Description

The Phoenix Arizona Temple is a temple in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It was completed in 2014 and is the 144th temple of the LDS Church.

History

Announcement

The announcement of the planned construction of the temple on 24 May 2008, came less than a month after the Gila Valley and Gilbert temples were announced for Arizona.[ref ]“New Temple for Phoenix Arizona Announced”, Newsroom, LDS Church, May 24, 2008[/ref]^[1]“President Monson announces new temple in Phoenix, Ariz.”, Church News, May 24, 2008, retrieved November 2, 2012

All three temples would serve members belonging to the district of the Mesa Arizona Temple, which was attended by more patrons than any other temple outside of Utah.^[2]“President Monson announces new temple in Phoenix, Ariz.”, Church News, May 24, 2008, retrieved November 2, 2012[ref ]“New Temple for Phoenix Arizona Announced”, Newsroom, LDS Church, May 24, 2008[/ref]^[3]Biscobing, David (May 25, 2008), “Mormons planning to build temple in Phoenix”, East Valley Tribune, archived from the original on November 1, 2008, retrieved May 25, 2008

When President Thomas S. Monson announced a fifth temple for Arizona would be built in Phoenix, he 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.”

Planning and Approval

2009

On April 29, 2009, Beus Gilbert PLLC—the law firm representing the Church on the zoning for the Phoenix Arizona Temple site—submitted its initial application on behalf of the Church to the City of Phoenix to rezone an 8.94-acre site on Pinnacle Peak Road from Single-Family Residential to Planned Unit Development to allow for the height of the temple. The acreage includes an existing meetinghouse, a bare lot, and the unlandscaped portions of two residences north of the bare lot.1 According to Maricopa County records, the Church purchased the bare lot in September 2000 and the adjacent meetinghouse lot in October 2002. Later, it acquired the two residences directly north of the bare lot at 5207 and 5217 W. Creedance Blvd., one in August 2008, and the other in March 2009. Together, these parcels create an 8.94-acre “L”-shaped site with 4.2 acres already occupied by the meetinghouse.

As part of the rezoning process, the first neighborhood meeting was held in early June 2009 at the meetinghouse adjoining the temple site. Representatives of the Church met with neighbors to present information on the project—including a rendition of the proposed site design—and to answer questions and resolve concerns.

On July 20, 2009, Beus Gilbert PLLC delivered its second submittal of the rezoning request for the temple—to be located in the Phoenix urban village of Deer Valley—pursuant to review by Deer Valley Village Planner, Kelly P. Walker. Mr. Walker made numerous editorial requests to the first submittal including wording changes and omissions, more detailed explanations, and more specific limits. The revised application included updated commentary, data, maps, photographs, and renderings of the project.^[4]Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Phoenix LDS Temple,” 20 Jul. 2009, 27 Jul. 2009.

On September 14, 2009, over 200 residents gathered for a second neighborhood meeting to discuss the proposal for the temple. Some of those in opposition expressed concern over the height, color, and lighting of the 126-foot building, saying it would disrupt their quality of life because of the light pollution and blocked mountain views. Others said the temple is out of place in the neighborhood and of no benefit to those who do not belong to the Church. Supporters pointed out the benefit of improving the community and increasing property values. One resident expressed his support for developing the empty lot, which he called a “dumping ground,” into a beautifully landscaped and softly lit worship facility. Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams noted that not having the building period was not an option, encouraging residents to give constructive input.^[5]Sadie Jo Smokey, “Residents express concerns on Mormon temple proposal,” The Arizona Republic 17 Sept. 2009, 17 Sept. 2009.

On September 17, 2009, Paul Gilbert of Beus Gilbert PLLC gave a presentation to the public on the rezoning request for the temple at the Deer Valley Village Planning Committee meeting. Because the presentation was for information only—in anticipation of the next meeting where the proposal would be formally considered—no committee action was taken and no public comment was heard.^[6]“Notice of Public Meeting: Deer Valley Village Planning Committee,” City of Phoenix 4 Sept. 2009, 4 Sept. 2009.

