Description

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is a temple located in the town of Gilbert, Arizona. The Temple is located about 13 miles from the Mesa Arizona Temple, but with the large population of Latter-day Saints in the area, and the large number of patrons using the Mesa Arizona Temple, another temple was needed nearby. There are approximately 380,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ residing in Arizona. The Gilbert Temple is situated on a 15-acre site in Phoenix’s East Valley. It serves Latter-day Saints in Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Globe and Maricopa, Arizona.

History

Announcement

The Gilbert Arizona Temple was announced on 26 April 2008 by President Thomas S. Monson. It is one of the first two temples announced by President Monson since he was ordained President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008.^[1]Branom, Mike (April 27, 2008). “New Mormon temple slated for Gilbert”. East Valley Tribune. Archived from the original on April 29, 2008. Retrieved April 28, 2008.^[2]“President Monson Announces Two New Temples in Arizona,” Mormon Newsroom, 28 APRIL 2008^[3]“Two new temples: Gilbert, Gila Valley,” Church News, 26 April 2008

President Monson commented, “It is my personal priority to make sure members of the Church have access to the blessings of the temple. It is here where members learn of their divine origin and destiny; where they are strengthened spiritually as individuals and as families. Temples are sanctuaries from the storms of life.”

Planning and approval

2008

On Monday, September 22, 2008, just under 5 months from the time the Gilbert Arizona Temple was announced, Church representatives met with Town staff in a pre-application meeting to discuss the approval process for construction of the temple and a future meetinghouse.

2009

On Wednesday, August 5, 2009, legal representative for the Church, Paul Gilbert, presented preliminary plans for the Gilbert Arizona Temple to the Town of Gilbert Planning Commission. He apologized that a final design review package had not yet been submitted and explained: “This temple is going to be a very unique temple. It won’t follow the typical pattern and paragon that has been used in many of the other temples. It’s designed to be a very special temple and, therefore, it is taking longer to do the details on coming forth with the building and what it will look like.” He reassured the Commission, however, that the final design would be submitted “very shortly.” For illustrative purposes, the Draper Utah Temple was used on the preliminary site plans.[ref name=”paul”]Paul Gilbert, Presentation to the Town of Gilbert Planning Commission, 5 Aug. 2009, 8 Aug. 2009 .[/ref]

Overseeing the design is Gregory B. Lambright of Architekton—an architectural firm located in Tempe. ^[4] “People,” Architekton, 31 Jul. 2009 .^[5]Green, Katherine (August 6, 2009). “Gilbert begins process for approving new LDS temple”. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved August 6, 2009.

The Planning Commission (watch video) discussed three requests put forth for a 21-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Greenfield and Pecos Roads that would permit construction of the 180-foot Gilbert Arizona Temple and a future adjoining meetinghouse. The requests included (1) a Minor General Plan Amendment to change the land use classification from Residential to General Commercial, (2) an ordinance to change the zoning from Single Family to General Commercial with a Planned Area Development Overlay, and (3) a use permit to allow a Large-Scale Religious facility within a General Commercial zoning district. No formal action was taken by the Commission at this study session.^[6]”Planning Commission Meeting Agenda” Gilbert, Arizona 5 Aug. 2008, 3 Aug. 2008.

The proposed PAD modifications—many of which stemmed from burial of unsightly utility lines—also included modifications intended to beautify the temple site including parking-lot-shielding berms, a 6-to-8-foot perimeter view fence, meandering pedestrian sidewalks, a collector street center median, and possible roundabout. The Church offered to shoulder the entire expense of the costly utility line project, an act which was heartily commended by Commissioner Chad Fuller.

On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, the Planning Commission (watch video) held a hearing on the Gilbert Arizona Temple project. Public comment was made by just one citizen, who spoke in favor of the project. Following the hearing, the Commission carried motions recommending to the Town Council approval of the requested Minor General Plan Amendment, zoning classification change, and Conditional Use Permit (view staff report). Concept drawings presented to the public showed a temple with a single central spire rising 180 feet high with beautiful circular gardens flanking the north and south sides. A circular feature was also shown on the east side (or front side) of the temple, which terminated a strip of landscaping that stretched the length of the parking lot.^[7] Proceedings of Planning Commission Public Hearing, 2 Sept. 2009, 3 Sept. 2009.^[8]Green, Katherine (September 3, 2009). “Panel paves way for new Mormon temple in Gilbert”. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 30, 2009.

