Dallas Texas Temple media by LDS Temple News
The Dallas Texas Temple, significant for being the first temple built in Texas, officially opened its doors to the public from September 7 to September 26, 1984. This monumental event was followed by the temple’s dedication, which took place from October 19 to October 24, 1984, conducted by the late Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. Subsequently, the temple underwent rededication on March 5, 1989.
Constructed on six acres, the Dallas Texas Temple features an exterior finish made of light-colored marble tiles. Notably, it is adorned with a gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue atop its structure. The temple spans a total area of 44,207 square feet and has a height of 95 feet, sitting at an elevation of 617 feet. Within its walls, the temple includes five instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
The announcement for the Dallas Texas Temple was made on April 1, 1981, followed by a groundbreaking and site dedication on January 22, 1983, also led by President Hinckley. The design of the temple features six spires that rise prominently among the mature trees in a wooded residential area in northern Dallas. The striking architecture, characterized by its large sloping roof, underscores the temple’s holy purpose, enhanced by beautifully tended grounds featuring trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers.
The invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony was attended by roughly 90 guests, including Regional Representatives and stake presidents. During the 20-day public open house, around 88,000 visitors toured the temple’s interior, demonstrating significant interest and engagement from the community. President Hinckley highlighted the temple’s importance, stating that while there were larger and more expensive buildings in Texas, this temple held the greatest significance for the state.
In 1987, the temple was temporarily closed for remodeling, which expanded its size by an additional 22,749 square feet. This renovation introduced a new ordinance room, cafeteria, expanded laundry facilities, and an updated baptistry. Further ground renovations were completed in June 2006, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics, including the introduction of a cascading fountain and expanded flower beds.
The announcement of the Dallas Texas Temple generated excitement among local church members, leading to increased temple recommend interviews and revitalized commitment to temple activities. In contrast, local religious leaders in the Bible Belt expressed initial opposition to the temple. However, as the construction progressed and the temple became part of the community, many leaders revisited their perspectives on the Church.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, President Hinckley remarked on the immense significance of the temple for Texas. The private event was attended by numerous area leaders, and Elder Jacob de Jager, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, shared his personal journey of finding happiness and peace through temple ordinances.
Throughout the construction phase, community members actively participated in supporting the project, with hundreds volunteering for clean-up efforts and others contributing goods or donations. Among them, one widow generously donated more than she was asked, expressing her commitment to support the local temple rather than traveling to the Salt Lake City temple.
Of the 88,000 open house visitors, approximately 56 percent were nonmembers, many of whom were invited by active church members. This outreach not only fostered appreciation for the Church but also resulted in several individuals being baptized shortly after their visit. The Dallas Texas Temple has since been a place for performing ordinance work for historical figures of particular significance to the citizens of Texas.