Tucson Temple Dedication

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Tucson Arizona Temple on Sunday, August 13, 2017, in three sessions, making it the sixth Mormon temple in the state of Arizona and the 157th worldwide. There are more than 423,000 Latter-day Saints in the state.

Completion of the temple occurs with the traditional cornerstone ceremony and dedicatory prayer. President Uchtdorf placed mortar around the cornerstone and was joined by others, at his invitation, to do the same.

“The temple is such a wonderful sign of light and of purpose, which is the purpose, which is heavenly, even the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said President Uchtdorf. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the place to find harmony between heaven and earth.”

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Larry Y. Wilson, executive director of the Temple Department; and Elders Benjamin De Hoyos and Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy also participated in the dedication.

The announcement to build the Tucson Arizona Temple was made by President Thomas S. Monson at the October 2012 general conference.

During the three-week open house in June, more than 112,000 people toured the temple and viewed a video about temples and their sacred significance to members of the Church. Members of local government and clergies toured the temple as well.

During the dedication ceremony the President of the Tucson Temple, Pres. James Michael Moeller spoke. He mentioned he was a descendant of Philemon C. Merrill. He was his Great Great Grandfather. He was instrumental in pioneering the Tucson/St. David area of Arizona as well as being in the Mormon Battalion that came through this area as well. 

My heart was immediately pricked! Philemon C. Merrill is my Great Great Great Great Grandfather!!! 

He spoke about how our pioneer ancestors who sacrificed so much must be bursting in heaven today at the site of this momentous day! The trek they had to take to be sealed to their families was treacherous and many didn’t return. 

I had had those SAME thoughts and feelings the day we drove down to tour the open house a few months ago. I so felt my family on the other side of veil close and excitedly awaiting for this day to arrive!! My heart was beyond full that day as it is today seeing that it’s finally dedicated to the Lord!  

I’m also thrilled for those Latter Day Saints who live in Tucson who now don’t have to drive all the way up to Gilbert to receive the blessings and help that comes through attending the Temple regularly! It’s a blessed day!