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009, the Gilbert Town Council (watch video) unanimously passed the Minor General Plan Amendment, zoning classification change, and Conditional Use Permit necessary to permit construction of the temple. Nearly 70 citizens filed to speak in favor of the project, and no one filed to speak in opposition to the project. Although the design of the temple had not yet been finalized, concept drawings presented at the hearing helped to illustrate the height of the building, which was the main focus of the presentation by Paul Gilbert, legal representative for the Church. He defended the proposed height of the building and spire as consistent with nearby facilities—most notably the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center—and with other Latter-day Saint temples, noting that it is an important expression of religious devotion—a symbol of reaching to heaven.^[9]Proceedings of Town Council Public Hearing, 29 Sept. 2009, 29 Sept. 2009

The Gilbert town council gave unanimous approval to requested zoning changes. Key among the requests was an allowance to build to a height of 85 feet, higher than the existing restriction at 45 feet. The temple’s planned 180-foot-tall (55 m) steeple did not require an exemption, as the town does not restrict the height of steeples. While not providing a specific time-frame for construction, an anticipated completion within three years was repeated at the meeting.^[10]Beard Rau, Alia (September 30, 2009). “Gilbert Council OKs Mormon temple zoning changes”. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 30, 2009.

On December 28, 2009, the deed transferring ownership of the temple site to the Church was recorded in the Maricopa County records.

2010

On June 10, 2010, final plans went before the Town of Gilbert Design Review Board for preliminary evaluation of the development of a temple, accessory structure, and future meetinghouse. The five-level temple is described as 82½ feet tall with a spire reaching 195 feet, capped with a golden angel Moroni. The highly detailed ivory exterior will feature high-quality pre-cast concrete and stone accentuated with fine rustications and beautifully crafted art glass windows. The floor plan includes a sub-basement for mechanical equipment; a basement for the baptistry; a first floor for the entry, dressing rooms, and administrative offices; a second floor for the chapel and endowment rooms; and a third floor for sealing rooms, waiting rooms, and a child care center. The wrought-iron fenced grounds will include fountains, shaded plazas, and lush landscaping featuring 10 kinds of trees, 5 palm varieties, and 24 species of shrubs, groundcovers, and vines with trellises, arbors and pergolas placed throughout the site.^[11]”Design Review Board Staff Report,” Gilbert, Arizona 10 Jun. 2010, 7 Jun. 2010.

On July 15, 2010, the Town of Gilbert Design Review Board voted to approve plans for the Gilbert Arizona Temple. Approval was made subject to some minor changes that do not affect the overall design. Construction of a meetinghouse was also approved, which would likely be built within two to four years. The two structures will share a 658-car parking lot.^[12]Parker Leavitt, “Gilbert LDS temple clears last hurdle with panel’s approval,” The Arizona Republic 16 Jun. 2010, 16 Jun. 2010

Groundbreaking

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, a member of the Church’s Quorum of the Seventy, conducted the groundbreaking and site dedication on November 13, 2010, signifying the official start of construction. Thousands were in attendance on site to witness the first ceremonial shovelfuls of dirt. ^[13]Leavitt, Parker (November 2, 2010). “Gilbert Days Parade, LDS temple groundbreaking land on same day”. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved December 19, 2010.^[14]“Gilbert Arizona Temple Groundbreaking”. Church News and Events. LDS Church. November 13, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2010.

Completion of the temple expected to take approximately two years.

Construction

In mid-February 2012 the construction of the Gilbert Arizona Temple reached an exciting milestone with the installation of the spire framework, taking the temple to its full height minus the height of the angel Moroni statue, which will cap the spire.

On 15 May 2012, hundreds of spectators gathered at the Gilbert Arizona Temple site to witness the raising of the gold-leafed angel Moroni statue atop the single central spire. Numerous students, who attend a grade school across the street from the temple, gathered in the school parking lot that day with their families. As Moroni began his flight, a large group of middle school students created a spiritually poignant moment as they broke into song, singing the Primary favorite “I Love to See the Temple”.^[15]Karl Weber, “Temple Website,” Email to Rick Satterfield, 21 June 2012.

Open House

The public was invited to visit the temple during an open house from Saturday, 18 January 2014, through Saturday, 15 February 2014, excluding Sundays. During the month-long public open house, 407,020 guests including local dignitaries and other faith leaders toured the temple. Local media covered the event to include a 30-minute prime-time special produced by one news station. ^[16]“Public Invited to Tour Gilbert Arizona Temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, October 21, 2013

Cultural Celebration

On Saturday, 1 March 2014 a cultural celebration was held at a nearby park, where 12,000 young people gave a performance based on the theme “True to the Faith” honoring faithful heroes both ancient and modern on a field 300 yards long. Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended with Henry B. Eyring and other General Authorities and their wives.

Dedication

The next day, on Sunday, March 2, the temple was dedicated. Church President Thomas S. Monson presided at the three dedicatory sessions but at his request, the prayer in the first dedicatory session was offered by President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency. In the prayer, it was requested that the temple would be “a sanctuary of serenity, a refuge from the storms of life and the noise of the world” and “a house of quiet contemplation concerning the eternal nature of life.”^[17]“Gilbert Arizona Temple dedicatory prayer”, Church News, Mar. 8, 2014^[18]Avant, Gerry. “Gilbert Arizona Temple Dedicated as a “Sanctuary of Serenity.”” LDS.org 2 March 2014. Last accessed 17 April 2016.

Dedicatory Prayer

Dedication Order

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is the 142nd temple of the Church, the fourth temple built in Arizona, (following the Mesa Arizona Temple (1927), the Snowflake Arizona Temple (2002), and The Gila Valley Arizona Temple (2010),) and the 69th built in the United States.