On September 25, 2009, Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who represented north Phoenix, said at her monthly breakfast meeting that there was little she could do to stop the Phoenix Arizona Temple from being built. “A temple is a church, and a church can go in any zone. It has a right to be there,” she said. Referring to the Church’s rezoning proposal, she added, “I fully expect the council to pass the proposal in some form.” Williams served as a mediator between the Church and neighbors.^[7]Betty Reid, “Mormon Church’s zoning fight gets councilwoman’s attention,” The Arizona Republic 30 Sept. 2009, 30 Sept. 2009.

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Deer Valley Village Planning Committee formally heard the request by Paul Gilbert to rezone the site of the Phoenix Arizona Temple and an existing adjacent meetinghouse from residential to planned unit development, which would permit an increase in the building height limit from 30 feet to 48 feet on that parcel. Numerous supporters and opponents crowded into the meeting, which resulted in a lengthy and sometimes passionate debate. Because residents had voiced concern over lighting a white building, the Church made a concession by choosing an earth-tone exterior concrete, which was on display at the meeting. In the end, the Committee voted 6 to 5 to recommend rezoning.^[8]“Temple proposal clears hurdle,” The Arizona Republic 22 Oct. 2009, 3 Dec. 2009.^[9]Reid, Betty (November 12, 2009), “Planning Commission OK’s Mormon temple; critics won’t give up”, The Arizona Republic, retrieved November 2, 2012

On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, a staff report addendum was produced clarifying that the actual building height needed was to be only 40 feet, not 48 feet as previously recorded. Also included in the addendum was a series of stipulations including a revised Traffic Impact Study, the dedication of 32 feet of right-of-way for half-street roadway improvements, a Multi-Use Recreational Trail Easement, one streetlight, improvements to Pinnacle Peak Road, and landscaping and irrigation in accordance with plans approved by the Development Services Department.^[10]”Addendum A Staff Report: Z-40-09-1,” City of Phoenix 3 Nov. 2009, 3 Dec. 2009.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, the Phoenix Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the rezoning application that would clear the way for construction of the temple. Paul Gilbert said, “I was very pleased with the fact that we got a unanimous vote from the planning commission.” He added, “the planning commission did a very thorough job, gave everyone an opportunity to speak. I believe their recommendation will carry substantial weight before the city council.”^[11] Betty Reid, “Planning Commission OKs LDS temple; Phoenix City Council to decide,” The Arizona Republic 11 Nov. 2009, 11 Nov. 2009.

On Sunday, November 22, 2009, thirty people with picketing signs stood at the intersection where the temple-meetinghouse site is located to express their opposition to the construction of the temple. Scott Anderson, a spokesperson for the Little Deer Valley Homeowners Association, said, “What it’s about is a building that’s incompatible with the neighborhood.” Neighbors believe that for one, the temple will bring additional traffic that the area cannot handle. The protest came 10 days before the final vote and hearing by the City Council.^[12]“Protesters picket proposed Phoenix Temple,” ABC 15 News 23 Nov. 2009, 24 Nov. 2009.

On December 2, 2009, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved rezoning with stipulations, which would allow the Church to construct the temple at 40 feet high—10 feet higher than the limit established for surrounding residences—with an 86-foot spire, which is a height unregulated by zoning laws. The issue was not completely settled, however. A group of opposing neighbors said they would not give up in bringing the issue directly to the voters. City leaders said the group must gather 9,798 legitimate Phoenix-voter petition signatures within 30 days to bring the issue to a September 6, 2011, ballot. Supporters, on the other hand, were eager to begin construction. Church representative Paul Gilbert said, “We’re going to make every effort to make peace with the neighbors,” noting that several concessions had already been made including turning off the lighting at 10:00 p.m. and changing the color of the exterior.^[13]Heisner, Jodie “City council OKs addition to Phoenix LDS temple,” ABC 15 News 3 Dec. 2009, 3 Dec. 2009 ^[14]Reid, Betty (December 31, 2009), “Phoenix Mormon temple foes claim enough signatures to overturn council action”, The Arizona Republic, retrieved November 2, 2012

