New Mormon temple in Arizona makes debut

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Gilbert, Ariz. • A newly constructed, 195-foot Mormon temple southeast of Phoenix has opened its doors.

The Arizona Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1kNcWGi) the Gilbert Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began offering tours Saturday.

Church officials say once the 85,000-square-foot temple is dedicated March 2, only Mormons of good standing will be allowed to enter.

Reservations for public tours will be available online until Feb. 15.

The temple, which is at the corner of Pecos and Greenfield roads, has five levels. The building features Swarovski crystal chandeliers and a gold-leaf-covered statue of Angel Moroni on its spire.

William R. Walker, executive director of the church's Temple Department from Sandy, Utah, says the Gilbert temple is the fourth one to be built in Arizona.

———

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com