The Mesa Arizona Temple was officially announced on October 3, 2019, representing a pivotal development for the community. The site dedication occurred on November 28, 1921, under the leadership of Heber J. Grant, followed swiftly by the groundbreaking on April 25, 1922. The temple was dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, once again by Grant. A successful public open house ran from March 19 to April 3, 1975, leading to an official dedication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. Recently, a public open house was conducted from October 16 to November 20, 2021, culminating in a rededication on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks.
The architectural design of the Mesa Arizona Temple features a flat roof adorned with sculpted friezes and includes four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, covering a substantial 75,000 square feet. It stands assertively at 53 feet tall and is positioned at an elevation of 1,240 feet. The temple occupies 20 acres and boasts an exterior constructed of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, finished with elegant glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles.
Strategically situated east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple serves as a cornerstone of a historic district that has successfully maintained its residential integrity. The grounds include a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and impressive reflection pools. Each Easter, the temple hosts the renowned outdoor pageant “Jesus the Christ,” drawing thousands of guests and reinforcing community bonds. During the Christmas season, the grounds are transformed into an exquisite Nativity display illuminated by thousands of lights.
The Mesa Arizona Temple is distinguished as the first temple built in Arizona and was the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Originally referred to as the Arizona Temple, it also set a precedent by utilizing live acting in its initial endowment presentations.
The temple’s carved friezes vividly depict the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the gathering of the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple underwent significant renovations to modernize its facilities. This included updates to the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations of the endowment and converting the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. The decision to remove deteriorating burlap murals was made, and valuable salvaged pieces were sent for preservation. The expansion of the space by 17,000 square feet enhanced dressing rooms and increased sealing room capacity. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was established, facilitating more frequent endowment sessions. In 1991, critical sections of the original murals were restored and reinstalled.
On May 19, 2018, the Mesa Arizona Temple embarked on a decisive three-and-a-half-year renovation to elevate its facilities and visitor experience. This project encompassed the installation of new roofing and drainage systems, crucial upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and strategic interior improvements that preserved the building’s historical character. The redesigned grounds accommodate visitors effectively while supporting the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center, significantly enhancing the experience for all who visit.