and was again remodeled in 2015. New visitors' center As part of a larger plan to renovate the temple, the original visitors' center was demolished in 2018. A new 18,000 square foot visitors' center and interactive Family History Discovery Center were built. The new visitors’ center is now open to public since its recent dedication by Ulisses Soares on August 12, 2021. It is located in the northwest side of the Mesa Temple, in the corner of Main Street and Lesueur. It includes a children’s play area, with interactive activities; a hang out room for teens; a community section, with displays explaining the city's diverse history and spiritual heritage built by Native Americans, Hispanic migrants and Mormon pioneers. There is also a coloring wall, an interactive justserve.org screen to locate local community service opportunities, a 3D scale model of the temple, and a display where visitors learn more about God and Jesus Christ. Other areas include teaching rooms with videos and individual reflection pods. In addition, there is also a family research area with computer work stations and helpers where guests can work at their own pace researching, adding to their family history and connecting their family tree. The visitors' center also houses a replica of a statue of Jesus Christ by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen called the Christus. The Visitors' Centers and grounds are staffed by church missionaries and the public is welcome to walk on the temple grounds and enjoy the gardens. Christmas lights and pageant Since 1938, there is an annual Christmas lights display with a nativity scene during Christmas season, attracting more than 500,000 guests every year. Began in 1938, the temple hosts the Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant, entitled Jesus the Christ, between late March and early April, which attracts more than 75,000 people annually and is the "largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world." Presidents Notable presidents of the temple include David K. Udall (1927–34); Junius E. Driggs (1975–80); and L. Kenyon Udall (1997–2000). The current president is Kenneth M Smith (2017–). See also Comparison of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Torleif S. Knaphus - sculptor who created the eight friezes in the ornamental band around the tops of the north and south outside walls List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints