Mesa Arizona Temple

Mesa Arizona Temple
Number	7
Dedication	October 23, 1927, by Heber J. Grant
Site	20 acres (8.1 ha)
Floor area	113,916 sq ft (10,583.1 m2)
Height	50 ft (15 m)
Official website • News & images
Church chronology
← Cardston Alberta Temple Mesa Arizona Temple → Idaho Falls Idaho Temple
Additional information
Announced	October 3, 1919, by Heber J. Grant
Groundbreaking	April 25, 1922, by Heber J. Grant
Open house	Tours were available upon request 1920–22 March 19 – April 3, 1975 October 16-November 20, 2021
Rededicated	April 16, 1975, by Spencer W. Kimball December 12, 2021, by Dallin H. Oaks
Designed by	Don Carlos Young, Jr. and Ramm Hansen
Location	Mesa, Arizona, United States
Geographic coordinates	33°24′46.4″N 111°49′10.5″W
Exterior finish	Concrete
Temple design	Neoclassical Architecture
Baptistries	1
Ordinance rooms	4 (Movie, stationary)
Sealing rooms	9
Clothing rental	Yes
Visitors' center	Yes
Notes	The first temple to offer ordinances in a language other than English (Spanish).
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The Mesa Arizona Temple (formerly the Arizona Temple; nicknamed the Lamanite Temple) is the seventh operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intent to build the temple was announced on October 1, 1919, by church president Heber J. Grant, during the church's general conference. Located in the city of Mesa, Arizona, it is the first of the church's six temples built or planned in the state and the third temple in Maricopa County.

Key milestones in its history include the groundbreaking ceremony held on April 25, 1922, and the dedication, conducted by Heber J. Grant on October 23, 1927.

History

The history of the Mesa Arizona Temple begins with its announcement by Heber J. Grant on October 1, 1919. The site for the temple, located in Mesa, Arizona, was selected due to its significance to the church and the local community.

The temple in Mesa was one of the first to be constructed by the church. Similar to the Cardston Alberta Temple, the church decided to hold a competition for the design of the temple with the exception of only inviting three Salt Lake firms to participate. The winning design was proposed by Don Carlos Young Jr. and Ramm Hansen. Announced in 1919, only seven years after Arizona had achieved statehood, it was one of 3 temples announced and constructed to serve outlying Latter-day Saint settlements in the early part of the century, the others being constructed in Laie, Hawaii and Cardston, Alberta. While none of the three settlements were particularly large in their own right, they were considered thriving centers of largely Latter-day Saint populations. The long and arduous trip to existing temples located in the state of Utah would prove costly and even dangerous for the faithful of the era, and temple attendance was (and is) an important part of the faith. As such, it was seen as necessary to construct temples in these communities.

Prior to the construction of the temple, church members had to journey more than 400 miles by wagon to reach the St. George Utah Temple. The route became so frequently traveled by couples that it earned the nickname the “Honeymoon Trail."

Numerous colonies had been set up in Arizona by the church during the last half of the nineteenth century, and plans had been discussed for a temple in the area as early as 1908, but the start of World War I stopped these for a while. The plan to build a temple in Mesa, Arizona was finally announced on October 3, 1919 and a 20-acre (81,000 m²) site was selected and bought in 1921. The site was dedicated shortly after on November 28, 1921 and on April 25, 1922 the groundbreaking ceremony took place. Heber J. Grant conducted the ceremony.

Following the earlier traditions set forth in the building of temples, such as the Salt Lake Temple, the new structure in Mesa was a centerpiece of an organized and planned community for the faithful that lived nearby. Upon its completion in 1927 it was the third largest temple in use by the church and the largest outside of Utah, and remains among the largest temples constructed to this day.

In a departure from the style of temples constructed prior, the Mesa temple (along with the temples in Laie and Cardston) was built in a neoclassical style suggestive of the Temple in Jerusalem, lacking the spires that have become a mainstay of temples built since then, and prior to the announcement and impending construction of the Paris France Temple it was the church's last temple constructed without a spire. The te0mple is a neoclassical design featuring the primary structure atop a pedestal, a frieze, pilasters with Corinthian capitals (12 pair along the long side and 10 pair along the short side) and amphorae on fluted columns on the grounds. Below the cornice, eight frieze panels (carved in low relief) depict the gathering of God's people from the Old and New World, and the Pacific Islands to America.

