The Mesa Arizona Temple was announced on October 3, 2019, signifying a pivotal development for the community. The site was dedicated on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant, and the groundbreaking ceremony occurred on April 25, 1922, also under Grant’s direction. The temple was dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, marking an important milestone in its history. Following a successful public open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, the temple was officially dedicated on April 15 and 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball. Most recently, a public open house was held from October 16 to November 20, 2021, leading to a rededication on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks.
The architectural design of the Mesa Arizona Temple features a flat roof accentuated by sculpted friezes. It boasts four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, encompassing a total area of 75,000 square feet. Standing 53 feet tall and situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet, this temple occupies 20 acres. Its exterior is composed of concrete reinforced with 130 tons of steel, elegantly 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. It includes a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and stunning reflection pools. Each Easter, the temple hosts “Jesus the Christ,” the largest outdoor Easter pageant in the world, attracting thousands of visitors and strengthening community bonds. During the Christmas season, remarkable transformations occur on the grounds, featuring a captivating Nativity display illuminated by an extensive lighting design.
As the first temple built in Arizona, the Mesa Arizona Temple also distinguished itself as the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Originally designated as the Arizona Temple, it innovatively utilized live acting in its endowment presentation.
Carved friezes adorn the temple, vividly depicting the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy about gathering the Lord’s people. In February 1974, the temple underwent essential renovations, enhancing the Creation, Garden, and World Rooms for single-room film presentations of the endowment, while transitioning the Terrestrial Room into a veil room. Outdated burlap murals were removed, and valuable salvaged pieces were sent for preservation. Any additional space added—17,000 square feet—significantly improved dressing rooms and increased sealing room capacity. In 1980, a fourth ordinance room was successfully established, allowing for more endowment sessions, while in 1991, sections of the original murals were expertly restored.
On May 19, 2018, the temple embarked on a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year renovation designed to elevate its facilities and enhance visitor experiences. This ambitious project included the installation of new roofing and drainage systems, extensive upgrades to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and strategic interior improvements that maintained the building’s historical integrity. The redesigned grounds were purposefully crafted to better accommodate visitors, culminating in the construction of a new visitors’ center and Family Discovery Center that enrich the experience for all who come to visit.