Gilbert LDS Temple

STEEPLE!!!!!

2012-02-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!! Let me tell you I have LOVED getting the pictures. Please keep them coming. I have just been posting them as I go and really appreciate all the snapshots. I will probably choose once or twice a week to post photos if they keep coming in like they have the last week. Also, if I don't respond to your submitted photos, please know I appreciate them a ton!!

We have some wonderful shots from yesterday by Whitny Shields:

More today from Jeanette Carroll WITH THE STEEPLE!!!!

Warren Gates sent in these great shots:

Finally, I got a couple shots from my backyard of the steeple!

I LOVE IT!!!

Today! And more!

2012-02-09T17:21:00.001-08:00

Keep the photos coming, folks! These is great!

Thank you Karsyn Ketring! Great shot!

From Gale Ellsworth!! LOVE! Thank you!!

And... a shot only a crew member could provide! Thank you Jeff Littig!!

More Photos!

2012-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

More pictures from blog viewers.... Thank you SOOO much!

From Karsyn Ketring

From Jeanette Carroll

Latest Photos

2012-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Whitny Shields, we have some great photos. The facade has already changed since these were taken last week and I will need to get some more photos. I love getting photos from others, so keep them coming!

Love watching this building come together!

New WINTER Hours For The Visitor Area

2012-01-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I have just been informed regarding the new hours for the visitor area. These hours will be in effect until further notice.

Here you go!

Gilbert AZ Temple Visitor Area WINTER Hours

Monday	8 am – 6 pm
Tuesday	8 am – 6 pm
Wednesday	8 am – 6 pm
Thursday	8 am – 4 pm
Friday	8 am – 3 pm
Saturday	by appointment
Sunday (2nd & 4th of month)	2 pm – 6 pm

The End of 2011

2011-12-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

So much progress has been made. My children keep telling me how fast the temple is going and I keep thinking how slow it is going. :) But, considering the groundbreaking was barely over a year ago, I think a lot has been done.

Here is the view from my backyard now...

Gale Ellsworth was kind enough to contribute the following photos. I love to have others contribute their photos because it always gives a different perspective than just mine -- so keep them coming :)

More Photos

2011-12-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Gale Ellsworth, we have some new photos today. I can't tell you how much it helps to have everyone out there with a camera snapping pictures for me. I've been known to juggle my camera while I drive but my children tell me its not safe. :) So, thank you everyone! And especially, today, thank you, Gale!

First Slab Up Today!

2011-11-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

I can't be more thrilled to post this... the first slab of concrete (or what ever it was) was fixed into place today. Of course, with today's schedule, I could only get drive by shots. Thanks to a very perfectly timed photo from Brent Hancock, we have a great image to look at.

Here are my "drive-bys" and Brent's photo... Enjoy

The next one is from Brent Hancock :)

The Latest

2011-11-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry its been so long since the last update... Apparently I keep forgetting how busy the fall gets. :)

So here are some pictures. Even though they are working constantly, its some times hard to see the subtle changes day by day. Hopefully we will get some photos from the construction department soon... those are the best.

Enjoy.

Gilbert Temple Visitor Area

2011-10-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

From the Project Manager on the Gilbert Temple:

We were just informed today by the contractor of the Greenfield Rd. widening project that they will be closing the vehicle access from Greenfield Rd. to the temple site, beginning 10/17/11, for approximately 2 weeks.

We are unable to provide vehicular access to the temple visitor areas at all during this closure. However, there will be pedestrian access at the Greenfield Rd. gate. Visitors that wish to visit the site during this time will need to find suitable parking offsite and walk (please remain on the dirt area between the new concrete curb and the temple fencing) to the Greenfield Rd. pedestrian access. For safety’s sake, we would encourage visitors to come after working hours (approx 3 PM) as there will be a substantial amount of work and equipment traffic from the road contractor in this area during working hours.

Once the road work is completed at the Greenfield Rd. access, visitors will then be able to enter from Greenfield Rd. and park at the Visitor Area.

More Photos (AMAZING)

2011-10-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Photos Provided by the Construction Department at the site of the Gilbert Temple.