On December 31, 2009, the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition delivered over 16,000 signatures to the City of Phoenix to overturn the City Council’s decision of December 2. On January 4, 2010, Church officials publicly expressed their desire to work with the coalition to bring about a peaceful resolution. The Church also indicated that it would not move the temple to another location; rather, as Paul Gilbert stated, “We want to show the neighbors that we can be a good neighbor.”^[15]Betty Reid, “Mormon officials offer to work with Phoenix neighbors upset about proposed temple,” The Arizona Republic 6 Jan. 2010, 6 Jan. 2010.

2010

On January 26, 2010, two weeks after a meeting with the Phoenix Property Rights Coalition, Church officials announced that the Phoenix Arizona Temple would be redesigned to comply with the residential zoning building height limit of 30 feet, eliminating the need to rezone the property. The redesign was expected to take 8 to 12 months. Church spokesman, Len Greer, said he hoped neighbors would be pleased with the new design, noting that temples are valuable assets to a neighborhood with their peaceful atmosphere and beautiful grounds, often increasing property values.^[16]Betty Reid, “Phoenix Mormon temple backers, foes must wait for redesign,” The Arizona Republic 5 Feb. 2010, 7 Feb. 2010.^[17]Reid, Betty (January 26, 2010), “Mormon Church will lower height of Phoenix temple”, The Arizona Republic, retrieved November 2, 2012 (Note the height of the steeple was not addressed in the news reports.)

On February 2, 2010, the Phoenix City Council rescinded its decision of December 2, in response to the Church’s withdrawal of its rezoning application. Rezoning became a moot point when the Church announced its intention to redesign the building to comply with the existing residential zoning requirements.^[18]Betty Reid, “Phoenix Mormon temple backers, foes must wait for redesign,” The Arizona Republic 5 Feb. 2010, 7 Feb. 2010.

On August 17, 2010, the modified plan for the Phoenix Arizona Temple was revealed at a special neighborhood meeting. “We want the neighbors to understand that their concerns were considered as the new design was drawn up,” said Church spokesman Jennifer Wheeler. The temple was redesigned from scratch, turning the two-story building into a single-story building with a full basement. Wheeler notes that the temple complies with all zoning requirements including height, lighting, setbacks, and parking (nearly 400 spaces). No visitors’ center will operate on the grounds, no pageant will be held, and no Christmas lights will be hung.^[19]Betty Reid, “LDS Church unveils Phoenix temple redesign,” The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2010, 18 Aug. 2010.^[20] Reid, Betty (August 18, 2010), “LDS Church unveils Phoenix temple redesign”, The Arizona Republic, retrieved November 2, 2012^[21] Sexton, Connie Cone (August 14, 2010), “Neighborhood to have meeting on height of Mormon temple”, The Arizona Republic, retrieved November 2, 2012^[22]“News and Updates”, PhoenixMormonTemple.com, LDS Church, archived from the original on July 15, 2011

On November 30, 2010, the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Services Department approved the preliminary site plan for the Phoenix Arizona Temple, which meets all zoning requirements including set-backs, height, lighting, landscaping, and parking.

2011

On January 13, 2011, a City of Phoenix zoning adjustment hearing officer heard two formal determination requests, submitted by legally represented neighbors of the temple, as it pertains to a variety of questions related to the city ordinance that regulates parking for places of worship and public assembly. The attorney for the Church, Paul Gilbert, underscored that the Church’s plans for 394 spaces was more than ample parking for the temple.^[23]Betty Reid, “Zoning officer questioned on Phoenix Temple parking lot spaces,” The Arizona Republic 18 Jan. 2011, 29 Jan. 2011.

