Reader comments
LDS Church announces plans for two new temples in Arizona

276 comments | Read story

Thatcher Boy | 1:51 p.m. April 26, 2008

Oh I'm so happy to hear that Pima is going to have a Temple. Let's all thank the Lord for this wonderful answer to prayers.

Gila Guy | 1:56 p.m. April 26, 2008

I live in Thatcher, we have a small Junior College with lots of members who attend. Great thing for the RM's who come home, college students, youth, and just about everybody,

Just hope it isn't built in Pima. He he he

Sam | 1:55 p.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."

Since all members who desire can now "index" on line more and more temples are needed just to keep up with the volume of work.

Comments continue below

wrz | 2:00 p.m. April 26, 2008

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

Happiness is going there, whether it's on your street of not.

New Englander | 2:21 p.m. April 26, 2008

It was a joy and a blessing when the Boston Temple was built in 2000. But although it was closer to us then the Washington, DC temple it was still hard to get there. We lived 73 miles from it. It is amazing how hard it is to get a ride to the temple for Ward or even Stake temple day if you don't have a car. We know we tried but people perfer only to ride with certain people.

I moved here to the Salt Lake Valley and it is wonderful being able to just hope on the bus and go to either the Jordan River Temple or Salt Lake temple. I don't need to make special arrangements to go and I can usually call a neighbor and invite her to go with me.

I am however waiting for a temple to be announced either in New Hampshire or Maine(where I am from). I have a few friends who miss me but until there is a temple in either of these states I'm staying here as I have much work to do.

Annonymous | 2:23 p.m. April 26, 2008

I just thought I would do something different than the other annonymous writers, like posting something positive about the announcement of the two new temples.

What a wonderful blessing these new temple will be in the lives of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Arizona. If you other Annonymous contributors only knew what you were bashing, you would hang your heads in shame. I say shame on you for trying to bring such a special thing down to your level.

Why don't you follow the savior's admonition to "let your light shine" rather than trying dim the light of others?

Ron Shiflet | 2:40 p.m. April 26, 2008

The Gila Valley currently has 3 stakes, yet provides 10% of the staffing of the Mesa Temple. It makes sense to place a temple here.

Temple in Tucson? | 2:44 p.m. April 26, 2008

It's presently unclear which temple Tucson will use, since they're about halfway between both these announced locations. But as an LDS Arizonan, I'm positive that a Tucson Temple could--and should--be a reality at some point. I'd love to see it, too. It'd be a wonderful location.

A lot beyond members' control goes into the decision to build any LDS temple, but there's one key variable that the members *can* directly control: Attendance. It's kind of like the Field of Dreams in reverse: If you come, they will build it.

This is NOT to say Tucson members DON'T already attend the temple--I'm sure they do--just to say that (as in many other areas of life) an even more concentrated effort at attendance, combined with faith and prayer, can bring about the desired blessing.

So the bottom line: If church members in Tucson will faithfully attend whichever temple, as often as they can, and pray earnestly for the blessing, they'll get their temple, too.

J.R. | 2:57 p.m. April 26, 2008

The location of temples has a lot to do with attendance. The Church keeps track what stakes people attending the temple are coming from. No doubt there is a high percentage of patrons at the Mesa Temple coming from the southeast part of the Valley of the Sun and the Gila Valley. For anyone who has lived in the East Valley it makes sense that there would be 2 temples within a few miles of eachother there.

lynnie | 3:23 p.m. April 26, 2008

Yaaaaawn...big whoop. Another temple(s) for all to praise about the goodness of the Prophet who saw fit to bless them with this.

Samuel Crandall Bender | 3:46 p.m. April 26, 2008

My maternal grandparents were pretty much born, bred and died in the Gila Valley of Arizona (Grandpa died Oct. 2007 and Grandma in Feb. 2008). So they would've been happy to hear of a temple being contruction near home. As for their oldest son living in Mesa, I wouldn't know his stake will still be in the Mesa Temple district or in the district of the future Gilbert Temple. My late mother (Sept. 2004) also would've happy to hear of these two temples' announcements.

I find it interesting... | 4:12 p.m. April 26, 2008

that, while there are more members of the church outside of the United States than there are inside, the LDS church continues to build so many temples here in North America. How terrible that you might have to drive 6 hours to reach a temple in Arizona. There are people in other countries who have to save up their money to take a flight to the nearest temple. Stop being so selfish.