Can you believe its getting so CLOSE????!!!!!

Progress

2011-10-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

Photos

2011-09-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the latest shots

This next one was through a car window but I just had to include it because it shows the whole thing really well.

New Visitor Hours and Need Authors!!

2011-08-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mary Jane McGrath, we have the new hours for the Visitor Center at the temple construction site. They follow:

New hours for the Gilbert Temple Visitors Area--
Monday 8 am – 8 pm
Tuesday 8 am – 8 pm
Wednesday 8 am – 8 pm
Thursday 8 am – 4 pm
Friday 8 am – 3 pm
Saturday by appointment
Sunday (2nd & 4th of month)
2 pm – 6 pm
Other times available by appointment 480-988-5499

Also, we are looking for more authors with this temple blog. If you live near by the temple and are good at gathering photos/information, please contact me at kathysblog(at)gmail(dot)com. We'd love to have more updates and information!!

Temple Visitor Information

2011-08-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well, if you live close to the temple and your children have started back to school, then let me just tell you, "I understand."

Construction in the area has been crazy, to say the least. With the town widening Greenfield and whatever else they are doing, plan on 10 -15 extra minutes to get places during high traffic times.

But construction means progress, so I wait and don't complain. Its so exciting to see all that is going on that I really don't mind -- unless I am late. Then maybe I get a little stressed. :-)

Don't forget about the new visitor trailer that has been set up.

Mary Jane McGrath made a recent visit and gives us some good information:

This weeks hours are M-F 8-4. Starting next week 8/22, hours will be M-F 1-8, and every other Sunday 1-8. Phone number for questions or scheduling is 480-988-5499. It was really cool to see the floorplan and interiors! Lots of good info and they were very helpful.

It was really exciting to find out more about it! It is going to be so beautiful. I really like the colors and design inside. It is designed very well and will be efficient. The exterior should be done by the end of this year, then all next year will be to complete the interior. Dedication is projected for sometime during the first quarter of 2013.

Be sure to take pictures of your visit and send them on over.

Latest Construction Progress

2011-08-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Photos Provided by the Construction Department at the site of the Gilbert Temple.

Visitor Viewing & Display Area OPEN

2011-08-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard the fantastic news... read below!

There is now a visitor viewing and display area open for use. There is an area on site, next to the construction office, where visitors can safely view and take pictures of the temple progress. A display area inside the trailer with colored renderings of the temple, elevations, material displays, videos, and other Church and temple related items. Church Service Missionary couples will on site and are available to speak with visitors. They will provide additional information about the temple, why The Church of Jesus Christ of Lattter-day Saints builds temples, and some fun facts specific to the Gilbert temple. This visitor area is open to all people, members of the Church and those of other faiths. This is a great way to get to know more about the Gilbert Temple and feel the spirit that is behind it's construction.

ALL ARE INVITED TO VISIT!!!

Power lines coming down!

2011-07-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Plus, some more views of the construction...

More Aerial Photos

2011-06-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

So, a really cool friend forwarded these aerial shots to me. They were forwarded to her by another friend who received them from another friend. It appears we have a Ms. Skinner to thank over at Farnsworth Realty for these.

Enjoy!

Construction progress in May

2011-06-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

These photos were contributed by one of the crew members down at the temple site.... much better than I could have done from over the green fence.

Walls are getting taller

2011-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

In May

2011-05-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

From over my back wall...

From the corner of Greenfield and Pecos

AMAZING AERIAL PHOTOS

2011-05-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

These shots were submitted to this site by SUNTEC CONCRETE...

ENJOY!!!

THE GILBERT TEMPLE/ BACKFILL BEGINS

2011-04-26T15:27:00.001-07:00

THE FOLLOWING IS A GUEST POST BY WILLIAM HORNER -- THANK YOU WILLIAM!

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being constructed in the town of Gilbert, Arizona. The announcement of the temple on April 26, 2008 came concurrently with the Gila Valley Arizona Temple, and together were the first new temples announced since Thomas S. Monson assumed responsibilities as the President of the LDS church.