On January 29, 2011, opponents expressed their dissatisfaction with the “The Temple of ‘Ill Will'” by erecting a wall of protest signatures, inflating a 27-foot gorilla, and floating a helium-filled balloon to represent the height of the spire. They opposed the size and height of the building and expressed concerns over traffic and night-time lighting. The Church responded saying, “This new design, which was shared with neighbors in August 2010, complies with all zoning requirements including building height, set-backs, landscaped open spaces, parking places, and lighting. This design balances the needs of the church and the desires of the neighborhood.” The Church is committed to being a good neighbor and to beautifying the community.^[24] Britt Moreno, “Neighborhood Protests Mormon Temple Height,” Fox 10 News 29 Jan. 2011, 29 Jan. 2011.

Protests are expected to continue, however. “We are going to keep protesting,” said neighborhood organizer Scott Anderson. “Even if they go forward with building the temple, we will protest the groundbreaking, dedication ceremonies and any and every event that comes. We have neighbors who want to chain themselves to the bulldozer. We will ensure that the temple remains a sore spot with them and an example of what happens when they do not respect the concerns of the surrounding neighborhood.”^[25]Betty Reid, “Mormon temple protests target church’s Utah leaders,” The Arizona Republic 8 Feb. 2011, 8 Feb. 2011.

On February 2, 2011, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department issued a dust control permit in preparation for construction of the temple.

On February 28, 2011, a determination was rendered by City of Phoenix Zoning Adjustment Hearing Officer, Ray Jacobs, regarding an appeal of the required number of parking spaces for the Phoenix Arizona Temple. Jacobs upheld the number and the basis for arriving at that number but did ask the Church to add three spaces since the City calculated less pew space than the Church. The Church agreed to the additional spaces.^[26]“City of Phoenix Zoning Administrator Sides With Church on Parking Appeal,” Online Posting, 2 Mar. 2011, 3 Mar. 2011.

On March 11, 2011, the City of Phoenix issued permits for preliminary work to begin at the Phoenix Arizona Temple site including vegetation removal and salvage, fencing, drainage, and construction of a temporary parking lot. One ward in the adjoining meetinghouse was relocated to reduce traffic and parking during construction.

Also on March 11, 2011, neighbors appealed the parking ruling made by Zoning Adjustment Hearing Officer, Ray Jacobs, to the city’s Board of Adjustment. “We will continue our legal challenge to the city’s parking calculations and we will continue our protests,” said neighborhood organizer Scott Anderson. “We are doing this in an attempt to get the LDS Church to not leave the lights on until 11 p.m., to not erect the spire to 120 feet and to agree to take responsibility for future traffic and parking problems. If they would address these concerns, we would be satisfied.”^[27]Betty Reid, “Mormons moving forward with Phoenix Temple,” The Arizona Republic 15 Mar. 2011, 15 Mar. 2011.

On May 5, 2011, the City of Phoenix Board of Adjustment unanimously upheld a decision rendered by the Zoning Adjustment Hearing Officer in February that the number of parking spaces planned for the Phoenix Arizona Temple is more than adequate. The Board plans to revisit the issue one year after the temple has been dedicated, allowing neighbors to voice any parking concerns. The Church openly welcomes this dialogue with the neighbors.

On October 17, 2011, the building permit for the temple proper was issued by the City of Phoenix.

Groundbreaking

Ground was broken for the Phoenix Arizona Temple at a small ceremony on 4 June 2011. Attendance on site was by invitation only Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Presidency of the Seventy, presided at the ceremony and commented that the new building would be a “beautiful and magnificent temple” that will bless both Mormons and the Phoenix community.^[28]Adair, Jill B. (June 5, 2011), “Ground broken for Phoenix Arizona Temple”, Church News, retrieved November 2, 2012^[29]Taylor, Scott (June 5, 2011), “Mormon temple in Phoenix now started”, Deseret News, retrieved November 2, 2012

Services were broadcast to select meetinghouses in the Phoenix area belonging to the temple district.