Ernest T. Bass | 4:34 p.m. April 26, 2008

wrz:
But what EXACTLY are the blessings?
Everytime I listen to conference or read the Ensign I keep hearing about the "rich blessings" for "righteousness" yet there are never any specifics.
All the while I see non-members and inactive members who are just as happy and "blessed" so it becomes not only confusing but difficult to take seriously when I hear these things.
I want specifics. Although they never provide specifics which seems rather odd considering the claims of absolute truth.

SW NM | 5:04 p.m. April 26, 2008

To all the would-be prophets who think they know better where to put a temple - Tucson? That would be more than 3 hours from my house. Wait your turn! The Gila Valley is only 1 to 1.5 hours for me -even though I live in New Mexico. I'm sure President Monson took me into consideration when he made the choice - just like he doesn't know you exist???? I'm not as worried about outsiders desecrating or being critical - it is some within the church that we need to be worried about.

S. of Tucson | 5:20 p.m. April 26, 2008

I saw the headline, and was so hopeful for one of the temples to be in Tucson. How I wish we could have one here. I'm excited for two more temples in the state, I hope and pray that someday soon Tucson will also be blessed with a temple.

Re:Ernest T. | 5:26 p.m. April 26, 2008

If you watch General Conferences and read the Ensign then you would know what those blessings are. Whoever said that non-members and/or inactive members could not be happy? You think happiness is reserved for LDS members? Wow, that chip on your shoulder really shows in your post.

QC Resident | 5:31 p.m. April 26, 2008

To all Saints in the West Valley we ask patience. These great Temples take a lot of work behind the scenes and acquiring land is becoming difficult. The Temple in Gilbert will be a great blessing to those in Queen Creek, Chandler, and Gilbert as well. Remember that QC was recently divided from 3 stakes in 5 stakes recently. The West Valley will get even more blessings for having to travel so far to receive the blessings of the Temple because it shows great faith and endurance to do so. Thank you for adding more Temples, whereever they may be in this world.

Gilbert girl | 5:32 p.m. April 26, 2008

I live just 2 miles away from the Gilbert temple site, and I am so excited!!
I just want to say to all those who are complaining about there not being a temple right in your city, I have a friend who lives in Saudi Arabia right now. She has to travel to a completely different country to get to any temple! 6 hours is nothing compared to 2 days of traveling. Just be grateful for the half hour cut off the driving time. The time will come when there will be temples in nearly every city and town--just look at Utah!
Again, I am so happy for the two new temples!!!

Melody Shiflet | 5:40 p.m. April 26, 2008

I am so excited to hear about the 2 new temples in Arizona. I am from the Gila Valley and I know my ancestors would be thrilled about a temple being built there. I am very fortunate to have a temple 20 minutes away. This is a great blessing for the members in Az.

Shannon from Safford | 5:50 p.m. April 26, 2008

I grew up in Safford and my family still lives there and I know how faithful they are and many of the members there are to drive to the valley monthly to do temple work. This will be such a blessing for them all! I am very excited!! Just bummed I'm not there to enjoy the building of such a place!

Michael | 6:07 p.m. April 26, 2008

I agree with those who are surprised about Gilbert. Bless their hearts and all in Gilbert, but a lot of the people who are keeping Mesa busy are traveling from Tucson or from other areas of Phoenix. Mesa is a veritable mini-Provo, but there are lots of other areas that have large pockets of LDS and would hope for a temple that is more readily accessible.

Heidi from Phoenix | 6:42 p.m. April 26, 2008

The Lord builds His temples where He sees fit. :)

living in Tucson | 7:01 p.m. April 26, 2008

I agree with the comment by Arizona. I live in Tucson and would love a temple here, but I also know that this is the Lord's church and the prophets follow His will. If the Lord said to build the temple in Gilbert, then that is where it will be built. Thankfully this church is run by the Lord and not a democratic vote of where people think temples should be built. If the saints in Tucson continue to grow in population and exercise their faith in needing a temple by showing that they regularly use the ones in the Phoenix valley, they will indeed have a temple in Tucson someday. I have friends in other countries who take days and life savings to get to the temple. Let's put it all in perspective and thank the Lord for the blessing of two more temples regardless of where they are built.

handlebar | 7:02 p.m. April 26, 2008

You guys complain about driving across town to go to the temple. Try living in Wyoming and figure 5 hours to either Idaho Falls, Billings, Logan, or Ogden. I Have been through a number of them and even though they each are special, Mesa and Logan are my favorites. Congrats to ole' TD Barney.

Janet C. | 7:05 p.m. April 26, 2008

I work in the beautiful little Snowflake Temple. It was a thrill when our temple was built and we have filled it many times. It is wonderful to see two more temples coming to Az. I agree that the West valley has a very long drive to Mesa and Tucson does as well. Maybe someday that will happen.