According to regional church spokesman Don Evans, the new temple in Gilbert will be constructed near the intersection of Pecos and Greenfield roads in a rapidly growing part of the southeast Phoenix metropolitan area. The announcement came in part as a response to the high concentration of church members in the area, one of the fastest growing member areas, and will help ease the load on the nearby Mesa Arizona Temple.

The Gilbert town council gave its unanimous approval to the requested zoning changes in a meeting on September 29, 2009. Key among the requests was an allowance to build to a height of 85 feet, higher than the existing restriction at 45 feet. The temple's planned 180-foot-tall (55 m) steeple did not require an exemption, as the town does not restrict the height of steeples. While not providing a specific time frame for construction, an anticipated completion within three years was repeated at the meeting.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on November 13 at 11:30 am (local time).

Ace Asphalt, Phoenix, begins the long tedious task of back-filling the sub-basement for mechanical equipment and a basement, which will house the baptistery. The work crew is under the guidance of superintendents Kurt Foster and Jose Aguirre.

Foster makes certain the fill material is at optimum moisture before crews bucket it down to the bottom in one ft. lifts. Blade operator, Dennis Wallace and water-truck operator Mike McKenna, process the fill material from top of the massive stockpile, and finish scraper operator Chris Caldwell moves the material as needed to the several different areas which foreman Aguirre is monitoring. From there the material is tested and ready for the next lift. Foree & Vann, Inc., Phoenix, had the low bid for all geotechnical testing.

Suntec Concrete, Phoenix, is responsible for all the concrete work, some 103,150 square feet; and the hanging of water-proof boarding for all below ground fill areas. Both Ace Asphalt and Suntec worked on moving the initial dirt and shaping of the basement-steps. Project Manager for Ace is Mike Oliver.

The Gilbert Temple was designed by Architektron, a Utah-based firm with offices in Tempe. Gregory Lambright, Principal, will lead Architekton's architectural team. Okland Construction leads as General Contractor.

Operator Humberto Pedro and foreman Jose Aguirre take a quick pause for a photo op.

View shows the top of the mechanical station, cranes, and concrete pumping truck in background.

Foree & Vann Project Manager, Jeremy Minnick achieves accurate test results with properly processed and compacted fill areas.

Tractor operator Severo Guevara, flexes his muscles just before starting up the jumping-jack.

Foreman Jose Aguirre runs one of the two jumping-jacks to achieve maximum compaction.

Orange safety guard is put up to protect the plastic pipe sleeves and future plumbing areas.

Blade operator Dennis Wallace takes a break from grading to help tractor operator Severo Guevara, shovel fill dirt in the tight areas.

The Okland Team pays a visit down one of the three ongoing fill areas to inspect the waterproofing and close compacting near the building. The special waterproof board cannot be disturbed or damaged as the fill is brought up in lifts.

Track-hoe operator Larry Ash, extends from the bank of a slope to fetch lose material which shall not be used as fill.

Broad view of several activities happening in unison.

One strategy used by Ace; Guevara, dumping fill material into the bob-cat, then shifting to the tight areas around the building. From there it was compacted with the walk-behind compactor and jumping-jack. Walk-behind compactor was provided by Neff Rental; Sales Rep., Brian Van Kampen.

Guevara, trucks down a load material to the fill.

Pipe and dirt crews work together adjusting plumbing while bringing up the fill material.

Safety is a must for the Okland team and everyone on-sight plays a part to ensure safety is insured.

Completion of the temple is expected within approximately two years.

Pictures on the INSIDE!!!

2011-04-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

I received an email from this really cool guy named William. Just so happens he helped out down at the Temple site and shot some great photos.

He just gave me permission to share these with you (as in two seconds ago)

These are photos you need a hardhat to capture... take a look and then spend some time looking at William's construction site.

Thank you William!

Click Here

Hard at Work

2011-04-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

There's a ton of pictures this time, so I am not going to say too much. However, I did want to acknowledge my son, Jacob. He took some of these photos for me and did a pretty good job! My favorite of his is the one of the crane against the clouds.

