Gila Valley Arizona Temple facts for kids

Gila Valley Arizona Temple
Exterior, December 2009
Number	132	edit data
Dedicated	Quick facts for kids May 23, 2010 (May 23, 2010) by Thomas S. Monson
Site	17 acres (6.9 hectares)
Floor area	18,561 sq ft (1,724 m2)
Height	100 ft (30 m)
Preceded by	Vancouver British Columbia Temple
Followed by	Cebu City Philippines Temple
Official website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/details/the-gila-valley-arizona-temple • News & images
Additional information Announced April 26, 2008 Groundbreaking February 14, 2009 by Neil L. Andersen Open House April 23 – May 15, 2010 Designed by Gregory B. Lambright Location 5291 W. Highway 70, Central, Arizona Exterior finish Architectural precast stone Temple design Classic modern, single-spire design Ordinance rooms 2 (Movie, two-stage progressive sessions) Sealing rooms 2 Clothing rental No Cafeteria No Visitors' center No Notes Announced by Thomas S. Monson on April 26, 2008.

The Gila Valley Arizona Temple is a special building called a temple. It belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This temple is located in a town called Central, in Arizona. It sits between the communities of Pima and Thatcher. The temple was officially opened on May 23, 2010. Before that, people could visit it during an "open house" from April 23 to May 15.

History of the Gila Valley Temple

The plan to build this temple was announced on April 26, 2008. At the same time, another temple, the Gilbert Arizona Temple, was also announced. These were the first new temples announced by Thomas S. Monson. He had just become the leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Choosing the Temple Location

On September 21, 2008, local church leaders shared where the temple would be built. It was placed on land the church already owned. This land was right next to U.S. Route 70 in Central. The temple needed a tall steeple, about 100-foot-tall (30 m). This was taller than usual building rules allowed. So, they asked for a special permission. The local planning group said yes, and the county leaders approved it on October 20.

Building the Temple

Construction officially began on February 14, 2009. This day was marked by a special groundbreaking ceremony. The main building was finished on September 22. On that day, a statue of the Angel Moroni was placed on top of the temple's steeple. Other parts of the site, like the gardens and inside areas, were finished in early 2010.

Why the Temple Was Built Here

This new temple helps many Latter-day Saints in eastern Arizona. Before this temple, they had to travel about 150 miles. Their closest temple was the Mesa Arizona Temple. The area around the Gila River Valley is important to the Church. For example, Thatcher was started by Mormon pioneers in 1881. Spencer W. Kimball, a former Church president, grew up in Thatcher. People had even thought about a temple here a long time ago. In 1882, Jesse N. Smith said he believed a temple would be built in Thatcher.

Special Art and Closure

Before the temple was dedicated, President Monson shared something interesting. A woman from the area, who wished to remain unknown, gave $500,000. This money helped pay for many beautiful original artworks inside the temple.

In 2020, the Gila Valley Arizona Temple had to close for a time. This happened because of the coronavirus pandemic.