Construction

The construction project manager, Dawson Stewart, later said of the process, “I was amazed at the things built into the design and the purpose for them.” He added that he enjoyed seeing “how much attention there is to the principle of progression in the temple design so that even the finish in one room needs to be slightly better, a little more elegantly done than in a previous room.”^[30]Cecily Markland, “Phoenix Arizona Temple to Open for Public Tours,” Beehive, Sept. 20, 2014,

The progression in the design corresponds with the fact that Church members experience a sense of progressing on their journey in mortality as they walk through the temple.

Open House

A public open house was held from 10 October to 1 November 2014.^[31]“Public Invited to Tour the Phoenix Arizona Temple”, Newsroom, LDS Church, August 7, 2014

Arizona governor Jan Brewer was among several dignitaries who participated in the open house. She said of the experience: “I have learned that the purpose of the temple is even more beautiful than the building. … Temples are sacred places to commune with our loving God and know that we can return to His presence with our loved ones.”^[32]“Phoenix Arizona Temple Opens for Public Tours,” Oct. 12, 2014,

Cultural Celebration

On Saturday, 15 November 2014, thousands of Latter-day Saint youth, ages 12 to 18, participated in the Phoenix Arizona Youth Cultural Celebration titled “Be a Light,” performed by the youth of the area at Sunrise Mountain High School. President Thomas S. Monson presided. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf addressed the youth and commented, “You are indeed choice. You are children of the light.” Orville Carnahan, 18, the narrator of the production, commented, “The youths went away wanting to be our best, to always show the true light of Christ in ourselves.”

The writers of the program’s script wanted the performance to reflect the culture of the area and showcase the youth participating. Youth were divided into six groups. One group told the story of the Native American culture and the canals that carried water to the desert area. Another group focused on Hispanic cultures, and yet another represented the military (since there is an air force base in the area). There was even a group that told the story of the air conditioner—when it was invented in the 1950s, the population of Phoenix doubled. Another group showcased the youths’ talents, and the final section was about service and teaching others about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The youth sang and danced, showing their appreciation for the temple and what it meant to them. One youth participant said prior to the performance day, “Going to the temple helps me regain perspective on what’s important in my life and helps me spiritually refuel” — she even compared the temple to a “fresh water spring in the desert.”,^[33]Cecily Markland, “Youth in Phoenix Temple District Prepare for Cultural Celebration,” Beehive, Sept. 20, 2014,

For many Arizona Mormons, being able to attend the temple since its dedication on November 16, 2014, quenches their spiritual thirst as they strive to draw closer to God.

Dedication

On Sunday morning, 16 November 2014, President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Phoenix Arizona Temple which is the fifth temple in Arizona, and the 144th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The newly dedicated sacred edifice will serve 60,000 Latter-day Saints from 16 stakes. Prior to dedicating the temple, President Monson greeted church members and participated in the cornerstone ceremony by placing mortar in the temple’s cornerstone. Also present were President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, Elder Dallin H.Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities of the Church, as well as the new temple presidency. According to the Deseret News article, Elder Kent F. Richards of the Seventy and executive director of the church’s temple department commented, “The cornerstone contains a history of the temple’s construction and other significant items. It brings to mind the Savior being the chief cornerstone.”^[34]“Phoenix Arizona Temple Dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson”, Newsroom, LDS Church, November 16, 2014

The temple opened for work on Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Dedicatory Prayer

Dedication Order

The Phoenix Arizona Temple is the 144th operating temple of the Church, the fifth in Arizona, and the 71st in theUnited States.

At the time of the temple dedication, there were 13 temples under construction, and an additional 12 awaiting groundbreaking. There were a further 3 temples undergoing renovation.