Also, look closely at some of these photos. The workers are so small but if you look close you can see that there seem to be dozens of them hard at work.

More photos

2011-03-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

This looks like a finished road going under where the temple will sit. I know the Mesa Temple has one like this, so I am guessing this is the same as that.

You think the top of the temple will be higher than these cranes?

There are a couple electrical poles that are getting this kind of treatment...

not sure what its for but it sure looks important.

A word about posting.

2011-03-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of activity happening at the temple site. I love seeing the progress each day. I love the big cranes, the helmeted crew, the orange cones... it is all representative of what is coming and it makes me excited.

That being said, while I may snap photos frequently, I seem to be a little slow at posting them. I keep thinking my life will slow down some day and I will have time for all my hobbies -- including "Temple Watching."

For right now, you can count on updates about once a month... give or take. When I see big changes I will try to post those right away. If you ever want to know what is going on, just email me (kathysblog(at)gmail(dot)com).

Have fun!

Roads and street lights are in!

2011-02-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Brother Stapley for encouraging me to add more pictures!

Here's the latest set from Friday Feb 18th.

Can't help wondering what's next

New construction offices added


Real streets added now and a few streetlights... looking good!


Visitor parking added. Don't know if this is just for during construction or permanent for the temple


Everyone keeps asking me what these cranes are for... I wish I knew. I have no idea and others I spoken to don't know. I just like to look at them and tell my kids "That's about as tall as the temple will be."

Ahhhh, more pictures!

2011-01-23T23:34:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!!!

Well folks, I have to apologize. I have really dropped the ball with updating this site. I have a bunch of pictures for you tonight though. Some of these were shot by my 11 year old son on Saturday. Some were a few days ago, during carpool of course.

Enjoy!!!

Working Away!

2010-12-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

November 23

2010-11-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my son, Spencer, we got more photos today...

Over the fence

2010-11-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

The green fence has made my "drive-by shootings" much more difficult. Today, I was able to pull over for a minute during carpool and have Dillon O. take some pictures over the fence with my little point-and-shoot camera. I think he did a pretty good job!

Check this out!

2010-11-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

Here is an OFFICIAL website from the LDS church about the new Gilbert Temple...

AWESOME!

Another Perspective

2010-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

The people have cleared,
the dust has settled
but the joy still lingers in our hearts...

It was such a wonderful day. Thankfully, I am not the only one that had a camera. Here are some beautiful photos of the groundbreaking submitted by Teresa Hill. Thank you Teresa for sharing with us!

Sacred Ground

2010-11-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day!!!! Today was absolutely wonderful.

Today, through a servant of God, ordinary farm land was transformed into Sacred Ground.

Here, the Temple of the Lord will be built.

Here will be His house.

Beautiful!

Here are some of photos from today.

Me and my son Jacob... I loved sharing this day with my children.

I pray they will always look to the Temple...

The streets weren't the only places with traffic!

For the actual groundbreaking

Left to right: Elder William R. Walker, Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, Sister Margareth F. Costa

Far right is Elder David E. LeSueur sitting next to his wife.

Elder LeSueur is the one who donated the land for the temple.

Elder William R. Walker (Conducting the meeting)

President Daryl H. Garn, Mesa Arizona Temple President, First Speaker today.

Sister Viki Walker, Second Speaker

Elder William R. Walker, Third Speaker

Sister Margarath F. Costa, Fourth Speaker

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, Fifth & Final Speaker, Dedicatory prayer.

Before the crowds...

After the crowds...

The next three images were taken by my friend's son (and neighbor) Dillon...

Way to go Dillon, these are great shots that I missed!!!

President Matthew Riggs is in the center. He is the Stake President for the Gilbert San Tan Stake, the stake in which the temple will be built.

Elder Costa with Dillon. Hopefully all our youth will look to our church leaders and to the temple like Dillon did this day. Way to go Dillon!

GROUND BREAKING THIS SATURDAY

2010-11-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the GREEN FENCE went up today. So sad. Its going to make drive-by photo ops a little more tricky. No more passing the camera to my son as we drive by for carpool.