At the temple dedication with President Grant in the foreground

The groundbreaking ceremony, a pivotal moment in the temple's history, took place on April 25, 1922, marking the commencement of construction. This ceremony was presided over by Heber J. Grant and attended by local church members and community leaders. When construction was finished on the temple, the public was able to take tours through the temple. The dedication spanned four days, drawing nationwide attention on the first day. On the second day, a choir of 300 Arizonans, sang hymns. One member of the choir was Spencer W. Kimball, who was 32 years old at the time. In total, two hundred thousand people were able to take a tour through the Mesa Temple.

The temple was dedicated on October 23, 1927 by Heber J. Grant. By that afternoon, the temple was being put to use. In 1945, the temple was distinguished by becoming the first to offer temple ordinances in Spanish, the first time they were offered in a language other than English.

Design and architecture

The Mesa Arizona Temple showcases a distinctive architectural style, blending elements of neoclassical architecture with traditional temple design. Designed by Don Carlos Young Jr. and Ramm Hansen, the temple's architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of the local area.

Spanning an area of 113,916 square feet (10,583.1 m²) on 20 acres (8.1 ha) of land, the temple stands two stories tall, and is constructed with concrete and terracotta tiles. The exterior features a flat roof with sculpted friezes, while interior elements include hand painted murals, a grand central staircase and stained glass.

One of the focal points of the Mesa Arizona Temple is its baptismal font and celestial room, which are designed to create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The temple's layout includes four ordinance rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistry, each purposefully designed for specific ceremonial functions.

Another focal point of the Mesa Arizona Temple are the eight friezes, representing the nations “gathering” from the four corners of the earth. The friezes reflect the pioneer heritage of the church community, depicting Europeans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Incorporated into the design are symbolic elements from the Bible, specifically Solomon's temple and prophecies spoken of in the book of Isaiah.

The landscaping around the temple grounds was designed in geometric patterns aligned with the cardinal directions and consists of thematic gardens and reflective pools. These gardens surround the temple, featuring flower beds, terraces, and reflective pools. The greenery includes trees and shrubs sourced from five continents, symbolizing the unity and diversity of global cultures. The desert plants and cacti in the gardens represent the local Native Americans and Mexican communities that were important to the growth of the church.

Renovations

Over the years, the Mesa Arizona Temple has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity, update facilities, and enhance its spiritual and aesthetic appeal.

The Mesa Temple was closed in February 1974, for extensive remodeling that equipped the ordinance rooms for motion-picture presentation of the endowment, and that added a new entrance and an additional 17,000 square feet (1,600 m²), providing larger dressing rooms and increasing the number of sealing rooms. Spencer W. Kimball re-dedicated the temple on April 16, 1975.

The most significant renovation project commenced in 2018, under the direction of Russel M. Nelson. In May 2018, the temple closed for renovations and was rededicated by Dallin H. Oaks on December 12, 2021. Prior to the temple rededication, a public temple open house was held from October 16 to November 20, except for Sundays, with a youth devotional on December 11.

The renovations at the Mesa Arizona Temple focused on several key areas, including upgrading the utilities, preserving and restoring artwork, and adding a new irrigation system to the gardens. The updated temple grounds feature over 300 olive and palm trees, an expanded reflection pool, and a new irrigation system that preserves water to maintain the landscape in the desert climate. Conservators undertook the task of safeguarding and reviving the artwork by stripping away layers of added paint and alterations, securing the canvas back onto the wall, and repairing the damaged areas. These changes were made to ensure the temple's compliance with contemporary building standards and to accommodate the evolving needs of the church and its members.

One of the notable aspects of the renovation was the reconfiguration of the grounds to improve the Mesa Easter Pageant, staged in an open area north of the temple with a platform stage and grassy area for 9,000+ chairs. The new stage faces west so patrons can view the pageant productions with the sun to their backs instead of their faces. This particular enhancement served to preserve the temple’s historic significance.

Throughout the renovation process, care was taken to maintain the temple's historical and spiritual significance. Artisans and craftsmen specializing in preservation and restoration were employed to ensure that both the exterior and interior renovations were in keeping with the original design ethos while incorporating modern advancements.

