The Phoenix Arizona Temple. | Courtesy of Dave Simonson
On November 16, 2024, the Phoenix Arizona Temple will celebrate the tenth anniversary of its dedication. This milestone marks a decade of spiritual significance for Church members in the region.
President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Phoenix Arizona Temple on this date in 2014, with key Church leaders in attendance. President Uchtdorf described the temple as a “place that bridges heaven and earth,” offering members a place to renew their spiritual focus.
The late President Thomas S. Monson (left) and then-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right) at the Phoenix Arizona Temple dedication. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonThe Phoenix Arizona Temple, the Church’s 144th in operation, sits on a 5.19-acre site and features a blend of desert-inspired architecture with interior designs symbolizing the region’s natural beauty. The temple includes intricate stonework, desert tree motifs, and calm water features, reflecting Arizona’s unique landscape.
The temple’s celestial room, dressed in earth tones and adorned with desert-inspired art, remains a cherished place for meditation and spiritual connection. The surrounding fountains, designed to look like a river, add to its serene atmosphere and symbolize life-giving water in the arid landscape.
Capturing the Temple’s Construction
The Phoenix Temple in the early stages of its construction. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonThe temple’s groundbreaking took place on June 4, 2011, followed by an open house in 2014 that thousands from the community and around the state attended. This temple remains a focal point for Church members in Phoenix and has deepened the faith of many over the past decade.
As the tenth anniversary of the Phoenix Arizona Temple dedication approaches, one individual looks back on an incredible journey of photography, service, and faith that uniquely tied him to the temple’s history.
Dave Simonson, the official photographer for the Phoenix Arizona Temple during its final stages of construction, open house, and dedication, shares insights into the experiences that accompanied his role.
A crane hoists a stained glass window to its final destination in the steeple of the Phoenix Temple. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonReflecting on the opportunity, Simonson said, “I was fortunate enough to be the official photographer for the final stages of construction, the Open House, and the Cornerstone Ceremony of the Dedication.”
In this role, Simonson had the unique chance to assist Calvin and Susan Caldwell, who oversaw the temple’s construction documentation. “Calvin was the construction project manager for the church, and Susan inherited the responsibility of documenting the temple construction,” Simonson recalled.
Friendship and a Shared Mission
This photo shows the intricate and detailed stonework crafted for the exterior of the Phoenix Temple. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonTheir connection went back decades, as he and Susan had been friends since their Primary years in the 1960s. This made the experience especially meaningful.
“It was a natural transition to assist Susan with photos she needed of the construction progress,” Simonson shared. His initial interest in photographing the temple soon evolved into a formal calling.
As the official photographer, he gained full access to the interior of the temple, capturing details such as millwork, lighting, or hardware at the request of the Temple Committee.
Construction workers prepare masonry to be installed on the Phoenix Temple. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonOne of the highlights of Simonson’s experience was documenting the installation of the pure white carpet in the celestial and sealing rooms, where he captured the intricate designs carved by a father-and-son team.
Continuing the Mission
Simonson’s journey with temple photography didn’t end with the Phoenix Arizona Temple. He photographed additional projects overseen by Calvin Caldwell, such as the Tucson Temple construction and the Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple rededication.
Each project presented its own challenges and blessings. Simonson described one particularly harrowing moment in Oklahoma as witnessing “the Lord’s hand while dealing with tornadoes.”
The Phoenix Temple under a lightning-struck sky. | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonAfter the Phoenix Arizona Temple dedication, Simonson and his wife were inspired to share their photography with the community. They produced recommend holders featuring images of the temple to share with friends, family, and full-time missionaries.
“We estimate that nearly 800 of our recommend holders have been distributed over the years,” he said.
Capturing the “Perfect” Temple Photo
Though Simonson still pursues what he calls the “perfect temple photo,” one particular evening in December 2017 stands out. Working with a friend responsible for temple maintenance, Simonson arranged for the water feature to be stilled.
The fountain lighting was turned off, allowing for a mirror-like reflection of the temple against the night sky. “The result was a stunning reflection of the lighted temple against the black night sky,” he shared. He calls it one of his closest attempts at that elusive perfect shot.
Simonson calls this one of his best attempts at the “perfect temple photo.” | Courtesy of Dave SimonsonFor Simonson, the calling to photograph the temple was both improbable and miraculous. His unique qualifications included a background in photojournalism, wedding photography, and proximity to the temple site. These all converged, leading him to believe that the Lord guided his journey.
Looking back, he feels deep gratitude for his experience and the opportunity to share it with others. “Thank you for taking the time to look through my pictures and for reading the ramblings of an old man who loves photography, and who loves the Phoenix Temple.”
The Phoenix Arizona Temple continues to stand as a symbol of faith for members in the area. Simonson’s photos play a special role in preserving its history and beauty for many to cherish.
A heartfelt thanks to Dave Simonson for sharing his stunning temple photography with us. Through these beautiful images, along with the faith-filled stories behind them, he has truly lifted and inspired us.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