However, that does mean we are getting closer to building so I won't complain.

Here are some things I know about the Groundbreaking Ceremony that is being held on Saturday.

Ceremony begins at 11:30. It is requested that everyone be seated by 11:00.
10,000 people are expected. Yup, you read that right. It's going to be crowded.
Seating is planned for 2-5,000 people -- so bring blankets and chairs to sit on.
There will be some parking in the fields surrounding the temple site.
It has been requested that as many people as possible walk to the site.
Ceremony is expected to last 45 minutes to an hour. Come in Sunday dress if possible, but more importantly, just come.
Remember the site is surround by hay fields so you have allergies -- make sure to load up on Claritin (ok, I threw that one in myself :-))

Preparations down at the site

See you SATURDAY!!!!!!

During our last rain...

2010-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

LOVE the full rainbow over the temple site... its so rare to get any rain. Even more rare to see a rainbow like this.

BUSY BUSY BUSY

2010-10-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

While we were on vacation last week relaxing, the crews down at the temple were working hard. We were surprised at the progress when we came home.

There are some serious ditches dug up at the site... the crews have been very busy this last week. Some of the close up shots were done from my little camera by my boys as we drove by during carpool hour. I'll note the ones they did under their photo -- they are pretty proud.

photo by STP

I imagine these will be used in burying the lines

photo by JPP

This is just one of the ditches around the area...

photo by JPP

GROUNDBREAKING ANNOUNCED!!!!

2010-10-08T12:44:00.001-07:00

It is official! The ground breaking ceremony for the Gilbert AZ Temple will be held on Saturday, November 13th at 11:30am. Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy will preside.

YAY!!!!!!

Today down at the site...

2010-09-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

And the work continues

2010-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Things are moving forward. Every day there are tons of crewmen working their magic...

Here are some photos from the last month.

Still no word on the groundbreaking.

From my perspective

Today's photos

2010-07-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some construction photos from today...

Dying down

2010-07-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

As of tonight, most of the smoke was gone from the big fire Sunday.

We may have some smouldering for a while yet, but it is mostly dying down...

Adjacent to the temple lot...

2010-07-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

There are a couple families that farm the land. Today, I looked out to the temple site and next to it I saw this...

From my back yard...

From the side of the road close by...

From my kitchen window...

(T took this picture and was so proud... if you look close you can see him in the reflection)

Over 16 hours later...

Still no word how this hay fire started. Thankfully, livestock and people were kept safe. What a way to greet your day!

From AZ Central

2010-07-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see the full article by Parker Leavitt

"The Gilbert Design Review Board cleared the way Thursday for construction on a Mormon temple and its 195-foot spire on the southeastern corner of Greenfield and Pecos roads."

Happening right now at Pecos & Greenfield

2010-07-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Really - I am trying not to be wierd, but...
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

It's staked out in the actual field now instead of just the perimeter with an awesome truck off tot he right.

Hello friendly worker guys!

Even with an unreasonable amount of cropping, this is hard to see. But if you look close, through the fence, you will see the "no turn" signs they are about to layer in our streets.

Seriously, the guy in the white truck was at the other side of the corner a minute ago and tried waving for the picture I was taking. However, since I was driving, I totally missed the shot. It was nice for him to drive right into this picture. Its time for me to get brave and start getting out of the car with my REAL camera!! :-)

And this, my friends, is how I know they are serious...

More to come!!
Sooner than Later!!!!

Latest photos

2010-06-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

See these guys all the time!

Won't be too much longer before these guys will be replaced by constructions trucks...

SRP crews are becoming more and more common. These guys are actually across the street on the west side, but still surveying the area for burying the power lines.

Saw the guy in putting this in this afternoon -- I guess there are more approvals to go through before actual construction can start. The signs don't show up well, but it sounds like the hearing is to approve the finer details of the plan. That will be July 15th for those who are interested.

And this, my friends, is the icing on the cake... a view from my back yard about 7:30. The only way it will be more beautiful is by adding the temple... can't wait.

