The Houston Texas Temple was the second temple built in Texas and has served members throughout southeast Texas since its dedication in 2000. Located in Klein, just northwest of Houston, the temple is known for its beautiful granite exterior, peaceful wooded setting, and remarkable story of recovery following Hurricane Harvey.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Houston Texas Temple on September 30, 1997. Before the temple was built, many members in the Houston area traveled nearly five hours to the Dallas Texas Temple to participate in temple ordinances. The new temple greatly reduced travel time for thousands of Latter-day Saints throughout southeast Texas.
Groundbreaking services were held on June 13, 1998, with Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen presiding. Following a 17-day public open house, President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on August 26–27, 2000, making it the 97th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Houston Texas Temple's most remarkable stories occurred during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Historic flooding severely damaged the temple, with floodwaters filling the baptistry and reaching waist deep in portions of the basement. Following months of extensive repairs and renovation, the temple was rededicated on April 22, 2018, by President M. Russell Ballard. It remains one of the few temples to undergo a rededication because of a natural disaster.
Another unique aspect of the temple is the story behind its location. The original landowner, Don Hand, had long refused to sell the property. After learning the Church hoped to build a temple there, he remembered a promise he had once made to the Lord and chose to sell the land, making construction of the temple possible.
The temple itself features an elegant Luna Pearl granite exterior, a 159-foot single attached end spire topped with the angel Moroni, and beautifully landscaped grounds filled with mature trees that provide a peaceful retreat from the busy Houston metropolitan area.
Visiting the Temple
The Houston Texas Temple is located at 15725 Champion Forest Drive in Klein, Texas. The temple includes an arrival center and an on-site distribution center, but there is no visitors' center or patron housing. The beautifully maintained grounds are open to the public and offer a quiet place for reflection beneath the surrounding pine trees.
Fun Facts
- Second temple built in Texas.
- 97th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on September 30, 1997.
- Groundbreaking held on June 13, 1998.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on August 26–27, 2000.
- Rededicated by President M. Russell Ballard on April 22, 2018, following Hurricane Harvey.
- Built on an 11-acre property.
- Approximately 33,970 square feet.
- Features two instruction rooms, three sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Finished with Luna Pearl granite and a 159-foot spire.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Texas Temple stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and hope for Latter-day Saints throughout southeast Texas. From its inspiring history and beautiful wooded setting to its remarkable recovery after Hurricane Harvey, the temple continues to bless thousands of members each year. Whether you're attending temple ordinances or visiting the peaceful grounds, the Houston Texas Temple is a meaningful stop on any temple journey.
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