Shrine of Mormonism.

Shrine of Mormonism Mesa Edifice Early Envisioned by Brigham Young is Architectural Tribute to Arizona Pioneering

UNRIVALED perfection of masonry, honest sincerity of line and elegant simplicity characterize one of the loveliest shrines in the West-the Mormon Tem ple in Mesa. Situated on the eastern edge of the city in the fertile Salt River Valley, it was built at a cost of about one million dollars.

The architecture is an American type adapted from classic examples. Like all Mormon Temples it is designed after an original plan following Solomon's Temple, but exteriorally to blend with the landscape, reflecting the geologic environment.

The entire Temple is faced with burned fireclay blocks; this terracotta material having an eggshell glaze. Its glowing color was obtained by spraying each block before it was placed in the kiln.

The structure is designed with three quadrangular terraces, each indent pla teau-like above the other. The first elevation comprises a garden ledge four feet high, upon which the building rests. The second division forms the main walls. They are four feet thick and built in with burned brick. The third and uppermost section is a parapet four feet high. The building is massed to proportionately distribute its weight upon colonnades and courts separate the north and south walls, converging into patios with shrubs and flowers. From these patios, doors open into the Temple although main entrances are west and east.

Twice the size of Solomon's Temple, this edifice is 55 feet high; 128 feet north and south; 184 feet east and west. Built earthquake proof the massive concrete foundations are 10 feet 11 inches on the north; 10 feet 11 inches on the east and west; and 12 feet 6 inches on the south. All concrete in the foundation, floors and roof are interlaced with about 130 tons of imbedded steel.

Friezes decorate the apex of the parapet on all sides. They represent the gathering of Israel in the latter days as predicted by Moses. The figures are symbolic of people leaving for America from all parts of the world in response to the proselyting of Mormon mission aries. These converted followers are literally establishing a new Zion in the Rocky Mountains, which is the gathering place of the dispersed tribes of Israel in progress for the last dispensation-according to Mormon belief. The Jewish race is not represented since Biblical scripture predicts that "they shall re build Jerusalem."

This story depicted on the friezes is based upon these words of the Prophet Isaiah: ". . . the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people which shall be left, and He shall set up an ensign for the nations and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."

The baptismal font of the Temple is a striking bit of architecture. It is a great circular basin resting upon the backs of twelve life-sized terracctta Oxen. These oxen, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, are constructed below the level of the floor, significant of burial following death. Similar fonts are in all Temples, but the Arizona font is of excelling cost and beauty.

A sloping roof, forming an immense skylight, emanates light with a hallowed glow upon a magnificent central stair way, while exquisite, colorful paintings life-size masterpieces, adorn most of the interior walls, portraying the earth's progress from darkness to light in the story of the creation. Marble, called "Golden Travis" from Mount Nebo, Utah, forms the baseboards in all rooms and the foyer. White Italian marble lines the walls of the beautiful Celestial room.

The grounds of the Arizona Temple are surrounded by a high steel fence, turreted at intervals with tiny steeples that tower harmoniously with slender cone-topped Italian cypress trees, the most distinctive shrubs in a beautiful semi-tropical garden. A long narrow lagoon stretches from the gate to the main entrance. Sedate arborvite grow around its edges, their globe-like shapes contrasting darkly in the quiet water against the reflected shadows of the white Temple. An atmosphere of tranquility pervades the courtyard where lawn and plants are green all winter in the warm Arizona climate.

At night the Temple appears as an enthralling glory of Holy symbolism when a flood lighting system illuminates it under southern skies. Southward, 300 feet from the main building, is a heat(Continued on Page 24)