Click here for an interesting article from AZ Central

Renderings

2010-06-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

These photos were just emailed to me... pretty cool!

Getting Closer

2010-06-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Three SRP trucks down at the temple site today.

There were several workers surveying, measuring and staking out the area with the power lines...

Just to remind everyone... SRP (the local power company) has to bury the power lines surrounding the temple site before they start building. So, looks like we are getting closer to the first step!

Little blurb:
http://www.kvoa.com/news/pre-construction-coming-at-new-gilbert-lds-temple/

Just a little more...

2010-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

OOOOhhhh, how I wish there were more to post. All the time. I wish I was so busy snatching information on the temple that I could satisfy all my friends, and my own, curiosity.

But alas, I am left gleaning tidbits here and there.

This is the latest.

SRP has been sending out their field guys to measure and stake the area. I am seeing more and more of them, although it is all together too infrequent still, for me. I did another drive-by shooting with my cell phone a week ago of another SRP man. The man is the small speck on the right between the Prop 406 sign and the white truck (hey, its hard to drive and shoot at the same time -- give me a break :-))

I also HEARD -- and this is only hearsay -- that they are reworking the interior design of the temple to make it function and flow to the best of capacity.

Finally, and I mentioned this site in my last post. Seriously, if you don't know the Maricopa County website -- you are missing out. Well, maybe not on that much, but missing out none-the-less. From this website, you can follow a link to PUBLIC county maps. Which means I can find out who owns what parcel of land where...

You can look at my last post to see where the lot of land was at a few months ago... but today, when I checked this is what, among other things, it said...

Owner:
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints

Yup -- Now that is cool! Ok -- so it might not be the groundbreaking or anything, but still!! The land is officially owned by the church now.

So we can only move forward.

And I will be right here watching -- preferably with a zoom lens -- when it does.

The man with the orange vest

2010-01-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

OK -- so here is what I know.

I saw a guy with a bright orange construction vest on this morning. His truck was parked in THE field. He was looking around but was all alone. I got curious. So I visited the Maricopa County Assesor web site and clicked parcel maps. I have been doing this frequently since the temple got approved. You see, at this website, you can see who owns what property.

For the last few months, the County parcel maps have shown the owner of the Temple plot as LeSueur Investment. These are the people that originally owned the land. Today, when I checked after seeing the loan construction guy out there, I saw that ownership of that area has now been transferred to the Barney Family Foundation. The description on the papers they filed say they are a "charitable trust that sponsors, funds or assists certain religious, educational or charitable activites or programs..."

Now, eventually, the ownership will have to be listed under the "CORPORATION OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE TEMPLE CORPORATION OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS" like the other temples. So, my best guess is that this is a transitional ownership or something.

I don't know how all these things work, but I do know that the ownership has changed.

OH -- and I checked this site and they are guessing (unofficially of course) that the groundbreaking is anticipated for the summer of this year. I have never been so excited for an Arizona Summer!

If anyone knows of other good sources of (reliable) information, send them my way. I was thinking about getting a job with the Town of Gilbert just so I could be privy of current information --then I came to my senses.

Well, something is rumbling over on the corner...

2010-01-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today, as I drove by, I saw three SRP trucks and a bunch of SRP Super Heroes surveying the infamous power lines and the ground around it.

For those of you who don't know, the selected land for the temple is surrounded by big, ugly power lines. Wouldn't look so nice against the pristine temple walls. So, the Church is paying to have all these power lines buried in the ground.

Thus the presence of the SRP Super Heroes.

Now, if only I had the guts of a reporter... I would have stopped for questions and pictures. Alas, I sit here wondering what is next.

Can't wait until the building starts...

Impatient and Curious!

2009-11-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

I am a naturally curious and impatient person... So, obviously it isn't easy for me to wait. For anything.

Especially wonderful temples.

Over the last couple weeks, I have snapped some photos of ANY movement over on THE lot.

Enjoy!

This is the normal view from my back yard of the temple site. See the buildings in the left top corner? When the temple is built, it will sit just kitty-corner of those buildings.

