The Mesa Arizona Temple, a significant landmark in the community, has a rich and storied history.
Announcement and Dedication: The temple was announced on October 3, 2019, but its roots date back much further. The site was originally dedicated on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant, with the groundbreaking occurring on April 25, 1922. The temple was officially dedicated for the first time from October 23 to 26, 1927.
Rededication Moments: After several decades of service, the temple was rededicated on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. Following extensive renovations, it underwent another rededication on December 12, 2021, conducted by Dallin H. Oaks. Notably, a public open house was held from October 16 to November 20, 2021, allowing the community to experience the newly updated temple.
Architectural Features: The Mesa Arizona Temple features unique architecture characterized by a flat roof adorned with sculpted friezes. The temple encompasses four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, totaling 75,000 square feet. It stands 53 feet tall and is situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet, covering a sprawling 20 acres. The exterior is constructed from concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, faced with glazed, eggshell colored terra cotta tiles.
Historical Significance: Located just east of the original Mesa Townsite settled by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, the temple serves as an anchor for the historic district, retaining much of its residential character. The meticulously manicured grounds include a cactus garden and large reflection pools, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors.
Community Events: The Mesa Arizona Temple is host to annual events that attract large crowds, such as “Jesus the Christ,” the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world. During the Christmas season, the grounds are transformed into a stunning display featuring hundreds of thousands of lights and a Nativity scene.
Notable Milestones: The Mesa Arizona Temple holds several noteworthy distinctions:
It was the first temple built in Arizona.
It became the first temple to present the endowment in a language other than English.
It was the first temple to reopen to the public for an open house prior to a rededication.
Originally named the Arizona Temple, its early endowment presentations were delivered through live acting.
Renovations and Upgrades: The temple has undergone significant renovations to enhance its facilities. Notably, it was closed in February 1974 for extensive remodeling, which included updates to the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for singleroom film presentations of the endowment. A new entrance and an additional 17,000 square feet were added during this renovation to accommodate larger dressing rooms and increase the number of sealing rooms.
In May 2018, the Mesa Arizona Temple closed again for a threeandahalfyear renovation that involved improvements to roofing and drainage systems, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and preservation of historic murals. The grounds received an overhaul to better accommodate the annual Easter Pageant, and a new visitors’ center was constructed to provide enhanced visitor experiences.
The Mesa Arizona Temple stands not only as a place of worship but also as a cherished community landmark that continues to engage and inspire its visitors.