The Mesa Arizona Temple, a beautiful landmark in Arizona, was announced on October 3, 2019. Its roots go way back, with the site dedicated on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 25, 1922, and the temple was officially dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927. Fast forward a few decades, and the temple had its first open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, followed by a rededication on April 1516, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. More recently, the public had the chance to explore the temple’s updated features during an open house from October 16 to November 20, 2021, with its rededication happening on December 12, 2021, led by Dallin H. Oaks.
The architecture of the Mesa Arizona Temple is quite unique, showcasing a flat roof adorned with lovely sculpted friezes. Inside, there are four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, all beautifully arranged within 75,000 square feet of space. The temple stands 53 feet tall and is perched at an elevation of 1,240 feet, all set on a serene 20acre site. Its exterior is a mix of reinforced concrete and 130 tons of steel, finished with elegant, glazed eggshellcolored terra cotta tiles.
Nestled just east of the original Mesa Townsite, where early pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints settled, the temple plays a central role in a charming historic district that maintains a lovely residential vibe. Visitors can enjoy a delightful center alongside the temple, complete with a meticulously caredfor cactus garden and stunning reflection pools. During the Easter season, the grounds come alive with thousands of visitors attending “Jesus the Christ,” the world’s largest annual outdoor Easter pageant! Around Christmas, the area transforms into a breathtaking Nativity display illuminated by hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights.
Notably, the Mesa Arizona Temple was the first of its kind in the state and holds several significant distinctions. It was the first temple to deliver the endowment in a language other than English and the first to welcome the public for an open house before rededication. Originally named the Arizona Temple, it has a rich history, including the initial presentation of the endowment being given through live acting.
The stunning friezes that adorn the corners of the temple reflect Isaiah’s prophetic vision of gathering God’s people from all corners of the earth. The temple underwent major renovations starting in February 1974, leading to enhancements that included modern film presentations in the endowment rooms and the transformation of the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. Many original murals were preserved, and new spaces were created to accommodate additional patrons and ceremonies.
The most recent renovation began on May 19, 2018, marking a threeandahalfyear journey of updates and improvements. These included new roofing and drainage, upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, and the thoughtful preservation of historic murals. The grounds were revamped to make them even more welcoming, preserving beautiful shade trees, replacing reflection pools, and creating new garden spaces to enhance the annual Easter Pageant experience. Plus, the old visitor center has been replaced with a new Family Discovery Center, making it a vibrant place for all to explore!
The Mesa Arizona Temple is truly a treasure, blending history, faith, and beauty in a warm and inviting environment for everyone who visits.