The Mesa Arizona Temple is one of the most historic and recognizable temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located in the heart of Mesa, it was the first temple built in Arizona and the seventh dedicated temple of the Church. Its distinctive neoclassical architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, and nearly century-long history have made it one of the Church's most beloved temples.
A Brief History
President Heber J. Grant announced the Mesa Arizona Temple on October 3, 1919, just a few years after Arizona became a state. The temple was one of three built in the early twentieth century to serve Latter-day Saints living far from Utah, alongside the temples in Cardston, Alberta, and Laie, Hawaii.
The temple site was dedicated on November 28, 1921, and groundbreaking followed on April 25, 1922, both led by President Heber J. Grant. Instead of holding a traditional open house just before dedication, visitors were invited to tour the temple during the final two years of construction. President Grant dedicated the temple on October 23–26, 1927, making it the seventh operating temple of the Church.
The temple underwent a major renovation in the 1970s, followed by a rededication by President Spencer W. Kimball in April 1975. Another extensive renovation took place from 2018 to 2021, restoring many of the temple's original architectural features while modernizing its systems. Following a 35-day public open house, President Dallin H. Oaks rededicated the temple on December 12, 2021.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Mesa Arizona Temple is one of only a handful of temples where patrons progress through four ordinance rooms before entering the Celestial Room. These rooms—the Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, and Terrestrial Room—feature beautiful hand-painted murals, many of which were carefully preserved and restored during renovations.
Unlike many temples, the Mesa Arizona Temple has no spire. Instead, it features a striking neoclassical design with a flat roof and sculpted friezes depicting Isaiah's prophecy of the gathering of Israel. The exterior is clad in egg-shell colored glazed terra cotta tiles, giving the temple its distinctive appearance. The design was inspired in part by Solomon's Temple and was created by architects Don Carlos Young Jr. and Ramm Hansen, who had recently worked on the Utah State Capitol.
The temple is also well known for its beautiful grounds, which include reflecting pools, a cactus garden, and a public Visitors' Center. Each spring, the grounds host the famous Mesa Easter Pageant, one of the world's largest outdoor Easter pageants, while Christmas brings elaborate light displays that attract thousands of visitors each year.
Visiting the Temple
The Mesa Arizona Temple is located at 101 South LeSueur in Mesa, Arizona. The temple features a Visitors' Center that is open to the public and includes interactive exhibits about Jesus Christ, temples, and family history. The temple also has an on-site distribution center, but it does not have an arrival center or patron housing. Visitors are welcome to walk the beautifully landscaped grounds throughout the year.
Fun Facts
- First temple built in Arizona.
- Seventh dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on October 3, 1919.
- Site dedicated on November 28, 1921.
- Groundbreaking held on April 25, 1922.
- Dedicated by President Heber J. Grant on October 23–26, 1927.
- Rededicated by President Spencer W. Kimball in 1975.
- Rededicated again by President Dallin H. Oaks on December 12, 2021.
- Built on a 20-acre property.
- Approximately 75,000 square feet.
- Features four instruction rooms, six sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- One of only a few temples with four progressive ordinance rooms and preserved historic murals.
- The first temple to present the endowment in a language other than English (Spanish, in 1945).
Final Thoughts
The Mesa Arizona Temple stands as a remarkable testament to nearly a century of faith, sacrifice, and worship. Its distinctive architecture, historic murals, and beautifully maintained grounds make it one of the most recognizable temples in the Church. Whether you're attending the temple, visiting the Visitors' Center, or enjoying the peaceful gardens, the Mesa Arizona Temple is an unforgettable destination on any temple journey.
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