Cultural and Community Impact

Christmas Lights at the Temple

Since 1979, there has been an annual Christmas lights display with a nativity scene during the Christmas season, attracting more than 1 million guests every year. Since 1938, the temple hosts the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, entitled Jesus the Christ, between late March and early April, which attracts nearly 100,000 people annually and is the "largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world." Additionally, the temple's presence has contributed to the local economy, with private investors investing in and redeveloping areas surrounding the temple, facilitating economic growth and rejuvenation along Main Street.

3D Scale Model of Mesa Temple

Just north of the temple is a visitors' center. The original visitors' center was located near the west entrance of the temple in the late 1940s, which consisted of tables and literature racks. Across the street was the Bureau of Information and Genealogical Library. Due to inadequacies to meet demand, a new building was constructed and dedicated by David O. McKay on December 30, 1956. An expansion of the building was completed in 1981 to house new exhibits and was again remodeled in 2015. As part of a larger plan to renovate the temple, the original visitors' center was demolished in 2018. A new 18,000 square foot visitors' center and interactive Family History Discovery Center were built. The new visitors’ center is now open to public since its recent dedication by Ulisses Soares on August 12, 2021. It is located in the northwest side of the Mesa Temple, in the corner of Main Street and Lesueur. It includes a children’s play area, with interactive activities; a hang out room for teens; a community section, with displays explaining the city's diverse history and spiritual heritage built by Native Americans, Hispanic migrants and Mormon pioneers. There is also a coloring wall, an interactive justserve.org screen to locate local community service opportunities, a 3D scale model of the temple, and a display where visitors learn more about God and Jesus Christ. Other areas include teaching rooms with videos and individual reflection pods.

Mesa Temple Visitor Center Family Research Area

There is also a family research area with computer work stations and helpers where guests can work at their own pace researching, adding to their family history, and connecting their family tree. The visitors' center also houses a replica of a statue of Jesus Christ by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus. The Visitors' Centers and grounds are staffed by church missionaries and the public is welcome to walk on the temple grounds and enjoy the gardens.

Admittance and use

Originally dedicated in 1927 and then rededicated in 2021, the Mesa Arizona Temple in Mesa, Arizona is a central place of worship and spiritual ceremonies for members of the church. Like all temples of the church, the St. George Temple is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.

The Mesa Arizona Temple is primarily used for living and proxy ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, endowment ceremonies, and sealings which are fundamental to church doctrine of eternal families and personal salvation.

Before its dedication, the Mesa Arizona Temple was open to the public for one month. This event allowed individuals of all faiths to experience the temple's architecture and learn about the sacred functions it would perform.

The formal dedication of the Mesa Arizona Temple was held on October 23, 1927 by Heber J. Grant. The rededication of the temple was held on December 12, 2021 and led by Dallin H. Oaks. Since its dedication, the temple has been a beacon of faith and a symbol of the church's presence in Mesa, Arizona.

Presidents

Since its dedication in 1927, the Mesa Arizona Temple has been overseen by a series of distinguished Temple Presidents, each serving for a term of about three years, with the exception of the first few presidents who served seven to nine years. The role of a Temple President in Mesa, Arizona is pivotal, encompassing the administration of temple operations and spiritual guidance for both temple patrons and staff.

The first President of the Mesa Arizona Temple was David King Udall who served from 1927 to 1934. Under David K. Udall’s leadership, the temple established itself as a center of spiritual activity and community engagement in Mesa.

Notable temple presidents include David K. Udall (1927–34); Junius E. Driggs (1975–80); and L. Kenyon Udall (1997–2000).

The current President of the Mesa Arizona Temple as of 2017 is Kenneth McKay Smith.

See also

Gila Valley Gilbert Mesa Phoenix Snowflake Tucson Yuma Las Vegas Red Cliffs St. George Temples in Arizona () = Operating = Under construction = Announced = Temporarily Closed

• Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Torleif S. Knaphus – sculptor who created the eight friezes in the ornamental band around the tops of the north and south outside walls
• List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by geographic region
• Temple architecture (Latter-day Saints)
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona

References

• Lesueur, J. W. (October 1927), "The Arizona Temple", Improvement Era, 30 (12): 1062–1072

External links

• Mesa Arizona Temple Official site
• Mesa Arizona Temple ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org
• Mesa Temple Christmas Lights