Inquiring Mind | 7:52 p.m. April 26, 2008

Can someone help me understand? I attend a Bible Study in Paradise Valley. We recently discussed Jesusï¿½ putting an end to sacrifice, which was the purpose of ancient temples. In Matt.12:7 & 9:13 He says the Jewish priests failed to understand that God desires mercy, not temple sacrifice (1 Sam.15:22). In Jeremiah 7:4-15 God explains that He will do away with temples and sacrifice. Jesus curses the fig tree just before interrupting the temple service, and then points out the effects after-symbolic of His fulfilling the prophecy in Jeremiah8:12-13. To the Samaritan woman at the well, He says that HE is the new temple-the sacred place to commune with God-and both the temples at Jerusalem and Gerizim will be destroyed because temple worship is ended in Him (see John4:21-24). John2:21 clearly says that the temple that will replace the stone temple is Christï¿½s body. The martyr, Stephen, who was killed for predicting the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, also teaches that God does not dwell in houses constructed by human hands (Acts6:14 & 7:48-49). So why do Mormons build temples when Jesus ended temples? I truly want to understand. Please don't attack me.

hunt | 8:09 p.m. April 26, 2008

Do we know exactly where in the Gila Valley? Thatcher, Pima, Safford, Central???

To JR | 8:19 p.m. April 26, 2008

Prior to the new recommends having the bar code on them, can you explain how attendance was tracked by stake, let alone by individual?

I've never had anyone ask me what stake I'm in or any other personal question.

Just curious where you come up with your claim?

To Paradise Valley | 8:26 p.m. April 26, 2008

There aren't enough word allotments to give you a really good answer, unless someone else can do it with brevity.

I'd suggest you go to your local LDS Church and ask someone if you don't know any neighbors or friends who are LDS. They will be able to provide you with the answers.

You could also call and ask for the missionaries to come help you with those questions.

No one is going to attack you for asking a great question.

CAT | 8:28 p.m. April 26, 2008

Small questions. Why are the people that aren't interested in the Church reading Deseret News in the first place? How did they all find out about the temples so quickly?

Great Day!!! | 8:38 p.m. April 26, 2008

I served my mission in Tucson several years ago. And lived in Casa Grande. Tucson has a lot of faithful members. Just out side of Tucson in St David as well. The Temple in the Gila Valley will be great. I was hoping as well that one of them would be in Tucson. Some day there will be though. The temple in Gilbert may not make sense to people. I think it makes perfect sense. How many stakes are there in Gilbert and Queen Creek, a lot! Plus the Mesa temple is so busy all the time. Alot of times temples are grouped together because that is where alot of members live and attend from. Look at Utah. I am very surprised to hear the comments from members about why put a temple in Gilbert and not in Tucson or the west valley. Obviously there are not enough members attending the Mesa temple from those areas or they would have a temple there. Lets stop questioning revelation to our prophet. And start going to the temple more

J.R. | 9:19 p.m. April 26, 2008

To the person who asked where I got my information from, a person in the Temple Recorder's office. If you have ever been a clerk you know that the church is very big on stats.

One way I know that they tracked prior to the bar coded recommends is that they would track the stakes and wards that schedule sessions and then track the number that show up.

Also, even the old recommends displayed the stake and ward info, so you didn't need to be asked. I don't know if they recorded it at the recommend desk, but I know every temple recorders office has stats on where people come from.

Also, my mother was just released as a worker in the Mesa AZ Temple and she asked a member of the temple presidency about new temples for the Valley of the Sun and was told by him that it depends on attendance. Like I said, the church is BIG on stats.

West Valley Mormon | 9:28 p.m. April 26, 2008

I totally understand the temple in Thatcher/Safford. They deserve it.

I sure would like one in the west valley. Now those east valley Mormons have one more reason to tell us why they are better than us.

I mean look at the attitude they have.

As per QC Resident
"The West Valley will get even more blessings for having to travel so far to receive the blessings of the Temple because it shows great faith and endurance to do so." - bla bla bla bla bla...

But I am just glad the valley gets another one.

And no, before the barcodes, they couldn't keep very good track of where people were coming from, but had some general ideas.

Funny | 10:09 p.m. April 26, 2008

How about Tucson? There are thousands of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southeast corner of Arizona. It's a six hour round trip to Mesa.

Inquiring Mind | 10:20 p.m. April 26, 2008

I have tried asking Mormon Missionaries. They are very nice, but could not answer the question.

The idea of getting "blessings" for temple worship is also puzzling to me. I truly want to understand.

