (2178419).
27 Mar 12, 2026 Mvuzi Ward Matadi, Democratic Republic Of Congo
From the León México Stake Aeropuerto Stake (421391), the Silao Branch (418021) was renamed the Silao Ward (418021). And the Marfil Branch (379123) was renamed the Guanajuato Ward (379123).
28 Mar 12, 2026 Silao Ward Silao, Mexico
29 Mar 12, 2026 Guanajuato Ward Guanajuato, Mexico
From the Belém Brazil Cidade Nova Stake (527270), the Laranjeira Ward (484229) was recently discontinued.
61 Mar 12, 2026 Laranjeira Ward Ananindeua, Brazil
From the Portland Oregon Stake (501328), as i posted above the Cherry Park Ward (26336), was recently discontinued.
62 Mar 12, 2026 Cherry Park Ward Portland, Oregon
From the Ormoc Philippines Stake (272434), the Palompon Branch (297240), recently renamed the Palompon Ward (297240).
And the Ipil Branch (2296209) was recently renamed the Ipil Ward (2296209).
30 Mar 13, 2026 Palompon Ward Palompon, Philippines
31 Mar 13, 2026 Ipil Ward Ormoc City, Philippines
As i posted above, From the León México Stake Aeropuerto Stake (421391), the Mirador Branch (136646) has recently discontinued.
23 Mar 12, 2026 Mirador Branch Guanajuato, Mexico
From the Embu das Artes Brazil Stake (537675), the São Lourenço Branch (2056763), has recently discontinued.
24 Mar 13, 2026 São Lourenço Branch Embu Das Artes, Brazil
From the Ashaiman Ghana Bethlehem Stake (2181177), the Afienya Ward (2102137), was recently renamed Afienya Branch (2102137).
1 Mar 12, 2026 Afienya Branch Accra, Ghana
If I may, that requires a little more context. At the Burley Idaho Temple dedication, the following questions and answers were given:
Q: President Oaks, you recently announced a temple for Portland, Maine, at a devotional, not in general conference. Why did you announce that temple?
President Oaks: That was a strong impression that came to me early in my knowledge that President Nelson had transferred to heaven. It has occurred to me for a long time that the best place to announce a temple is in that temple district. And the best person to announce it is the file leader in that area, which can be an Apostle on assignment to a stake conference or another meeting, or it can be the area president if there’s no Apostle in the district when a decision is made by the First Presidency to have a temple there.
Q: So, this is a pattern we can expect to see again?
President Oaks: It’s a pattern that we will follow as long as I have influence in determining those things. This does not change the pattern of decision-making or gathering facts and determining the agreeable timing and the need. And all those things will continue to be analyzed. But when it comes to making a decision from all those facts, the First Presidency will continue to make the decisions. But they’ll assign someone else to make the announcement in the place where the temple will be built.
As a result of what President Oaks said about that, it is likely that General Conferences will not include temple announcements going forward. And with General Conference now reduced to four general sessions, it appears that the First Presidency is focusing on what is most essential.
Other Matt here.
Surrey BC Stake just organized a Tagalog speaking ward (Surrey 5th Ward). They also have Hindi speaking group, as well a Mandarin Branch, Portuguese Branch, Spanish Ward, along with 4 English Wards.
Great news from Brazil.
The Botucatu Brazil District (616532) has become a new Stake:
2 Mar 13, 2026 Bauru Brazil Jardim Santana Stake
The old District Branches:
Avaré Branch (346330) - > to Bauru Brazil Stake
Botucatu 1st Branch (346500) - > to Bauru Brazil Stake
Botucatu 2nd Branch (346519) - > merged
Jaú Branch (323519) -> to new Stake
Jaú Lago Silvério Branch (376035) - > merged
São Manuel Branch (353159) - > to new Stake
The new Stake:
Bauru Brazil Jardim Santana Stake (616532)
https://maps.churchofjesuschrist.org/stakes/616532
From the Surrey British Columbia Stake (511811), the Surrey 5th Ward (Tagalog) (2324032) recently organized.
46 Mar 13, 2026 Surrey 5th Ward (Tagalog) Surrey, Canada
And the Surrey 3rd Ward (211850) was recently disorganized.
64 Mar 13, 2026 Surrey 3rd Ward Surrey, Canada
From the Barueri Brazil Stake (527637), the Jardim Paulista Ward (2325322) recently organized.
47 Mar 13, 2026 Jardim Paulista Ward Barueri, Brazil
As was reported here earlier, From the South Jordan Utah Eastlake Stake (1978470), the Eastlake 8th Ward (2098873) was recently disorganized.
63 Mar 13, 2026 Eastlake 8th Ward South Jordan, Utah
From the Taylorsville Utah North Stake (506923), 2 Wards recently discontinued. The Taylorsville 13th Ward (79988) and the Taylorsville 15th Ward (88811). And with just 4 Wards remaining in the Stake and conference just 1 week away. I wonder if it will soon be consolidated also?
65 Mar 13, 2026 Taylorsville 13th Ward Taylorsville, Utah
66 Mar 13, 2026 Taylorsville 15th Ward Taylorsville, Utah
From the São Lourenço do Sul Brazil District (2081725), the Camaquã Branch (440639), recently renamed Camaquã Ward (440639). And transferred to the Pelotas Brazil North Stake (523917).
32 Mar 13, 2026 Camaquã Ward Camaqua, Brazil
From the Sorocaba Brazil Stake (511528), the Tatuí Branch (201979) was recently renamed the Tatuí Ward (201979).
