Towering above us, the Dallas Texas Temple stands as a beacon. What stories could these walls tell if they could speak?
The Dallas Texas Temple is the 30th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It stands in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Texas Temple was announced on April 1, 1981. Spencer W. Kimball, then church president, made the announcement. It was one of nine temples announced that day. That was the largest number ever announced at once. Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Dallas Texas Temple on October 19, 1984. It became the first temple in Texas and the South Central United States.
Look at the Dallas Texas Temple. It occupies a 6-acre site. The temple has a total floor area of 44,207 square feet. Inside, there are five ordinance rooms and four sealing rooms. When dedicated, it served nearly 120,000 Latter-day Saints. These members lived in most of Texas, all of Oklahoma. They also lived in parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri. Today, it is one of eight temples in Texas.
Imagine the groundbreaking ceremony on January 22, 1983. Gordon B. Hinckley presided. He was then serving as second counselor in the First Presidency. About 90 guests attended. They included church leaders and their wives.
Between September 7 and September 26, 1984, the public toured the Dallas Texas Temple. Approximately 88,430 visitors came to the open house. About 56% were not members of the Church. The busiest day was September 22. 12,093 visitors attended. Some waited up to two hours to enter the Dallas Texas Temple.
Due to increasing attendance, remodeling began in 1987. The Dallas Texas Temple needed more space. The baptistry was relocated and enlarged. An ordinance room and a sealing room were added. The size increased from 17,850 square feet to 44,207 square feet. Hinckley rededicated these new areas on March 5, 1989.
Consider the grounds. A renovation was completed in June 2006. The sign was relocated outside the fence line. The entry plaza was enlarged. Stairs improved accessibility. The water feature was replaced with a cascading fountain. Flower beds were expanded. Additional lighting and seating areas were installed. Walkways were widened.
In 1986, ordinance work was performed. This work was for individuals involved in the Battle of the Alamo. Temple work was completed for 1,500 Choctaw Indians. These people perished during the Trail of Tears.
Notice the Dallas Texas Temple’s design. It has a light-colored marble facade. The roof is dark gray slate. The building has six detached spires. The tallest spire is 95 feet high. It holds a statue of the angel Moroni.
The Dallas Texas Temple’s architecture draws the eye upward. This reflects its divine purpose. The grounds are carefully maintained. Hedges are trimmed. Flowerbeds are colorful. This enhances the temple’s tranquil environment.
The Dallas Texas Temple has touched many lives. One widow donated $100 toward its construction. She had been saving that money to travel to the temple in Salt Lake City. Sisters in Harlingen knitted items for the Dallas Texas Temple. They said it was the first time they could give something back to the Lord.
The Dallas Texas Temple stands as a testament. It shows faith, dedication, and community. Its history is woven into the hearts of those it serves. The Dallas Texas Temple is a beacon of hope. It is a place of peace. It is a sacred space in the heart of Dallas.