The Gilbert Arizona Temple is the fourth temple built in Arizona and serves members throughout the rapidly growing communities of the Phoenix East Valley. Dedicated in 2014, the temple is one of the largest temples in the Church and has become an iconic landmark with its soaring spire and beautifully landscaped grounds.
A Brief History
President Thomas S. Monson announced the Gilbert Arizona Temple on April 26, 2008. Along with the Gila Valley Arizona Temple, it was one of the first temples announced after President Monson became President of the Church, marking the beginning of a new era of temple expansion.
The temple site at 3301 South Greenfield Road in Gilbert was approved following extensive planning with local leaders. Groundbreaking services were held on November 13, 2010, with Elder Claudio R. M. Costa presiding. After a 28-day public open house, an incredible 407,020 visitors toured the temple before President Thomas S. Monson dedicated it on March 2, 2014, making it the 142nd dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Gilbert Arizona Temple's most striking features is its 195-foot central spire, making it one of the tallest temples in the Church. The elegant exterior is finished with light cream-colored precast concrete accented with white quartz, giving the temple a bright appearance that stands out against Arizona's blue skies.
The landscaping is equally impressive. The grounds include fountains, shaded plazas, pergolas, arbors, and dozens of varieties of trees, palms, flowers, and shrubs, creating a peaceful oasis in the Arizona desert. One memorable moment during construction occurred when students from a nearby school sang "I Love to See the Temple" as the angel Moroni statue was lifted onto the temple's spire.
The Gilbert Arizona Temple is also one of the Church's largest temples. With three instruction rooms, seven sealing rooms, and one baptistry, it was designed to accommodate the tremendous growth of Church membership throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Visiting the Temple
The Gilbert Arizona Temple is located at 3301 South Greenfield Road in Gilbert, Arizona. While there is no visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or on-site distribution center, the beautifully landscaped grounds are open to the public and are especially popular in the evenings when the temple is illuminated. The peaceful fountains and gardens make it a favorite place for visitors and photographers alike.
Fun Facts
- Fourth temple built in Arizona.
- 142nd dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on April 26, 2008.
- One of the first temples announced by President Thomas S. Monson as Church President.
- Groundbreaking held on November 13, 2010.
- Dedicated on March 2, 2014.
- More than 407,000 people toured the temple during its public open house.
- Built on a 15.38-acre property.
- Approximately 85,326 square feet.
- Features three instruction rooms, seven sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- The temple's 195-foot spire is one of the tallest in the Church.
Final Thoughts
The Gilbert Arizona Temple stands as one of the most recognizable temples in the southwestern United States. Its impressive architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, and role in serving thousands of members throughout the Phoenix area make it a remarkable house of the Lord. Whether you're attending temple ordinances or simply enjoying the peaceful grounds, the Gilbert Arizona Temple is an unforgettable stop on any temple journey.
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