Dallas Texas Temple Media LDS Temple News
The Dallas Texas Temple stands as a landmark achievement, being the first temple ever constructed in Texas. Its public open house, held from September 7 to September 26, 1984, attracted substantial attention, followed by its significant dedication from October 19 to October 24, 1984, officiated by the late Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. The temple was rededicated on March 5, 1989, solidifying its standing in the community. Sitting on six acres, the Dallas Texas Temple boasts an exterior of light-colored marble tiles that commands attention. It features a striking gold-leafed Angel Moroni statue perched atop its structure. The temple encompasses a substantial 44,207 square feet and rises to an impressive height of 95 feet, positioned at an elevation of 617 feet. Inside, the temple houses five instruction rooms, four sealing rooms, and a baptistry, ensuring it meets the spiritual needs of its visitors. Announced on April 1, 1981, the groundbreaking and site dedication occurred on January 22, 1983, led by President Hinckley himself. The temple’s striking architecture, with its six soaring spires, rises majestically among the mature trees of northern Dallas, emphasizing its sacred purpose. The meticulously maintained grounds, adorned with vibrant flowers and trimmed hedges, create a welcoming atmosphere. The groundbreaking ceremony was an exclusive affair, attended by about 90 notable guests, including Regional Representatives and stake presidents. During the open house, nearly 88,000 visitors experienced the temple’s interior, reflecting overwhelming interest and engagement from the community. President Hinckley asserted the temple’s unparalleled significance, stating that although Texas has many larger and more expensive buildings, this temple is the most important in the state. In 1987, the temple underwent substantial remodeling, expanding its capacity by an additional 22,749 square feet. This renovation included a newly designed ordinance room, cafeteria, expanded laundry facilities, and a larger baptistry. Moreover, a comprehensive update of the temple grounds was completed in June 2006, introducing improved aesthetics, accessibility, and enhanced water features. The announcement of the Dallas Texas Temple spurred excitement among church members, leading to a surge in temple recommend interviews and renewed commitment to temple service. Conversely, initial reactions from local Bible Belt religious leaders included skepticism and opposition. However, as the temple neared completion and became an integral part of the community, many leaders began to soften their views and reassess their attitudes toward the Church. President Hinckley made a bold declaration at the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing the unmatched significance of the temple for Texas. This pivotal event was attended by key area leaders, and Elder Jacob de Jager from the First Quorum of the Seventy shared his powerful testimony of the joy and peace he has found through temple ordinances. The community demonstrated remarkable unity throughout the temple’s construction, with hundreds volunteering for various tasks and many contributing goods and financial support. One widow notably increased her donation, stating she preferred to support the local temple rather than traveling to Salt Lake City. Of the more than 88,000 visitors to the open house, about 56 percent were nonmembers, many invited by devout church members. This outreach effort generated significant goodwill toward the Church, with several attendees seeking baptism soon after their visit. The Dallas Texas Temple continues to serve as a vital location for performing ordinances for historical figures of great importance to the people of Texas.