Deseret News | LDS Church announces plans for two new temples in Arizona

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LDS Church announces plans for two new temples in Arizona

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SLC Native | 2:00 a.m. April 26, 2008

When can we get another one in Las Vegas? I mean we have a Nielson's frozen custard now.

azgirl | 2:52 a.m. April 26, 2008

Wahoo! How cool is that?

Maybe the state can barge in | 5:02 a.m. April 26, 2008

Maybe the state can barge in and desecrate their temples next! I hear the going rate for a temple desecration is merely one prank phone call by a lunatic in Colorado.

Comments continue below

Mark Smith Bryce | 5:26 a.m. April 26, 2008

A great blessing for the people of Arizona!

Mark Smith Bryce | 5:40 a.m. April 26, 2008

A great blessing for Arizona!
A tribute to the early pioneers and present members.
We shout for Joy!

Mahonri | 5:40 a.m. April 26, 2008

Will they hold dances in the Temples? Joseph Smith held dances in the Temple.

Gabriel Gargano | 6:33 a.m. April 26, 2008

Super! I am glad to hear about more temples in this planet. I hope to see another one in Argentina some day..

Anonymous | 7:28 a.m. April 26, 2008

Gila Valley makes sense but Gilbert which is right next to Mesa? What gives? How about the members that have to drive across the Phoenix Valley just to get to the Mesa Temple and now the Gilbert Temple as well.

Anonymous | 8:11 a.m. April 26, 2008

You know somethin'.

If you quit charging (money) to people for access to The Church News, you would actually retain people as members of the Church... in activity.

Is this... rocket science, or just basics in your multi-million dollar campaigns on social impacts Studies the Church is always conducting to see why the Church loses 80% of its youth (not to mention the rest of the crowd) to inactivity or just plane lack of interest in the Church.

Quit proescuting the members for voicing genuine concerns (oh yeah,that's in your great CHIB) Church Handbook of Instruction.

You'll find that if you follow some basic approaches to 'people skills' that appear to be more morally upright, they won't think your always out to get them...

The next thing you can do is not-- view the Voice of the World as 'the correct voice' when coming down on your members.

Scott S. | 8:42 a.m. April 26, 2008

Actually these two temples bring the total to 139. It is nice to see the growth continue under President Monson.

Vesta | 8:48 a.m. April 26, 2008

I am soooooooo excited about this announcement. Easier access to the temple will be a God send especially for the elderly in the Gila Valley who can't travel to Mesa. We all wondered why there are so many motels going up here and now we know there will be patrons from all over to fill them.

M | 9:37 a.m. April 26, 2008

Yahoo!!! Is it true that they are going to build in Peoria, too?

prophecy | 9:40 a.m. April 26, 2008

I remember being told when I was a little girl that it was prophesied that before the Savior returned (His Second Coming)that the earth would be dotted with temples. I feel I am seeing prophecy being fulfilled.

Anonymous | 9:56 a.m. April 26, 2008

The more temples that are built, the less precious they continue to be. They become so common they become common; trivial; no longer sacred.

kendo | 10:22 a.m. April 26, 2008

The capacity of existing temples is insufficient to meet the needs of the 84 stakes and 375,000 members. Despite what Anon thinks, each one is different and special. The needs for more temples continue to grow because members wish to attend in increasing numbers. Some seem to have a problem in grasping that simple fact and that more people will volunteer to serve there through their faith and love for other people, something in short supply in this world

anonymous | 10:22 a.m. April 26, 2008

I just have to say that we are not close to being in association with the RLDS Church so therefore the prank phone calls will not assist with the desecration of the temples. I thought this issue of RLDS and the LDS Churches was over. An apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ went to the media to point this out and clarify that to all those who were misinformed.

anonymous | 10:24 a.m. April 26, 2008

Every temple built is a blessing from God and not to be taken for granted. They all have a sacredness about them. Each has a distinct aura about them and we should always be greatful for the news of more being built.

