News Stories
132nd Operating Temple Dedicated in Arizona's Gila Valley
On Sunday, May 23, 2010, President Thomas S. Monson dedicated Arizona's third temple—The Gila Valley Arizona Temple. This was the first temple announced by Pres. Monson after he became prophet. The community is fondly remembered as the childhood home of President Spencer W. Kimball.
Gila Valley Open House Tours Begin Friday, April 23
The public open house for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple—Arizona's third temple—begins this Friday, April 23. Tours are available Monday through Saturday. Beautiful interior photographs of the temple are on display at the Church's newsroom site.
The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Open House Reservations
Free reservations for the open house of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple are now being taken via the Church's online reservation system (10-ticket limit) or by calling the Reservations Call Center at 1-800-521-5105 or at 801-240-7645.
The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Complex From the Air
Recently submitted aerial photographs of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple show the exquisite new landscaping and turning lane added to the temple complex. The temple opens for free tours beginning Friday, April 23, before its formal dedication on Sunday, May 23.
Tours of The Gila Valley Temple Begin Next Month
The Eastern Arizona Courier reports on the upcoming open house of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple. Guided tours will be offered beginning Friday, April 23, and concluding Saturday, May 15. Reservations are requested.
Inspirational New Video of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
Narrated by the inspiring words of our prophet spoken at General Conference, a beautiful new video shows the current construction status of Arizona's third temple, The Gila Valley Arizona Temple. Reservations for the public open house will be taken beginning April 7.
Construction Advancing on The Gila Valley Temple
Beautiful new photographs and construction photographs of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple show the most recent progress on the temple, which opens to the public in two months for an open house period prior to the dedication of the temple in May.
May Dedication Announced for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
The First Presidency has announced that The Gila Valley Arizona Temple open house will be held Friday, April 23–Saturday, May 15, 2010 (except Sundays). The temple will be dedicated in three sessions (9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 3:00 p.m.) on Sunday, May 23, 2010, with a cultural celebration held the evening before.
Recent Developments Captured at Gila Valley Temple
Beautiful new aerial photographs of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple show the newly poured walkways and front staircase of the temple. Stunning evening photographs capture the glory of the temple complex with majestic Mount Graham in the background.
Temple Presidents Called for Three Temples Under Construction
The First Presidency has called three new temple presidents and matrons for temples that are under construction. They have been called to serve over the following temples: The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, the Cebu City Philippines Temple, and the Vancouver British Columbia Temple.
Angel Moroni Now Overlooks Arizona's Gila Valley
On September 22, 2009, the spire and the gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni were lifted atop The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, taking the beautiful edifice to its final height and form. The new temple and adjoining meetinghouse are expected to open next year.
Trees Planted at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Site
On September 15, trees began to be planted at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple site, commencing the landscaping of the grounds. Captivating aerial photographs show the placement of the trees and give an update on the progress of the adjoining meetinghouse facility.
Stained Glass Installation Begins in the Gila Valley
Stained glass windows have arrived for installation at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple. The first windows installed were those located in the middle of the steeple. The windows follow the symbolic vesica piscis motif, which is also featured in the exterior stonework.
Steeple Rising Atop The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
Newly installed sections of the steeple of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple are taking the temple to new heights. Installation of the spire and the angel Moroni statue are expected shortly. Dedication of Arizona's third temple is expected next year.
Exterior Panel Installation Nearly Completed in the Gila Valley
Construction of The Gila Valley Arizona Temple continues to progress rapidly with the majority of the beautifully molded exterior panels going up in just two weeks. The remaining areas to be faced include the steeple and some portions of the upper level architectural structure.
Gila Valley Temple Receives Exterior Panels
Today at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, the installation of beautifully crafted exterior panels to the steel skeleton of the temple is an exciting step forward. More molds are currently being manufactured at Hanson Eagle Precast under the direction of Jef Pike.
Steel Skeleton Rises at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Site
Work on The Gila Valley Arizona Temple is now clearly visible with the rise of the beams and columns that are forming a steel skeleton for this House of the Lord. Work on the temple and adjacent meetinghouse is moving rapidly. The public open house and dedication are anticipated to occur next year.
Meetinghouse Walls Rise; Temple Prepares for Foundation
At The Gila Valley Arizona Temple construction site, progress is evident on the adjacent meetinghouse—being built simultaneously—with the rise of its exterior frame walls. Work on the temple, which is built to even higher standards, is in the preparation phase for its foundation.
Laying the Foundation for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
At The Gila Valley Arizona Temple construction site, work proceeds below ground level on the footings and foundation. The highly reinforced structure will be built to the high standards set by the Church for its temples.
Excavation Preparation Begins in the Gila Valley
Fill dirt and heavy machinery are now found at The Gila Valley Arizona Temple construction site in preparation for full-scale excavation for the foundation. The temple's formal groundbreaking was held a month ago on February 14, 2009.
Construction Ready to Begin on the Gila Valley Temple
A month after ground was formally broken for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, general contractor Jacobsen Construction is ready to begin with full-scale construction as evidenced by the presence of a construction trailer, sign, and barriers.
Construction Begins on The Gila Valley Arizona Temple
Ground was broken for The Gila Valley Arizona Temple on February 14, 2009—the 97th anniversary of Arizona becoming a state. Follow this link to view groundbreaking photographs.