Discovering the Lubbock Texas Temple
The Lubbock Texas Temple stands as the 109th dedicated Temple in operation and is located at 7016 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79424. This remarkable building serves as a significant site for many individuals seeking deeper connections and spiritual enrichment.
LDS Temple News Presents the House of the Lord Lubbock Texas Temple
The journey began on April 2, 2000, when the Prophet formally announced the establishment of the Lubbock Texas Temple during General Conference. Groundbreaking took place later that year on November 4, 2000, under the direction of Elder Rex D. Pinegar. During this significant event, he shared vivid sentiments about the Temple being a place of familial love and heavenly blessings. He remarked on the parallels between earthly homes and the divine presence one might experience within the Temple.
The public open house occurred from March 23 to March 30, 2002, allowing many to explore the intricacies of the Temple before its formal dedication. The dedication itself took place on April 21, 2002, led by Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, who expressed, “May we ever hold it as a sacred place and go in and out of it with reverence and with a prayer in our hearts.”
Architectural Features
The Lubbock Texas Temple is built on 2.7 acres, featuring an elegant exterior finished in Empress white and majestic gray granite sourced from China. Standing at 16,498 square feet, it showcases a single-story design accentuated with a striking end spire and a Gold-leafed Angel Moroni Statue.
Interior and Artistry
Illuminating Elements
Inside, the Temple features exquisite light fixtures comprising elegant crystal chandeliers and sconces. These elements are crafted from a mix of crystal, bronze, and acrylic, adding to the ambiance of reverence.
Unique Decor
The interior art consists of original oil paintings and watercolor-style prints that depict scenes from the life of Christ alongside representations of the West Texas landscape. Works showcasing local flora, including the iconic bluebonnet, enhance the beauty of the space.
Elegant Doors
Interior Design
The interior doors of the Temple are made from beautifully light-colored wood, intricately hand-carved with floral and wheat motifs that symbolize the “bread of life.” Many rooms feature ornate wooden doors coupled with elaborate brass or gold-plated hardware.
Exterior Send-off
The exterior entrance doors are crafted from rich, heavy dark wood and feature traditional, ornate paneling. Polished brass hardware adds a touch of elegance and complements the light-colored granite exterior.
Significance in Texas
The Lubbock Texas Temple is the first Temple built in Lubbock and Lubbock County, and the third Temple in Texas, following the Dallas Texas Temple (1984) and the Houston Texas Temple (2000). The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with that of the Monterrey Mexico Temple, which created a sense of shared purpose and hope in the area.
Located at an elevation of 3,293 feet, the Temple’s design and construction reflect dedication and faithfulness to both local and broader spiritual commitments. Its unique blend of beauty, artistry, and purpose continues to inspire many throughout Lubbock and beyond.