Temples in Arizona
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, places of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity. Temples serve as the only place where ceremonies such as baptism and eternal marriage can be performed in behalf of those who have died — a practice that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe was followed in New Testament times but that later was lost. Temples point Latter-day Saints to Jesus Christ and their eventual life with Him, their Heavenly Father and their family members on the condition of faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.
Mesa Arizona Temple
The Mesa Arizona Temple, originally dedicated by President Heber J. Grant on October 23, 1927, holds a rich history. The temple’s design was inspired by Solomon’s Temple, featuring Neoclassical architecture, terracotta-glazed concrete, and Isaiah’s prophecies depicted in friezes. After significant expansions, it was rededicated by President Spencer W. Kimball in 1975, marking the first rededication of a temple in Church history. The temple underwent another major renovation from 2018 to 2021, culminating in its rededication by President Dallin H. Oaks on December 12, 2021. Notably, the Mesa Arizona Temple was the first to offer endowments in a language other than English, with its Spanish session in 1945. Set in Mesa’s historic district, the temple is a community hub, hosting an annual free outdoor Easter Pageant and a Christmas light display that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Learn more about the Mesa Temple and the activities happening at the Visitors’ Center by selecting the button below.
Snowflake Arizona Temple
The Snowflake Arizona Temple was announced in April 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley and dedicated on March 3, 2002. Located on “Temple Hill,” the 16,567-square-foot temple sits on 7.5 acres overlooking the town of Snowflake, Arizona. Its design reflects the region’s pioneer and Native American heritage, with patterns and designs inspired by quilt blocks and tribal art. The temple features two ordinance rooms, two sealing rooms, a baptistry, and a celestial room. Notably, the temple includes stained-glass windows depicting Christ teaching children, which were originally part of a worship space on the East Coast.
Gila Valley Temple
The Gila Valley Arizona Temple was announced on April 26, 2008, by President Thomas S. Monson and dedicated on May 23, 2010. Located at the foot of Mount Graham in Central, Arizona, the 18,561-square-foot temple sits on 17 acres of land. It features a celestial room, two ordinance rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry. The temple’s design incorporates art-glass windows and murals of local landscapes, reflecting the natural beauty of the Gila Valley. The temple serves members from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, offering a sacred space for worship and spiritual reflection.
Gilbert Arizona Temple
The Gilbert Arizona Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson on April 26, 2008. After a groundbreaking ceremony on November 13, 2010, the temple was dedicated on March 2, 2014. Located on a 15.4-acre site in the East Valley near Phoenix, the temple stands at 85,326 square feet. The exterior is made of precast concrete and white quartz, with motifs of the agave plant symbolizing eternal family relationships. Inside, three instruction rooms, seven sealing rooms, and a baptistry are adorned with natural tones and fine materials like eucalyptus and white oak. During the open house, over 407,000 visitors toured the temple.
Pheonix Arizona Temple
The Phoenix Arizona Temple was announced on May 24, 2008, by President Thomas S. Monson, with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Elder Ronald A. Rasband on June 4, 2011. The temple stands on 5.19 acres, featuring a cream-colored exterior made of precast integral colored concrete panels, a single attached central spire topped with a gold-leafed angel Moroni statue, and lush desert landscaping with fountains symbolizing water nourishing the Arizona desert. The public open house took place from October 10 to November 1, 2014, and the temple was dedicated on November 16, 2014, by President Monson. The Phoenix Arizona Temple includes two instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry, with a total floor area of 64,870 square feet. Its design reflects the Arizona desert, with motifs of aloe stalks, desert tree leaves, and earth tones in its decor. Despite initial opposition and a redesign to comply with local zoning laws, the temple has become a cherished part of the Phoenix community, symbolizing spiritual growth and connection.
Tucson Arizona Temple
The Tucson Arizona Temple was announced on October 6, 2012, by President Thomas S. Monson and dedicated on August 13, 2017, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Located in the scenic Catalina Foothills, the temple stands on 7 acres of the Sonoran Desert, featuring a unique dome inspired by local architecture, with tiles imported from Germany. The design reflects the surrounding desert landscape, incorporating native plants like ocotillo and prickly pear. The temple includes two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, offering a peaceful, sacred space for worship in the American Southwest.
Yuma Arizona Temple
On April 7, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Yuma Arizona Temple at the 194th Annual General Conference. It will be the seventh temple in Arizona. Currently, the temple is in the planning stages. No groundbreaking date has been announced.
Queen Creek Arizona Temple
On October 6, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson announced plans to construct the Queen Creek Arizona Temple at the 194th Semiannual General Conference. It will be the eighth temple in Arizona. Currently, the temple is in the planning stages. No groundbreaking date has been announced.Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There were temples anciently during the time of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Moses had the children of Israel carry with them the Tabernacle (a large, portable temple) as they wandered in the wilderness. King Solomon built and dedicated the great temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. It was rebuilt and later substantially expanded, but again destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. The great Western Wall can still be seen in Jerusalem today and even after millennia, remains a sacred site for Jews. The New Testament gives an account of Jesus Christ clearing the temple when its sacredness was violated by people using its courts as a common market.