The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, marking a significant milestone in 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 later dedicated between October 23 and 26, 1927, also by Grant. It hosted a public open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, culminating in its official dedication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. More recently, a public open house was held from October 16 to November 20, 2021, and the temple was rededicated on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks.
Architecturally, the temple features a flat roof with sculpted friezes, four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, encompassing a total area of 75,000 square feet. It stands 53 feet tall at an elevation of 1,240 feet and is built on 20 acres. The exterior is reinforced concrete faced with glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles, which contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Located just east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple anchors a historic district that has maintained its residential character, fostering a sense of community. The grounds include a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and reflection pools, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each Easter season, the temple hosts “Jesus the Christ,” the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world, attracting numerous visitors. During Christmas, the grounds are transformed into a beautiful Nativity display, enhancing the festive spirit through stunning lighting.
The Mesa Arizona Temple is noteworthy for being the first temple built in Arizona and for presenting the endowment in a language other than English. Originally named the Arizona Temple, it utilized live acting for the initial endowment presentation, demonstrating a commitment to engaging visitors.
The temple’s carved friezes illustrate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about gathering the Lord’s people, emphasizing its spiritual significance. In February 1974, the temple underwent essential renovations that modernized the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations, while the Terrestrial Room was converted into a veil room. Deteriorating burlap murals were removed, and salvaged pieces were preserved for future generations. The expansion added 17,000 square feet, enhancing dressing rooms and increasing the capacity for sealing rooms. A fourth ordinance room was created in 1980, allowing for more frequent endowment sessions, and in 1991, restored sections of the original murals were reinstalled to maintain historical continuity.
On May 19, 2018, the temple closed for a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year renovation that aimed to improve its infrastructure while preserving its historical integrity. This included updates to roofing and drainage systems and enhancements to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The grounds were redesigned to enrich the visitor experience, culminating in the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center, which will serve as valuable resources for the community.