The Phoenix Temple

The Newly Dedicated Phoenix Temple

Sunday marked a very special occasion for the people of Phoenix, Arizona.  A new Latter-day Saint temple was dedicated to God.  The temple is located on West Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix.

This is the 144th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the 5th operating temple in Arizona.

Groundbreaking ceremonies

Ground was formally broken for the temple in a small ceremony on Saturday, June 4, 2011.  The ceremony was presided over by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy.

On May 15, 2013, the traditional gold-leafed figure of the Angel Moroni was installed on top of the spire.  A small group of enthusiastic workers and members gathered to witness that milestone event.

Placing the Angel Moroni statue on the tops of temples is a joyful occasion

The angel Moroni is the angel spoken of by the Apostle John, who wrote:

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

New Testament/Revelations 14:6-7

The Angel Moroni

 The Angel Moroni statue sits atop the spires of most LDS temples (one of the exceptions is the Mesa, Arizona temple).

Bopping at the Cultural Celebration

The dedication of a new temple is always the cause of great rejoicing.  To commemorate the event, the youth of the Phoenix area came together for a Cultural Celebration spectacular with singing and dancing in front of a backdrop of a lighted temple display.

The youth of the Phoenix area put on a spectacular show

The temple and surrounding grounds include extensive gardens, parking, and a meetinghouse where regular Sunday services are held.

The temple was dedicated in three sessions on Sunday, November 16th by President Thomas S. Monson. Several of my friends who attended spoke of the incredible outpouring of the spirit throughout the day.  What a glorious experience.  I attended the Mesa temple re-dedication in the 1970s and remember what a special experience that was. 

When he announced that a fifth temple would be built in Arizona, President Monson stated, "The blessings of the temple are eternal.  Those who come to this holy house will feel of God's love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as his sons and daughters."

Other Arizona Temples now include:

The Gila Valley Temple
Dedicated on May 23, 2010 by President Thomas S. Monson

The Gilbert Temple
Dedicated on March 2, 2014 by President Thomas S. Monson

The Snowflake Temple
Dedicated on March 3, 2002, by President Gordon B. Hinckley

The Mesa Temple
Dedicated on October 23-26, 1927 by President Heber J. Grant
Rededicated (after remodeling) on April 15-16, 1975 by President Spencer W. Kimball

In addition to these five temples, a sixth Arizona temple has been announced.  It will be constructed in the Tucson area.

"Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."

-Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles