The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, marking a significant milestone for the community. The site was dedicated by Heber J. Grant on November 28, 1921, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony on April 25, 1922. The temple was subsequently dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, also under Grant’s direction. An important public open house was held from March 19 to April 3, 1975, leading to its official dedication on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. Most recently, the temple hosted a public open house from October 16 to November 20, 2021, culminating in a rededication on December 12, 2021, presided over by Dallin H. Oaks.
The temple features a flat roof complemented by sculpted friezes, contributing to its unique architectural style. It includes four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, all within a spacious 75,000 square feet. Standing at 53 feet tall and located at an elevation of 1,240 feet, it is built on a generous 20-acre site. The exterior is constructed of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, beautifully finished with glazed, eggshell-colored terracotta tiles.
Situated just east of the original Mesa Townsite, the temple serves as a cornerstone of a historic district that has effectively preserved its residential character. The grounds feature a public visitors’ center, along with a thoughtfully designed cactus garden and reflection pools. Each Easter, the temple hosts “Jesus the Christ,” the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world, fostering community engagement. During the Christmas season, the grounds are transformed with a stunning Nativity display, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The Mesa Arizona Temple holds the honor 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 for the initial endowment presentation.
The temple’s carved friezes beautifully illustrate the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about the gathering of the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple underwent significant renovations aimed at enhancing visitor experience and updating technology. This included improvements to the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for more effective single-room film presentations of the endowment, as well as converting the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. During this renovation, deteriorating burlap murals were carefully removed and salvaged for preservation. An expansion of 17,000 square feet was added to create larger dressing rooms and increase the number of sealing rooms, enhancing functionality. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was introduced, allowing for more frequent endowment sessions. The careful reinstallation of original mural sections in 1991 further restored the temple’s historical integrity.
On May 19, 2018, the temple began a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year renovation that focused on preserving its historical elements while incorporating modern upgrades. This project included new roofing and drainage systems, enhancements to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and thoughtful interior improvements. The redesign of the grounds aimed to enrich visitor experiences, and the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center significantly enhances the welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.