Tribefan | 10:27 a.m. April 26, 2008

I guess Tucson doesn't exist in the eyes of the leaders in Salt Lake City

Mark of Albuquerque | 10:29 a.m. April 26, 2008

I think its great Arizona is going to get more Temples.But in Gilbert,They need one in the west valley,thats werw the growth is

Chad9 | 10:37 a.m. April 26, 2008

My wife and I grew up in the Gila Valley, and our family still lives there. It is very exciting for the people there, and as for the "Temples becoming common, and no longer sacred," that is very wrong. The point of the temple is for members to be given the opportunity to do SACRED Ordinances. Why just limit the number of temples to a few? Dosn't everyone deserve the right to have eternal happiness? Think before you write,"Anonymous!"

Love the haters | 10:43 a.m. April 26, 2008

I love to see the haters come out on every topic related to the Church. As if your comments really make a difference! Little ankle-biters that don't even get noticed by the caravan.

Little dogs bark, but the caravan moves on! Awesome to have two new temples in AZ!!!!

Riley Norton | 10:50 a.m. April 26, 2008

With joy I learned of the Gila Valley Temple announcement. While this brings joy and happiness with rejoicing to the Gila Valley community those without knowledge or testimony can't understand and only express themselves in perhaps the only talent they have developed. That "talent" seems to be "negative" to something they don't understand. I am a transplant from the Gila Valley, living in Salt Lake and my ancestors were some of the earlier settlers there. I'm sure mom and Dad, aunts and uncles, and grandparents and great grandparents are also rejoicing in realizing the fruits of their labors as they were "there". They helped make it happen. I am so happy for the impact this will have on my family and friends who live there. Great blessings are in store for all those who live there. Members and nonmembers alike will share in the blessings to come. (-and I didn't remain anonymous)

anon | 10:52 a.m. April 26, 2008

More depletion of resources and CO2 in the atmosphere for these mammoth structures. Great.

In Surprise AZ | 11:06 a.m. April 26, 2008

Great news! Wish one was going up in the northwest side of the valley.

Drat! | 11:07 a.m. April 26, 2008

I was hoping for one in the far west valley...
The Gilbert folks are very close to the Mesa Temple.

But Tucson... or at least Casa Grande might deserve one as well.

ScottAZ | 11:10 a.m. April 26, 2008

What a blessing to have two more Temples built in our state. It is, in fact, a blessing whenever a Temple is built anywhere. Prophesy, you are so right.....the earth dotted with Temples! What an awesome thing.

Renetta | 11:24 a.m. April 26, 2008

Am so delighted that the "Light of the Gospel" through its temples is spreading. My greatest joy will be when one is announced in Italy

Steve | 11:26 a.m. April 26, 2008

It humors me that the few haters have nothing better to do then lurk on the DNEWS and the SL LIB websites for articles on the church so that they can feel like their comments are heard. We applaud your efforts and contributions to this story and our community. Your hate filled remarks reflect the happiness in your own lives.

AZgirl | 11:34 a.m. April 26, 2008

It amazes me how some people have such hatred for any progress the Church makes to help both members and non-members alike-do you know about the humanitarian work that goes on ?? the Church works with many other relief agencies to help those in need all over the world. Would you object to that?
Well, the temples are here for us to help others too-those who have passed on-and to help members to remember covenants and promises. Eventually temples will dot the earth-whether in Gilbert AZ, or in some remote spot on the earth-the work moves forward, and blessings are received by those who stand as a witness at all times, and in all places.

UofA chika | 11:38 a.m. April 26, 2008

Yay for new temples in AZ!! But I agree, Gilbert is RIGHT next to Mesa! Why not the west valley? :)

AZ resident | 11:38 a.m. April 26, 2008

The RLDS and The FLDS are also very different. The RLDS is now called "Community of Christ". I don't know why the RLDS would come up here at all. Nobody's been talking about THEM lately.

