The Mesa Arizona Temple is such a special place! It was first announced on October 3, 2019, and its history goes back even further—dedicated way back on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant. The groundbreaking took place on April 25, 1922, and the temple officially opened its doors from October 23 to 26, 1927, again by Heber J. Grant. Over the years, it has welcomed many visitors, including a fantastic open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, and more recently from October 16 to November 20, 2021, just before it was rededicated on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks.
One of the most striking features of the Mesa Arizona Temple is its unique architecture, with a flat roof and beautiful sculpted friezes. Inside, you’ll find four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and a baptistery, all within its impressive 75,000 square feet and standing gracefully at 53 feet tall, with an elevation of 1,240 feet. It’s cozy, too, sitting on 20 acres of serene land.
The exterior is made of concrete reinforced with a whopping 130 tons of steel and finished with lovely glazed, eggshellcolored terracotta tiles. It sits just east of the charming original Mesa Townsite, making it a cornerstone of the historic district. The meticulously caredfor grounds boast a delightful cactus garden and large reflection pools, drawing thousands of visitors during the Easter season for the annual outdoor Easter pageant, “Jesus the Christ.” And let’s not forget the magical Christmas displays with countless twinkling lights that transform the grounds into a winter wonderland!
Fun facts about this temple: it was the first in Arizona and the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. It even had live acting for the endowment presentation originally! The temple underwent various renovations over the years, with a particularly significant one starting on May 19, 2018, that enhanced its beauty while preserving its historical charm.
The beautifully carved friezes at the temple’s corners reflect a beautiful message about gathering people in the last days. After extensive renovations in the 1970s and 1980s, the temple was restored with care as murals were preserved and new spaces were added to accommodate more visitors.
If you ever find yourself in the Mesa area, visiting this lovely temple is definitely a must!