It facinates me that even though this land is close to being torn up, the owners aren't wasting any chance to use it. They care for it well and are harvesting often. I think its hay in these fields but being a pure bred city girl, I really have no idea.

I wonder how often this farmer has had crazy ladies snapping photos from over a cinderblock wall...

I was kinda embarassed.

So, tonight, I noticed this. And being overly curious had to grab my camera.

What are people doing at night time in THE field??

Here is another shot -- without the flash -- turned out much better and

once I zoomed in, I could see there were cars. So I did what any naturally curious and impatient person would do... loaded the kids in the car and went to see what was going on.

I don't know if you can see the trucks and stuff here, but it was a gathering of some sort. About the time I snapped this, with my flash of course, Hubby called me. He had driven by and said it looked like a fireside and I better not disturb anyone. Oh boy. So, my best guess, is that it was a family thing with the current owners (the deed hasn't been transferred yet) and here I was flashing pictures of a private event. Nice, huh?

Anyway, there you have it. The latest photos.

Wish it were more, but trust me, as soon as I know, I will let you all know!

UPDATE 1-26-10

So I was chatting with my Eye Doctor a couple days ago at my annual eye exam. He happens to be LDS and happened to tell me of a fireside the youth in the ward did a couple months back. Yup, you guessed it. A fireside for their youth on the spot for the new temple... and I was taking pictures. Nice, Kathy. Nice.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED!!!!!

2009-09-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

The vote was unanimous. The crowd applauded their approval. The Gilbert LDS Temple is officially approved by the Mayor and his Town Council!!!

You will likely get a better reporting from a local newspaper, but here is my take on this wonderful evening!

First of all, it was such a LONG meeting. It started at 6:30 and I left early just after the temple vote at 9:15… oh boy! What a long night. There were 68 people who requested to speak IN FAVOR of the temple. None were opposed. By 9:15 we hadn’t heard from even one of them.

The temple building will stand approximately 85’ tall, with the spire adding another 95’. With a structure reaching 180 feet, an official letter from the FAA had to be obtained stating that the height would not cause a safety concern for airplanes.

There has been some concern in general about the height of the building. So this issue was addressed for A LONG time! Legal Counsel for the church cited the Boston Temple case where the appellate court judge stated that spires are an important part of the buildings… part of the building’s sacred structure… (this case is Martin vs. LDS Church) Also, a ton of research was done on surrounding buildings. If anyone is in the area and familiar with the ROME Towers, the temple building (without spire) will be about that size and scale. In the end, all concerns were adequately addressed.

Those unsightly power lines on Pecos & Greenfield are going to be buried… it sounds pretty complicated. There are all sorts of stipulations set out by the power company about a myriad of issues that arise from burying the lines – even what kinds of vegetation can be planted above them. And, the sidewalks will be owned by the church, but will be open for public use.

This temple is going to be larger than the one in Phoenix currently being built. It is on a larger plot of land and will have more square feet. There are no plans for a Visitor Center, Easter Pageant or large displays of Christmas lights.

One funny story, Council Member Les Presmyk wanted to make sure he was on record for being disappointed that there was not going to be a large Christmas light display. He stated he would much rather sip hot chocolate while walking around these temple gardens than the one in Mesa. To this Mayor John Lewis asked the Church’s Legal Council (Paul Gilbert), “Will there be hot chocolate for Council Member Presmyk?” Gilbert replied, “I don’t want to be accused of bribing a vote, but I will personally make hot chocolate for Council Member Presmyk.”

Before the council voted, the floor was opened to those people who requested to speak… in this case the 68 people who had turned in little request forms. Gilbert addressed the Council saying he was pretty sure he could speak for all 68 people... suggesting that they were okay to NOT speak at this time (due to the time constraints). Everyone got a chuckle, but out of formality, Council had to ask if there was any one who did actually want to speak… Gilbert then jokingly replied, “If you do, it will be 12% tithing.” Everyone laughed so hard… and nobody felt like adding their comments to the already long night.

So the vote was taken and all those pretty green lights next to the council member’s name lit up. And the temple was approved. Everybody clapped and I am pretty sure there were some moist eyes all around the room.

