The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, marking a significant milestone for the community. The site dedication took place on November 28, 1921, led by Heber J. Grant, followed by the groundbreaking on April 25, 1922. The temple was officially dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, again under the direction of Grant. A public open house was successfully held from March 19 to April 3, 1975, leading to the official 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 temple includes a flat roof with sculpted friezes and encompasses four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, totaling 75,000 square feet. It stands at 53 feet tall and is situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet. The temple occupies 20 acres and features a durable exterior made of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, faced with glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles.
Strategically located east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple anchors a historic district that has successfully retained its residential character. The grounds feature a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and beautiful reflection pools. Every Easter, the temple hosts the renowned outdoor pageant “Jesus the Christ,” attracting thousands of visitors and enriching community ties. During the Christmas season, the grounds transform into a captivating Nativity display enhanced by an impressive lighting scheme.
The Mesa Arizona Temple holds the distinction of being the first temple built in Arizona and the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Originally named the Arizona Temple, it also pioneered the use of live acting in its endowment presentation.
The temple is adorned with carved friezes that visually represent the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the gathering of the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple closed for renovations focused on modernization, which included updating the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations of the endowment and converting the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. Deteriorating burlap murals were removed, and valuable salvaged pieces were sent for preservation. The additions of 17,000 square feet enhanced dressing rooms and increased sealing room capacity. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was added, allowing for more frequent endowment sessions, while in 1991, sections of the original murals were skillfully restored.
On May 19, 2018, the temple embarked on a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year renovation aimed at enhancing its facilities and visitor experience. This project included the installation of new roofing and drainage systems, upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and thoughtful interior improvements that preserved the building’s historical character. The grounds were redesigned to better accommodate visitors, culminating in the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center, which further enrich the experience for all who visit.