33 Mar 13, 2026 Tatuí Ward Tatui, Brazil
From the Ecuador Guayaquil West Mission (1921037), the Manglaralto Branch (2320990) was recently organized. Possibly a new location reached? on the coast in Santa Elena.
74 Mar 13, 2026 Manglaralto Branch Manglaralto, Ecuador
From the Embu das Artes Brazil Stake (537675), the São Lourenço Branch (2056763) recently discontinued.
24 Mar 13, 2026 São Lourenço Branch Embu Das Artes, Brazil
From the Bauru Brazil Stake (521647), the Lençóis Paulista Branch (323926) recently discontinued.
25 Mar 13, 2026 Lençóis Paulista Branch Lencois Paulista, Brazil
And from the reorganization mentioned above of the old Botucato Brazil District (616532) into the new Bauru Brazil Jardim Santana Stake (616532).
2 Branches were discontinued. Botucatu 2nd Branch (346519) and
Jaú Lago Silvério Branch (376035).
26 Mar 13, 2026 Jaú Lago Silvério Branch Jau, Brazil
27 Mar 13, 2026 Botucatu 2nd Branch Botucatu, Brazil
President Johnson of the Relief Society recently ministered in 3 Central Asian Countries. kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-georgia. I believe some of us have Tblisi Georgia as a far future Possible Temple Site. Currently only a few branches in the 3 countries. I know i posted here a year or so ago, that i think Georgia would be a top contender as next country to get it's first Mission District organized.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/03/13/president-camille-n-johnson-eurasia-ministry-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-georgia/
An update to units in Australia
In the Brisbane Australia Centenary Stake (543004), the Springfield Ward (275174) has been renamed to Spring Mountain Ward (275174)
In the Coffs Harbour Australia District (614025) the Narrabri Branch (307157) was discontinued.
In the Sunshine Coast Australia Stake (525758) the Mundubbera Branch (2310929) was recently created.
In the Ipswich Australia Stake (514713), there will be a new YSA Branch created on the 15 March. Will update when the name is announced.
I didn’t realize there not doing that anymore
Thank you Chris. This maybe my mistake and bad assumption even though I live in next door to two of Jackson's missions. I had just moved from New Orleans back to Arkansas due to job transfer about 8 months before Jackson Mission was dissolved.
I would say about a year later, Tupelo was added to the Arkansas Little Rock mission. I thought it was from the old Mississippi Jackson Mission, but apparently it was from the Alabama Birmingham mission, which surprises me it was there to begin with.
This puts the Memphis Temple district boundary the same as Arkansas Little Rock Mission. The same with the Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission and Temple Districts.
This time around I have not heard of rumors of any stake in my mission being effected.
My assumption was that all of Mississippi Jackson's stakes was dissolved
The Jackson Mississippi Mission was dissolved in 2008. Looking at one of the Almanacs, Shreveport must have been part of the Jackson Mission confirming my assumption to be incorrect. The almanacs showed area boundaries but not mission boundaries.
Arkansas Little Rock Mission
*Little Rock Arkansas Stake
*North Little Rock Arkansas Stake
*Searcy Arkansas Stake
*Memphis Tennessee Stake
*Memphis Tennessee North Stake
*Tupelo Mississippi Stake
Louisiana Baton Rouge Mission
*Alexandria Louisiana Stake
*Baton Rouge Louisiana Stake
*Denham Springs Louisiana Stake
*New Orleans Louisiana Stake
*Slidell Louisiana Stake
*Gulfport Mississippi Stake
*Jackson Mississippi Stake
*Hattiesburg Mississippi Stake
I have not heard any rumors of any stakes splitting off the mission I live in, but I've seen a noticeable influx of missionaries coming in - especially sisters, which the influx was also brought up in my last stake conference. If Jackson took in all stakes with "Mississippi" in its name as well as the Shreveport Louisiana Stake which is currently part of the Texas Dallas South Mission (US SW Area), then all three missions (Jackson, Little Rock & Baton Rouge) would have 5 stakes each.
The Arkansas Little Rock Mission reaches into 5 states (Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri bootheel, and a piece of Far western Kentucky that is geographically detached from the rest of its state).
Brett, I would differ. Even if all announcements are outside of GC, it's still a good reference time to make predictions which is why I've made mine. However, since there was one temple announced since the last GC predictions, some may wait until before October Conference of after additional announcement(s) to update theirs.
Also, I don't see anything stating Oaks will no longer announce temples inside of conference. I believe this is just assumption. So far the only change I've seen is that a single temple was formally announced by someone other than the first presidency (excludes those leaked by the media or others).
The Cococodji Benin Stake is also a good candidate for splitting. It has stake conference May 30-31.
The two readily available items that are typically used to indicate growth and size of the church are membership and number of units. However, they're not perfect indicators. Sacrament meeting attendance is not readily available and is usually speculative when it does appear.
I think the size of stakes is more of a testament of availability of leaders within the church. The church didn't double in size by the doubling of temples under Nelson, but we do have available leadership to administer this. Likewise, for the same reason, we're at record number of missions even though we're not at record number of baptisms.
Blasted talk-to-text and my lisp! Glad to see another unit in the Guaymallen area, in the same stake.
At least two new stakes were organized this past weekend
Lewiston Idaho South Stake
Beira Mozambique Chamba Stake
That makes 6 stakes in Beira.
David, you may want to reread my reply above to Brett's comment. At the Burley Idaho Temple dedication, the interview with President Oaks had two questions and answers relating to this.
The new YSA branch in the Ipswich Australia Stake (514713) is called the Eastern Heights YSA Branch (2322897).
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