A temple is being built in my backyard!!!

How cool is that????

Town Council Hearing

2009-09-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

There will be Town Council meeting Tuesday at which there will be a public hearing about the building of the Temple. The general plan and zoning will be disscussed.

Here is the meeting information for those interested in attending:

Gilbert Municipal Center Council Chamber

50 East Civic Center Drive

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

6:30 pm

Information here

Paving the way...

2009-09-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

Check out this article...
Panel paves way for new Mormon temple in Gilbert

Take a look!

2009-09-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

Went to the planning commission meeting tonight for the Gilbert Temple. All zoning modifications were approved and now we move on to the next step.

We were lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the preliminary conceptual view of the temple...

So, for your viewing enjoyment...

Thank You!!!

2009-09-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

A big, huge, cozy, happy, smiling, warm-hug thanks to Shannon over at Pimp My Blog for creating this beautiful background for this blog.

Check out her talented work, there are some way cute (FREE) layouts over there!!!

Thanks again Shannon!!!!

Also, I have recieved some beautiful submissions of temple photos from some talented photographers. In the next coming days, I will be making a link to these photos for people's personal enjoyment. So, keep the temple pictures coming in!!!

Oh -- and don't forget to grab the blinkie she made from my sidebar. Let others know about the temples progress!

Information

2009-08-31T20:54:00.001-07:00

Here are some links to great info about the new temple!

http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/gilbert/

http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/legalnotices/pdf/9-2a.pdf

http://www.ci.gilbert.az.us/boards/staffreports/planning/GP09-05_Z09-12sr-09-02-09.pdf

How it looks today

2009-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Looking Northwest, veiwing the corner of Pecos and Greenfield

Drive by cell phone shot of official notice

Looking for a design.

2009-08-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

I love the Temple. I love everything about it.

So when I thought of starting this blog, I really wanted a background, ect. that expressed that love of the temple. Unfortunately, searching through the myriads of adorable plaids and polka dots, I just couldn't find a background that matched the specialness of this blog.

So, I am putting this out there to the blog community...

I need someone to donate a background, etc for this blog. Something beautiful and peaceful, just like the temple. If more than one come in, I will put it to a vote (on my other blog) as to which one to use. The "winning" design will be displayed here for as long as this blog remains active. And, the designer will be able to put a button at the bottom of this page... it will be the ONLY non-LDS link on this blog.

Are there any takers? Anyone creative enough for the challenge? Shoot me an email kathysblog(at)gmail(dot)com.

About This Blog...

2009-08-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Gilbert LDS Temple Blog.

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL LDS CHURCH WEBSITE.
(I can not and do not speak for the church.)

About a month ago we purchased a home. A beautiful home in Gilbert Arizona. It just so happens that the new temple that is going to be built in this city will be located fairly close to us. Well, ok, in our backyard!!!!

I can't express how completely over-the-top-euphoric I am about this. We knew it was a strong possibility when we were looking at buying this home, but zoning hadn't yet gone through. I wanted to wait until there was VISUAL proof that this was going to happen. I also wanted to visually track the progress of the building of the temple.

I don't want to detract from its sacredness or have this become an opinion blog. Therefore, comments will not be allowed on this blog. If someone would like to email me directly, I would welcome happy and friendly comments that way.

Here is the plan. I will be taking pictures each week (once construction starts) and from time to time before then, mostly from my home, of the OUTSIDE construction progress of this fantastic building. I am doing this for my personal family history and posting it here for friends who have requested it. If I get really motivated, I might do it daily at the same time so we can put together a time lapse slide show.

There will be very little, if any, commentary from me in regards to the progress. I don't know anything official about the temple. I have no connections, speculations or information. I will share with you only what I see from my windows or from a nearby corner.
Right now, it is only an empty lot with a "public hearing" sign posted. So it will be a while before things really start moving. But add this blog to your blog roll so you can be sure to see when it is updated. You should be able to set the feed settings to email you when there is a new post.

So that is it!!! I will keep you all posted.