The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, marking a pivotal moment for the community. The site dedication occurred on November 28, 1921, under the guidance of Heber J. Grant, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on April 25, 1922. It was officially dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, also by Grant. A public open house successfully ran from March 19 to April 3, 1975, leading to the formal dedication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. Most recently, a public open house took place 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 with striking sculpted friezes, encompassing four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, totaling 75,000 square feet. It stands at an impressive height of 53 feet and is located at an elevation of 1,240 feet. Built on a 20-acre site, the exterior consists of strong concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, finished with glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles.
Strategically positioned east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple anchors a historic district that has successfully retained its residential character. The grounds include a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and large reflection pools, all contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Each Easter, the temple hosts the exceptional outdoor pageant “Jesus the Christ,” drawing thousands of visitors and strengthening community connections. During the Christmas season, the grounds become a stunning Nativity display adorned with extensive lighting.
Importantly, the Mesa Arizona Temple was the first temple built in Arizona and the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Originally called the Arizona Temple, it also set the standard for using live acting in the endowment presentation.
The temple features carved friezes that depict the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, highlighting the gathering of the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple underwent significant renovations focused on modernization. These upgrades included updated facilities in the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations of the endowment, as well as the conversion of the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. Deteriorating burlap murals were removed, and salvaged pieces were sent for preservation. The addition of 17,000 square feet enhanced dressing rooms and increased the capacity of sealing rooms. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was added, allowing for more frequent endowment sessions, and in 1991, sections of the original murals were restored with precision.
On May 19, 2018, the temple closed for an extensive three-and-a-half-year renovation designed to elevate its facilities and improve the visitor experience. This ambitious project included new roofing and drainage systems, upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and thoughtful interior enhancements that preserved the building’s historical character. The grounds were restructured to better serve visitors, culminating in the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center, significantly enhancing the overall experience for everyone who visits.