The Mesa Arizona Temple is a wonderful landmark with a rich history! It was announced on October 3, 2019, and the site was dedicated all the way back on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant. The groundbreaking took place on April 25, 1922, and it was officially dedicated from October 23 to 26 in 1927, also by Heber J. Grant.
Fast forward to more recent times, the temple underwent a lovely rededication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball, and there was another rededication on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks, after a public open house that ran from October 16 to November 20, 2021.
The architecture of the Mesa Arizona Temple is quite striking, featuring a flat roof adorned with sculpted friezes. Inside, it has four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, all spread out over 75,000 square feet. It’s also 53 feet tall and sits at an elevation of 1,240 feet, nestled on a beautiful 20acre site. The exterior is made of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel and is faced with delicate, glazed, eggshell colored terra cotta tiles.
Located just east of the original Mesa Townsite, which was settled by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, the temple anchors a charming historic district. The grounds feature a lovely cactus garden and large reflection pools. Every Easter, thousands gather to enjoy “Jesus the Christ,” the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world, and during Christmas, the grounds sparkle with hundreds of thousands of lights in a beautiful Nativity display.
The Mesa Arizona Temple holds several unique distinctions, such as 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 made history by opening up to the public for an open house prior to its rededication.
Over the years, the temple has seen some significant renovations. Notably, it closed in February 1974 for extensive remodeling and then again on May 19, 2018, for a threeandahalfyear renovation that enhanced its historical charm. This included updates to the roofing, mechanical systems, and even the furniture, all while preserving the beautiful murals and the serene grounds.
With its rich history and beautiful grounds, the Mesa Arizona Temple remains a beloved gathering place for the community and a beautiful landmark for visitors.