At the time of the Gilbert Arizona Temple dedication tehre were 15 under construction and an additional 10 temples awaiting groundgbreaking. 2 Temples were undergoing renovation at that time

Under Construction	Awaiting Groundbreaking	Undergoing Renovation
Phoenix Arizona	Concepcion Chile	Ogden Utah
Cordoba Argentina	Urdaneta Philippines	Mexico City Mexico
Philadelphia Pennsylvania	Barranquilla Columbia
Rome Italy	Durban South Africa
Trujillo Peru	Kinshasa D.R.C.
Fortaleza Brazil	Star Valley Wyoming
Fort Lauderdale	Tucson Arizona
Sapporo Japan	Arequipa Peru
Payson Utah	Cedar City Utah
Indianapolis Indiana	Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Hartford Conneticut
Tijuana Mexico
Fort Collins Colorado
Paris France
Provo City Center

Presidents

Temple President	Years Served
President Alyn M. McClure	2016–
President David E. LeSueur	2014–2016

Details

The temple is near the intersection of Pecos and Greenfield roads in a rapidly growing part of the southeast Phoenix metropolitan area. The temple was built in response to the high concentration of church members in the area and was built to ease the load on the nearby Mesa Arizona Temple.^[19]“LDS Church announces two new temples in Arizona.”, The Salt Lake Tribune, April 27, 2008, retrieved November 2, 2012

It is the largest temple built by The Church of Jesus Christ in 17.

Location

The site for the Gilbert Arizona Temple is on 15.38 acres at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Pecos Roads. (map). An LDS meetinghouse is located on the property near the temple. The temple and the meeting house share a 658-car parking lot and a facilities/maintenance building.

Exterior

The desert agave plant, native to Arizona, inspired the exterior and interior design. Gregory B. Lambright, the primary architect on the project, explained this design decision:

“We looked at a number of items that would represent the Southwest here in the desert. … We wanted something to represent the living waters of Christ, and for the temple to be an oasis in the desert. And being a native here, I’ve always loved the agave plant and what it does.”^[20]Srianthi Perera, “Desert Agave Inspires Gilbert LDS Temple Design,” The Republic, Sept. 6, 2013

The grounds are surrounded by a wrought-iron fence and include fountains, shaded plazas, arbors and trellises that provide numerous areas for contemplation, meditation, photos, and rest. Lush landscaping, designed to create a feeling of tranquility for temple visitors, features hundreds of palm, olive and pistachio trees, along with thousands of plants and shrubs, especially the agave. The Temple finished floor elevation is approximately 4’ above the gardens and 5’ above the entry circle.

Cladding

The 85,326-square-foot temple exterior features ivory-colored precast concrete and white quartz.

Windows

The art-glass windows of the temple were designed and constructed by Holdman Studios, a glass-art studio based in Lehi, Utah. The leaded-glass was hand-painted, soldered together and then transported from Utah to Arizona in 10-by-3-foot sections.

Symbolism

Inscriptions

There is one inscription on the Gilbert Arizona Temple. It is on the East side of the temple above the entryway The letters are raised patinad brass metal .

HOLINESS TO THE LORD   ♢    THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Cornerstone

The cornerstone of the Gilbert Temple is on the south east corner, facing eas.

ERECTED
2014

Spires and Moroni

Spire

A 195-foot spire rises from the center of the roof and is capped with a 400-pound gold-leafed fiberglass statue of the angel Moroni, a prophet from the Book of Mormon.

Moroni

The Angel Moroni Statue was placed on the Gilbert Arizona Temple 15 May 2012. The statue faces east and was carved in 1985 by Karl Quilter.

Interior

The temple was designed by the Tempe, Arizona, architectural firm Architekton, with architect Gregory B. Lambright overseeing the project. The temple includes a baptistry, dressing rooms, administrative offices, a chapel, instruction rooms, sealing rooms (used for marriages) and waiting rooms.

Stylized versions of the agave plant can be found carved into the stonework inside and out sculpted into the carpet, etched into the woodwork and displayed on the light fixtures, door hardware and elsewhere. The colors of the agave plant’s leaves and flowers influenced the interior, which has a color scheme of soft blues, greens, golds, and creams.

Fine artist Howard Lyon, a resident of Gilbert, painted two 4-by-15-foot murals depicting scenes from Christ’s life that hang in the baptistry.

Individuals and Contractors

Architect	Architekton
Project Manager	Bret Woods
Contractor	Okland Construction
Art Glass	Holdman Studios
Murals	Howard Lyon
Precast Concrete	IMS Masonry
Landscape Concrete	L.R. Cowan
Structural Concrete	Suntec Concrete
Interior Finish work	Houghton Plaster
Acoustical Consultant	Spectrum Engineers
Insulation	Arizona Foam and Spray
Mechanical and Plumbing	VBFA

Sources and Links

Additional Articles

Gilbert LDS Temple (Construction Blog)

Sources/Citation