The Mesa Arizona Temple stands as a significant and cherished landmark with a profound history. Its announcement on October 3, 2019, recalls a journey that began much earlier. The dedication of the site took place on November 28, 1921, under the leadership of Heber J. Grant, with the groundbreaking following on April 25, 1922. Following years of careful planning and dedication, the temple was ultimately consecrated from October 23 to 26, 1927, also under Heber J. Grant’s direction.
Over the decades, the temple has undergone various enhancements, including a notable open house from March 19 to April 3, 1975, which offered the public a glimpse of its sacred spaces prior to a rededication on April 15-16, 1975, led by Spencer W. Kimball. More recently, a public open house from October 16 to November 20, 2021, was a celebrated occasion that concluded with a rededication on December 12, 2021, presided over by Dallin H. Oaks.
Architecturally, the Mesa Arizona Temple is distinguished by its flat roof and intricately sculpted friezes. The temple encompasses four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistery, all within a sprawling 75,000 square feet. It gracefully stands at a height of 53 feet, situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet, and resides on 20 acres of land. The exterior, constructed of reinforced concrete and adorned with 130 tons of steel, is elegantly faced with 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 Latter-day Saints, the temple anchors a historic district that has preserved its residential charm. The meticulously maintained grounds also feature a public visitors’ center, a cactus garden, and large reflection pools. Each year during the Easter season, the temple hosts “Jesus the Christ,” recognized as the world’s largest annual outdoor Easter pageant. During the Christmas season, the grounds transform into a beautiful Nativity display, enhanced by hundreds of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.
The Mesa Arizona Temple holds several notable distinctions. It was the first temple constructed in Arizona, as well as the first to present the endowment in a language other than English. Originally named the Arizona Temple, it gained recognition for its unique approach to the presentation of the endowment via live acting.
The temple features exquisite friezes that adorn each corner, symbolizing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the gathering of the Lord’s people in the last days. A significant renovation in February 1974 equipped the temple for modern presentations and included enhancements that optimized its facilities for single-room film presentations of the endowment. Additionally, subsequent renovations increased the capacity for patron use, making the experience more accommodating for visitors.
The most recent renovation, which commenced on May 19, 2018, focused on essential infrastructure upgrades and aesthetic improvements while maintaining the historical integrity of the building. The overhaul of the temple grounds was thoughtfully executed to enhance the experience for guests attending annual events, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving the temple’s legacy.