I live in AZ, and I'm thrilled! I want one in Tucson next.

Queen Creek AZ | 11:41 a.m. April 26, 2008

Very excited to hear the news! We've needed a temple here for the last few years. Where we live, we've gone from one small ward to five stakes--in about 10 years. So we're grateful to have this blessing!

Re: Drat | 11:42 a.m. April 26, 2008

someone who just got back from Mesa told me that the Mesa Temple is so busy, that it's hard to get on a session. Maybe that's what justified building a Temple in Gilbert. Sort of kinda like having the Timpanogos Temple. To relieve congestion at the Provo Temple.

Brian Taylor | 11:42 a.m. April 26, 2008

So many of the faithful saints of the Gila Valley, both past and present, have quietly and earnestly sought for this day, that a temple of the Lord might find a place among them; and upon hearing today of a temple to be build there, an unmistakable feeling arises, a deepened sense of humility and gratitude for this sacred trust, and one that lifts our spirits to be better and honor the sacrifices that have been (and will be) made to make this blessing possible.

To those unfamiliar with the church, or to those who are inclined to find fault or foster negativity with respect to such announcements, may I simply say that such temples have blessed me personally and helped me be a better husband and father. I am, in and of myself very inadequate person, yet the teachings and promises and blessings of latter-day temples continually inspire me to be better, to try harder, to be more obedient, to honor my wife, to spend time teaching and playing with my children, to be a better neighbor, and to change those things inside me that need changing.

Today I share in the gratitude and excitement of this special occasion.

Re:AZgirl | 11:47 a.m. April 26, 2008

Pay no attention to them people. That's what they are looking for. An excuse to spread hate and bigotry against the Church.

I'm happy for the Saints in that part of Arizona. Way to go.

Michael Arizona | 11:53 a.m. April 26, 2008

Speaking of prophesies...

"A prediction was made by Jesse N. Smith about 1882, to the effect that a temple, at some future day, would be reared on the site of Pima in Graham County. The first donation toward such an end was recorded January 24, 1887, in the name of Mrs. Helena Roseberry, a poor widow of Pima, who gave $5 toward the building of a temple in Arizona, handing the money to Apostle Moses Thatcher."

Pg. 223, "Mormon Settlement in Arizona", by James H. McClintock, Arizona State Historian, published 1921.

Denise | 12:04 p.m. April 26, 2008

I think this is great news. I grew up in Arizona, but now live in the Southern US. Just a question. I understand the Valley is now huge and far reaching (I still have family there), But I would think covering other parts of the State would be needed. Just wondering if Tucson and Flagstaff/Prescott already have a temple. If not, that would have made more sense to me - with the price of Gas now, I am unable to make trips to my local temple more than once or twice a year. 6 hours drive one way is much too far.

Tiffany | 12:14 p.m. April 26, 2008

How sad that there are so many negative people. It is sad that non members do not like to see our gospel prosper. It is true that there are going to be so many dots of temples on the map. It's a sign of the times! And... Pres. Hinckley has made it VERY clear that we are not associated with the RLDS.
To those of you who are upset that they would build a temple so close to the Mesa temple, it is because they build temples where the work is coming from. Therefore, us gilbert people rightfully deserve a temple. I am delighted to have one so close to my home and I am sure there will be more Arizona temples to come!!!

LongTom | 12:13 p.m. April 26, 2008

As a current resident of Gilbert, Arizona I must say that I am very pleasantly surprised. Gilbert is in the southeast part of the Phoenix metro area. It is due south of Mesa and west of Queen Creek. The LDS population of Gilbert was large when we moved here 5 years ago. Since then it has continued to skyrocket in Gilbert and Queen Creek.

I have been saying for years that we should build another temple to take some of the load off of the Mesa Temple. But I always joked that it should be in Queen Creek since Gilbert is so close to Mesa!

