The Lubbock Texas Temple was the third temple built in Texas and has served members throughout West Texas and southeastern New Mexico since its dedication in 2002. Located in southwest Lubbock, the temple is known for its elegant granite exterior, beautiful stained-glass artwork, and the important role it plays in serving members across the vast plains of the American Southwest.
A Brief History
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Lubbock Texas Temple during the April 2000 General Conference on April 2, 2000, as part of the Church's ongoing effort to build smaller temples closer to members. Before its construction, many Latter-day Saints in West Texas traveled several hours to attend temples in Dallas or neighboring states.
Groundbreaking services were held on November 4, 2000, with Elder Rex D. Pinegar presiding. Following a seven-day public open house from March 23–30, 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on April 21, 2002, making it the 109th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
One of the Lubbock Texas Temple's most distinctive features is its location on the wide-open plains of West Texas. The temple stands just behind the Lubbock Texas Stake Center and provides a spiritual gathering place for members spread across hundreds of miles in Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
The temple is finished in Empress White and Majestic Gray granite quarried in China, giving it a bright, timeless appearance. Its single attached spire, topped with the angel Moroni, rises above the surrounding neighborhood while colorful stained-glass windows and beautifully etched granite artwork add meaningful symbolism throughout the building.
Like many temples announced during President Hinckley's worldwide temple expansion, the Lubbock Texas Temple uses an efficient design while still providing everything needed for sacred temple worship. The temple contains two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, allowing it to effectively serve a large geographic temple district.
Visiting the Temple
The Lubbock Texas Temple is located at 7016 Frankford Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. The temple does not have a visitors' center, arrival center, patron housing, or an on-site distribution center. Visitors are welcome to walk the peaceful temple grounds and may also attend Sunday worship services in the adjacent meetinghouse.
Fun Facts
- Third temple built in Texas.
- 109th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Announced on April 2, 2000.
- Groundbreaking held on November 4, 2000.
- Dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinckley on April 21, 2002.
- Public open house lasted 7 days.
- Built on a 2.7-acre property.
- Approximately 16,498 square feet.
- Features two progressive instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Exterior finished with Empress White and Majestic Gray granite.
- Serves members throughout West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.
Final Thoughts
The Lubbock Texas Temple stands as a reminder that even in one of the largest geographic temple districts in the United States, the blessings of the temple can be brought closer to God's children. Its beautiful architecture, peaceful setting, and important role in serving West Texas have made it a cherished house of the Lord for thousands of Latter-day Saints. Whether you're attending the temple or simply enjoying its serene grounds, the Lubbock Texas Temple is a meaningful stop on any temple journey.
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