The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, marking a pivotal moment for the community. The site dedication, conducted by Heber J. Grant, took place on November 28, 1921, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony on April 25, 1922. The temple was dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, also under the direction of Grant. A successful public open house occurred from March 19 to April 3, 1975, leading to the official dedication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. The most recent public open house ran from October 16 to November 20, 2021, concluding with a rededication on December 12, 2021, led by Dallin H. Oaks.
The architectural design of the Mesa Arizona Temple features a striking flat roof adorned with sculpted friezes and includes four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, culminating in a total area of 75,000 square feet. Standing at 53 feet tall and positioned at an elevation of 1,240 feet, the temple occupies 20 acres constructed from concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, finished with elegant glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles.
Strategically located just east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple anchors a historic district that has retained its residential character. The grounds boast a public visitors’ center, a beautifully landscaped cactus garden, and expansive reflection pools. Each Easter, the temple unequivocally hosts “Jesus the Christ,” the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world, drawing thousands of visitors and strengthening community bonds. During Christmas, the grounds transform into an awe-inspiring Nativity display, enhanced by an impressive array of lights.
Notably, the Mesa Arizona Temple was the first temple built in Arizona and the first to present the endowment in a non-English language. Originally named the Arizona Temple, it led the way in using live acting for the endowment presentation.
The temple is adorned with carved friezes that vividly illustrate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the gathering of the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple underwent crucial renovations aimed at modernizing its facilities. This included updates to the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations of the endowment and the conversion of the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. Deteriorating burlap murals were removed, with salvaged pieces sent for preservation. An expansion of 17,000 square feet significantly improved dressing rooms and increased sealing room capacity. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was added, facilitating more frequent endowment sessions. The restoration of sections of the original murals occurred in 1991, ensuring the preservation of the temple’s heritage.
On May 19, 2018, the temple commenced a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year renovation designed to enhance its facilities and improve the visitor experience. This initiative included the installation of new roofing and drainage systems, upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and interior improvements that maintained the building’s historical integrity. The redesigned grounds now better cater to visitors and feature a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center, significantly enriching the experience for all who come to the Mesa Arizona Temple.