This situation is quite a bit like building the Jordan River temple close to Salt Lake City. There are just a lot of Latter-Day Saints here. The temple will be well used!

A Boy From Thatcher | 12:14 p.m. April 26, 2008

We've been waiting for this moment for a very long time. As a native of Thatcher, with family having lived there for over 100 years, I'm very excited. Everyone in that area has known this day was coming sometime. Now it's actually going to happen. The Gila Valley is a very special place..........

Snakeytoe | 12:27 p.m. April 26, 2008

What a wonderfull blessing for Arizona. The people of the Gila Valley have been praying for a Temple for years. Now this will become a reality. The members in Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico will have access to a Temple without traveling for over 3 hours. Gilbert and the East Valley Have grown so much,the Mesa temple is very busy.

Virgil | 12:30 p.m. April 26, 2008

This is a great Day to see more temples, my back fence is Gilbert. What most are missiing is that God decides through the Prophet where to put the temple; Not people.

Tucson | 12:36 p.m. April 26, 2008

Im grateful to see Temples coming to Arizona. I'm hoping that Tucson is a possibility sometime. I have hope that someday that will happen as it takes us at least 6 hours to attend the temple and get back home. I'm not negative about the choices they have made, I think I got my hopes up when I read the headline that AZ was getting two new temples and that one was not in Tucson.

MG | 12:45 p.m. April 26, 2008

I heard the Gilbert Temple is going to be off of Pecos and Greenfield. Although Gilbert is close to Mesa, there are all those in Queen Creek, Chandler, and far Gilbert that have a difficult commute with all the construction on the roads and the growth out that way that will benefit from a Gilbert Temple. Besides, how many Temples are between Provo and Salt Lake City? I'm betting the land was easier to get permits for (if it really is off of Pecos and Greenfield) because of who owns that land and thus it was announced quicker. I heard a rumor that one is going to be announced in Peoria, but they are still getting permits. Just be grateful people! One more Temple in AZ will give some relief to the Mesa Temple and eventually there will be more. We just have to be diligent about attending more often!

Sarah in Arizona | 1:13 p.m. April 26, 2008

I believe the RLDS church changed it's name a few years back to The Church of Christ. We should be respectful of their name as well as we expect people to be of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Mesa temple is very crowded, and it has been wonderful to see over the years. Just ten years ago they only did half a day on Saturday because they did not have enough people to fill it. This year they have had to add additional sessions at the end of each day to accomodate everyone who would like to go through. Not to mention the wait for the other areas of the temple are quite long as well.

I agree I was surprised there was one announced in Gilbert, but there are a lot of members there with seven stakes in Gilbert, four in Chandler and five in Queen Creek. Where ever temples are built, they are a blessing to those that serve there.

Ernest. T. Bass | 1:12 p.m. April 26, 2008

What exactly are the blessings?
I wont be happy until they build one on my street.

To Denise | 1:18 p.m. April 26, 2008

AZ has two Temples to date...Mesa and Snowflake. We go to the Mesa Temple but are looking forward to a trip to Snowflake soon (we live in Prescott Valley).

As the work progresses we can expect those in opposition of the work to try harder to stop it...which we know will not happen.

Good Announcement | 1:19 p.m. April 26, 2008

I think we need more Temples.
There really aren't enough for This People.

There is plenty of work to do and plenty of blessings to be handed out.

When the world will be converted. Speeches of the Year. Spencer W. Kimball.

Arizona | 1:30 p.m. April 26, 2008

I've noticed several people have expressed their wish for a temple in Tucson. Living in Tucson, I also would like the convenience of one closer to home, but it is apparent that now is not the time. That said, are we taking advantage of the temple that we have in Mesa? I'm sure Tucson will get one someday if there are enough attending.

Overjoyed from Tucson | 1:31 p.m. April 26, 2008

Good to hear that two more temples will be built in AZ! It is wonderful news to read about while serving the nation here in Iraq.

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