I know what I hear in Bible study, and some of it is unbelievable. The LDS Church builds hundreds of temples around the world, but keeps the ceremonies secret. The only other Churches I know of that build temples are the polygamists (FLDS). Perhaps that is why people see a connection between the LDS and FLDS?

The Bible seems very clear that Jesus ended temple worship completely. I really would like to understand why LDS build temples. Please try to explain. I will watch for an answer.

Janelleinaz | 10:24 p.m. April 26, 2008

I live in Gilbert, Az. and am so totally excited that we are going to be building a new Temple here in Gilbert! I go to the Mesa Temple, which is not that far away from me but it is old and a bit small. I notice that sometimes there are not enough rooms for sessions, so I am all for it and say bring it on! We have lots of work to be done and I hope and pray that everyone will take full advantage and let these people waiting for us to do their work to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The community has a large LDS population and I am sure that they are all going to be thrilled with this exciting news! I LOVE OUR NEW PROPHET! :)

MAC | 10:54 p.m. April 26, 2008

Dear Inquiring Mind:
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are sacred structures in which these and other eternal questions are answered. Each is dedicated as a house of the Lord, a place of holiness and peace shut apart from the world. There truths are taught and ordinances are performed that bring knowledge of things eternal and motivate the participants to live with an understanding of our divine inheritance as children of God and an awareness of our potential as eternal beings.

Marriage partners who come to the house of the Lord and partake of its blessings are joined not only for the period of their mortal lives but for all eternity. They are bound together under authority not only of the law of the land that joins them until death but also through the eternal priesthood of God, which binds in heaven that which is bound on earth.

Observer | 10:56 p.m. April 26, 2008

I'd take the LDS church more seriously if they spent less on gaudy architecture and more on the poor.

RE: West Valley Mormon | 10:57 p.m. April 26, 2008

"Now those east valley Mormons have one more reason to tell us why they are better than us.

I mean look at the attitude they have."

As an East Valley Mormon, I don't think I'm better than you or anyone else, really. We all already have a beautiful temple now, for East and West Valleys alike. The new temple doesn't mean anyone in the EV is more righteous--and I'd pity anyone who might think so. It's just where the Lord wanted to build it. We all need it--East, West, Casa Grande, Tucson, Yuma, wherever.

Sure, there's pride in the EV, too--as there is a number of other places in the Church. Both recognized and admitted. But it's better to be part of the solution rather than the problem. So no hard feelings. We're all imperfect and have shortcomings--wherever we live.

GAL FROM GILA VAL | 11:08 p.m. April 26, 2008

How wonderful is the news of the new temple to be built in the Gila Valley. It will be busy and probably hard to get in for a session. There are a lot of temple going folks around here and the temple will be full all of the time. What a wonderful blessing to all that live here.

re inquiring mind - John L | 11:11 p.m. April 26, 2008

You have a good question that many may ponder. The temples are placed here that we may perform sacred (not secret) ordinances as mentioned in the new testament. Our temples at various times prior to dedication or re-dedications are open to all to walk through and ask questions. The ordinances are primarily to better understand the nature of God that we may become more like Him by living the examples of Christ. Many of us hope that through these teachings we may act accordingly, because many people judge the Church from our actions instead of acknowledging the Church for its teachings. Those that compare us to the RLDS which is the only off shoot of the original and existing Church, and the FLDS (sheeps in wolves clothes) that utilize the church's history (as they have no direct claim or connection) to have for perverted men to have sex with multiple women and underage girls, truly do not understand of what we are about and who we are, and choose to remain ignorant and attach the church whenever there is negative publicity towards these such religions.

love it! | 11:36 p.m. April 26, 2008

We had a G.A. come to our ward, and he said that untill there are more spanish members in tucson they weren't going to build a temple here. You want one in Tucson, spread the gospel!

Grateful | 12:11 a.m. April 27, 2008

The Mesa Temple district consists of 74 stakes. 20 in Mesa, 7 in Gilbert, 5 in Queen Creek, 5 in Phoenix, 5 in Tucson, 4 in Chandler, 4 in Tempe, 2 in Glendale, 2 in Peoria, 2 in Scottsdale, and 18 in other locations.

The Gilbert Temple will relieve the crowded Mesa Temple. On the other hand, the Gila Valley Temple will provide closer proximity for the members living there, which is 3 hours from Mesa on a windy highway. Tucson members have a 2 hour Interstate drive to Mesa.

Twelve years ago there were 7 temples in Utah 2 in California, and 1 in Arizona. Today there are 7 temples in California and soon to be 13 in Utah. Additional temples will also be built closer to Tucson as well as the west valley in time.

