09-04-2025
3 new Mormon temples planned for Arizona. Here's everything we know about them
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced three new temples for Arizona in the past year and a half.
President Russell M. Nelson announced that a temple would be built in Flagstaff on April 6. The church also announced in 2024 temples would be built in Yuma and Queen Creek.
However, since the announcements were made, there has been relatively little news or updates on the temples, including where in each city they will be built or when the groundbreaking will be held.
"We are thrilled at the announcement of another temple being built in Arizona," church spokesperson Jennifer Wheeler said in a statement to The Arizona Republic. "Temples are sacred places where we worship Jesus Christ. Having a temple in Flagstaff will give the members of our Church who reside in that area more convenient access to worship Jesus at the temple regularly."
Temples are considered the sacred spaces where church members can worship and connect with God. There are more than 300 temples around the world, with just over 150 of those in the United States, according to the church's website.
Here's everything we know about the new temples being built and the six already in operation.
The three new Arizona temples are among more than 45 new temples announced by President Russell M. Nelson, the leader of the church, in the past 18 months.
The Yuma temple was announced on April 7, 2024. The church confirmed that there were no new details, including a site for the temple or a timeline for construction, to share about the temple.
Nelson announced that the church would build a temple in Queen Creek on Oct. 6, 2024. The church confirmed that a site for the temple or a timeline for construction has not been announced.
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The Flagstaff temple was announced on April 6, 2025. The church confirmed that there were no new details, including a site for the temple or a timeline for construction, to share about the temple.
The Grand Canyon State is already home to six temples that are open and in operation.
Arizona is the state with the fifth most LDS temples, following Utah (32), California (12), Idaho (11) and Texas (10).
The Mesa Arizona Temple is the oldest in Arizona and among the first temples built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple took five years to build and was completed in 1927. It features sprawling gardens and a visitor's center. The Mesa temple also hosts a huge Christmas lights display and an Easter Pageant each year.
The Snowflake Arizona Temple was the second built in the Grand Canyon State. It was announced in 2000 and opened in 2002.
The Gila Valley Arizona Temple, located near the towns of Thatcher and Safford, was announced in 2008 and was completed in 2010.
The Gilbert Arizona Temple, located on Greenfield and Pecos roads, was built several years after the Gila Valley Temple, reaching completion in 2014. The temple and its 82-foot spire are easily visible from the Loop 202 freeway in the southeast Valley.
The Phoenix Arizona Temple, which is located on Pinnacle Peak Road near 51st Avenue, was announced in 2008 and completed in 2014. The temple covers 27,423 square feet with a full basement and an 89-foot-tall spire.
The Tucson Arizona Temple is the newest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple completed in the state. It was finished in 2017.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 Mormon temples planned for Arizona. Here's what to know
