President Monson Announces Third New Temple in Arizona

Within a month’s span, President Thomas S. Monson has announced plans to build three new temples in Arizona, USA. The most recent announcement came on May 24, 2008, in which the prophet declared plans to build a temple in Phoenix.

On April 28 he announced plans to build temples in Gilbert and Gila Valley, Arizona.

“The blessings of the temple are eternal,” President Monson said in a letter to members. “Those who come to this holy house will feel of God’s love for His children and come to a greater understanding of their own divine origin and potential as His sons and daughters.”

The new temples will bring the total number of temples in Arizona to five, and will alleviate the high demand placed on the state’s currently operating temples in Mesa and Snowflake.

Built in 1927, the Mesa Arizona Temple is attended by more members than any temple in the world outside of Utah, serving members from 74 stakes, according to the Church’s Temple Department.

No timetable has been set for the construction of the three new temples, which bring the worldwide total of operating or planned temples to 140.