The Mesa Arizona Temple stands as a remarkable testament to architectural beauty and historical significance within the community. Announced on October 3, 2019, its origins trace back to earlier milestones, with the site dedicated on November 28, 1921, by Heber J. Grant. The groundbreaking followed on April 25, 1922, and the temple was dedicated from October 23 to 26, 1927, also under the stewardship of Heber J. Grant.
Over the decades, the Mesa Arizona Temple has experienced important renovations, including a public open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, and a subsequent rededication on April 15-16, 1975, led by Spencer W. Kimball. Most recently, the temple welcomed the community during an open house from October 16 to November 20, 2021, culminating in its rededication on December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks.
The temple’s architecture is characterized by its flat roof and elegantly sculpted friezes. Within its impressive 75,000-square-foot structure, the temple features four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery. Standing at 53 feet tall and situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet, the temple is built on 20 acres, with its exterior constructed from concrete reinforced by 130 tons of steel, faced with tasteful glazed, eggshell-colored terra cotta tiles.
Located east of the original Mesa Townsite, established by the pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple anchors a historic district that has preserved its residential character. The beautifully maintained grounds include a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and large reflection pools. Each year, during the Easter season, thousands gather to attend “Jesus the Christ,” recognized as the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world. The holiday season sees the grounds transformed into a stunning Nativity display, enhanced by hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights.
The Mesa Arizona Temple is noteworthy for being the first temple built in Arizona and the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Initially designated as the Arizona Temple, it was known for its presentation of the endowment through live acting.
Intricate friezes adorn the temple, illustrating the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the gathering of the Lord’s people in the last days. In February 1974, the temple underwent substantial remodeling to enhance its facilities, enabling updated presentations of the endowment. This renovation made significant improvements in visitor experience by expanding the available space and adding new ordinance rooms.
The most recent renovation, which commenced on May 19, 2018, focused on essential updates, including improvements to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as preserving the temple’s historic character. The overall enhancements to both the interior and exterior reflect a commitment to honoring the history of the Mesa Arizona Temple while ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all.