The Mesa Arizona Temple is a significant landmark with a rich and intricate history. Here are the key details:
Announcement and Dedication History:
The temple was announced on October 3, 2019.
Its site was dedicated on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant.
The groundbreaking for the temple occurred on April 25, 1922, also by Heber J. Grant.
The official dedication took place from October 23 to 26, 1927, again by Heber J. Grant.
A public open house was held from March 19 to April 3, 1975, prior to a rededication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball.
The latest public open house occurred from October 16 to November 20, 2021, followed by a rededication on December 12, 2021, conducted by Dallin H. Oaks.
Architecture and Design:
The Mesa Arizona Temple features a unique flat roof and is adorned with sculpted friezes.
It encompasses four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, covering a total area of 75,000 square feet.
The building height is 53 feet, and it is situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet.
The temple is built on 20 acres of land and has an exterior made of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, covered in glazed, eggshell colored terra cotta tiles.
Location and Grounds:
Located just east of the original Mesa Townsite, settled by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, the temple is a centerpiece of a historic district that has predominantly retained its residential character.
The meticulously landscaped grounds include a cactus garden and large reflection pools, making it a serene environment for visitors.
Community Events:
The temple’s grounds are a hub for community events, especially during the Easter season when it hosts “Jesus the Christ,” the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world.
During the Christmas season, the temple grounds are transformed into a beautiful Nativity display, decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights.
Historical Significance:
The Mesa Arizona Temple was the first temple built in Arizona and was also the first to present the endowment in a language other than English.
It originally carried the name Arizona Temple and was the first to reopen for a public open house prior to rededication.
The presentation of the endowment was initially delivered through live acting in the temple.
Renovations:
The Mesa Arizona Temple closed in February 1974 for extensive remodeling that modified several rooms for film presentations and added new features, such as a larger entrance and additional sealing rooms.
In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was added to accommodate more patrons, allowing for endowment sessions every half hour.
A significant renovation occurred from May 19, 2018, for three and a half years, focusing on updating roofing, drainage systems, and other mechanical aspects, all while preserving the temple’s historic integrity.
Overall, the Mesa Arizona Temple stands as a testament to both architectural beauty and spiritual significance, serving as a hub for the community and a point of pride for residents and visitors alike.