Under Construction	Awaiting Groundbreaking	Undergoing Renovation
Cordoba Argentina	Cedar City Utah	Mexico City Mexico
Philadelphia Pennsylvania	Rio De Janeiro Brazil	Montreal Quebec
Rome Italy	Concepcion Chile	Suva Fiji
Trujillo Peru	Lisbon Portugal
Fortaleza Brazil	Urdaneta Philippines
Payson Utah	Winnipeg Manitoba
Indianapolis Indiana	Barranquilla Colombia
Hartford Connecticut	Durban South Africa
Tijuana Mexico	Kinshasa D. R. C.
Fort Collins Colorado	Star Valley Wyoming
Meridian Idaho	Tucson Arizona
ParisFrance	Arequipa Peru
Provo City Center

Presidents

Temple President	Years Served
President G. Wesley Wagner	2017–
President Russell S. Gilliland	2014–2017

Details

Location

Located in Arizona’s capital and largest city, the Phoenix Arizona Temple stands on a five-acre site adorned with desert foliage. It is physically located at the intersection of Pinnacle Peak Road and 51st Avenue. It is a single-story building and has a footprint of 27,423 square feet with a full basement and a 90-foot spire.

Exterior

The temple has a contemporary square design,
The newly constructed temple is located on a little over five acres of land which is adjacent to an existing meetinghouse.

Cladding

The exterior of the Phoenix Arizona Temple is made of pre-cast concrete panels in an ivory color, similar to the exterior of The Gila Valley Arizona, Gilbert Arizona, and Tucson Arizona Temples. A pattern of Aloe stalks is molded into the top edge of many of the upper panels.

Windows

The windows on the Phoenix Arizona Temple are stained glass featuring the same aloe stalk pattern and desert tree leaves as the pre-cast concrete. The glass was designed by Art Glass Studios in Utah and constructed by Glass Images in Utah.

Symbolism

Inscriptions

There is one inscription on the Phoenix Arizona Temple. It is located above themain entrance ont he east side of the temple. The letters are engraved and gilded.

HOLINESS TO THE LORD THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

Cornerstone

The cornerstone of thePhoenix Arizona Temple is locatted on the southe east corner facing east. The letters are engraved into the precast concrete and have been gilded.

ERECTED 2014

Spires and Moroni

Spire

The single, central spire of the temple is made up of layered sections that gradually transform from sharp to round edges.

Moroni

On May 15, 2013, the traditional gold-leafed figure of the angel Moroni was installed atop the spire of the Phoenix Arizona Temple to an audience of enthusiastic workers and members who gathered to the temple to witness the milestone event. The Statue was sculpted in 1982 by KarlQuilter. It was placed on the spire facing east.

Interior

Within the temple are a baptistry, sealing rooms (where marriages are performed), instruction rooms and a celestial room, which represents eternal life with God. These rooms house beautiful wood and stonework, stained glass and terra-cotta details.

Stonework inside the temple is comprised of sahara gold, rovo alicante, and oro del mar marbles, and tunas green granite.

The woodwork inside the temple is comprised of sapele wood from Africa.

Bordering the tops of the walls are painted gold stems, a motif that is also carved into the staircase posts and much of the stonework. The temple’s many murals depict beautiful nature scenes, including desert views that reflect the surrounding environment.

Individuals and Contractors

Architect	CCBG Architects Inc.
Civil Engineer:	Standage & Associates. LTD.
Landscape Architect:	Norris Design
Structural Engineer:	PK Associates, LLC
Mech. Plumb. Elec. Engineer	LSW Engineers
General Contractor	Porter Brothers Construction
Landscape Architects	Naylor Wentworth and Lund Architects
Structural Concrete	SunTec Concrete
Art Glass	Art Glass Studio
Art Glass	Glass Images
Mural Painting	Keith Bond
Interior Lighting	Schonbeck Lighting

Sources and Links