To Inquiring Mind | 12:30 a.m. April 27, 2008

As in the post above, it's best you ask a member or missionary in person because they can give you a full answer to the questions you pose. We've only got a 200-word limit here, after all. :)

What I'm confused about, though, is the rationale for saying that Jesus ended temple worship. That's something I haven't ever heard before. Yet in the very last chapter and verse of Luke (24:53), after the resurrected Jesus had finished teaching His disciples and ascended, the Bible says Jesus' disciples were continually in the (Jewish) temple, praising God. Now to my way of thinking, had Jesus given them instructions at any point not to attend the temple further, they wouldn't be there--but instead, they were there *continually.* And He repeatedly referred to the temple as "My Father's House." I'm not sure why He would abandon His Father's house.

That's why I personally don't understand the rationale for saying that Jesus ended temple worship. I really would appreciate it if you could explain that. I promise, no attacks! I'd just like to understand your position. Thanks!

ConvertInSurpriseAz | 12:41 a.m. April 27, 2008

Arizona is trully blessed with the announcement of 2 new Temples. Hopefully the new Gilbert Temple will relieve some of the congestion at the Mesa Temple.

But... I would like to say to those who say that more West Valley Saints should visit the Temple. There are a lot of us that attend, and the blessings to come from Temple Attendance, its just difficult at times to make the trip across the valley. A recent Temple day for us took 7 hours because of road construction, traffic and having to wait to do a session because it was crowded. This is hard when you have to find childcare for small children. It shouldnt take that long, but it does.

I am just greatful that we have a Temple so close, and we dont have to drive to another State or Country. Just wish it was a little closer.

Queen Creek AZ | 12:50 a.m. April 27, 2008

I can understand the West Side and Tucson saints wondering why Gilbert (they are driving a greater distance) but if part of the purpose is to relieve some of the pressure on Mesa then what better place for a temple then right in the middle of a huge LDS population. I don't know of many areas of the church, outside of Utah and perhaps areas of Idaho, that has such a large number of members in a rather small area. Where the growth of the church exploded in a very short time. My Ward boundries in 2000 is now four Stakes in the same boundries. Where up until recently all chaples had 5 wards meeting in them and thats just the QC area. Gilbert has also exploded. You drive around Gilbert and you would think your in UT with all the chaples that are everywhere. In 2000 the QC area had 1 chaple now there are at least 10. So if your looking to build a temple to relieve Mesa then there is no better place then the Gilbert Queen Creek area. I have also heard that a member donated the land at the Greenfield Pecos intersection.

Gila Valley Real Estate | 12:50 a.m. April 27, 2008

Wow. You talk about blessings and being saved. This will slow down the decline in real estate. And don't think your homes are going to take a jump in value. Look at the community of Daybreak in South Jordan. Since the temple was announced, prices increased a bit but have declined over 25% since.

Follow the prophet: Buy what you can afford.

Re: Re: West Valley Mormon | 12:52 a.m. April 27, 2008

I agree with you West Valley Mormon, I would like to see a temple in the West Valley. Phoenix is such a large metropolitan area. I currently live in the West Valley. When my friend sent an E-Mail to me about the announcement of two new temples here in Arizona, I was hoping for an announcement that we would get one here on our side of town. For a temple to be built in a certain area,you need a strong base of temple recommend holders who actively attend the temple on a regular basis. As Phoenix continues to grow and the missionary effort picks up, someday there will be a temple built in the West Valley!

I am excited that we are getting two new temples here in the state! Arizona has some of the strongest members of the church! The prophecy that temples will dot the land is coming true, and someday, one of those dots will be on the Westside of Phoenix metropolitan area! I hope I am able to live to see that day!

A Question or Two | 12:55 a.m. April 27, 2008

Do all of you realize this is what the Lord wants? Do you realize that the Prophet made this announcement? Do you realize that God reveals His will to the prophet, and that the prophet speaks the Lords words? Are you questioning the prophet, and thereby doing, the Lord? I am sure at some day and time, there will be a temple in Phoenix, Glendale, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Tucson, Flagstaff and all sorts of other places. Today it is Gilbert and the Gila Valley temples. It will be a great blessing. We will fill them brimming, with or without gas prices skyrocketing, just like the Mesa temple is at times right now. And then another temple will be announced. And that one will be filled. And another. Be glad, don't complain!

Utah Transplant | 12:58 a.m. April 27, 2008

To 'Observer'
The LDS Church spends WAY more on the poor of the world than it does on your so-called 'gaudy' architecture. The church does build chapels & temples to stand the test of time. For more info on how the church helps other people, click on this link:
www.lds.org/humanitarianservices

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.