Visitor Insights
Visiting Lubbock Texas Temple
The Lubbock Texas Temple grounds are open to the public for quiet contemplation and enjoyment of the exterior. While the temple interior is reserved for sacred ordinances, the adjacent stake center welcomes visitors for Sunday worship services.
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautiful exterior and peaceful grounds.
- Attend Sunday worship services at the adjacent stake center.
Things to Know
- The temple interior is not open for public tours except during an open house.
- No public visitors' center or clothing rental on site.
Location
7016 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79424, United States
Hours: Operating hours for ordinances vary; contact the temple directly or visit the official Church website for details.
Getting There: Located at 7016 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, Texas. Parking is available on site.
Get DirectionsAbout
The Lubbock Texas Temple stands as a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant structure within the broader Christian tradition. It emphasizes core Christian beliefs while providing unique theological functions specific to the faith. Serving members across West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, it is a beacon of spiritual devotion.
Dedicated in 2002, the temple offers a place for Latter-day Saints to make sacred covenants and participate in ordinances. Its classic modern design, featuring a single spire, reflects a traditional Latter-day Saint aesthetic. The temple's presence strengthens the faith community in the region.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Angel Moroni Statue
The golden figure atop the spire symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its proclamation to all nations.
Single Spire
The prominent single spire directs attention heavenward, symbolizing the temple's role as a connection between heaven and earth.
Empress White Granite
The light-colored granite exterior symbolizes purity, peace, and the sacred nature of the temple.
Stained-Glass Windows
These artistic elements often feature patterns and imagery that convey spiritual truths and the beauty of creation.
Etched Granite Walls
Symbolic designs etched into the granite walls add depth and meaning to the temple's exterior architecture.
Celestial Room
This room symbolizes a return to God's presence, representing peace, light, and eternal progression.
Baptistry
The baptistry, featuring an oxen-supported font, symbolizes the ordinance of baptism for the dead and the twelve tribes of Israel.
Ordinance Rooms
These rooms are where members participate in sacred covenants, progressing through teachings about God's plan.
Interesting Facts
The Lubbock Texas Temple was the 109th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide (Tier A).
It was the third temple constructed in Texas, following the Dallas and Houston temples (Tier A).
Its announcement in April 2000 was part of a plan to build five other temples concurrently (Tier A).
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lubbock temple occurred on the same day as the Monterrey Mexico Temple (Tier B).
Despite cold and rainy weather, approximately 400 local Latter-day Saints attended the groundbreaking (Tier A).
More than 21,500 individuals toured the temple's interior during the public open house (Tier A).
The temple serves a large geographical area, ministering to about 13,500 members in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico (Tier A).
The temple's dedication closely followed the establishment of the Texas Lubbock Mission (Tier A).
One visitor during the open house, who had previously taught incorrect information about the Church, expressed her intention to correct her teachings (Tier A).
Another visitor was so impressed during the open house that they returned with a car full of people for a second tour (Tier A).
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Lubbock Texas Temple?
The temple provides a sacred space for Latter-day Saints to participate in ordinances and make covenants with God.
Can non-members visit the Lubbock Texas Temple?
While the interior is reserved for members, the temple grounds are open to the public, and visitors can attend services at the adjacent stake center.
When was the Lubbock Texas Temple dedicated?
The temple was dedicated on April 21, 2002, by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
What is the Angel Moroni statue on the spire?
The Angel Moroni symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the everlasting gospel.
How many temples are in Texas?
The Lubbock Texas Temple was the third temple constructed in the state of Texas.
Featured Stories
A Groundbreaking in the Rain
November 4, 2000
Despite a rainy and cold day, approximately 400 local Latter-day Saints gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lubbock Texas Temple. Elder Rex D. Pinegar presided over the event, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the new edifice. This dedication of faith in adverse weather underscored the community's anticipation for their new sacred space.
Source: The Church News
The 109th Temple and a New Mission
April 21, 2002
The dedication of the Lubbock Texas Temple by President Gordon B. Hinckley marked the 109th operating temple worldwide and the third in Texas. This significant event closely followed the announcement of the formation of the Texas Lubbock Mission. The concurrent events symbolized a new era of growth and spiritual outreach in the region.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
An Open House of Transformation
March 23-30, 2002
During the public open house, over 21,500 visitors toured the temple, leading to profound experiences. One woman, who had previously taught incorrect information about the Church, expressed her intention to correct her teachings after experiencing the temple's peaceful interior. Another visitor was so impressed that they returned with a car full of people for a second tour, highlighting the temple's powerful impact.
Source: The Church News
Timeline
Temple Announced
President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Lubbock Texas Temple during General Conference.
component.timeline.announcementGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Rex D. Pinegar presided over the groundbreaking, attended by approximately 400 local Latter-day Saints.
component.timeline.groundbreakingConcurrent Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking for the Lubbock Texas Temple occurred on the same day as the Monterrey Mexico Temple.
EventPublic Open House Begins
A public open house commenced, allowing visitors to tour the temple's interior before its dedication.
EventPublic Open House Concludes
Over 21,500 visitors toured the temple during the week-long public open house.
EventTemple Dedicated
President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Lubbock Texas Temple in four sessions, making it the 109th operating temple worldwide.
DedicationThird Texas Temple
The Lubbock Texas Temple became the third operating temple in Texas, following Dallas and Houston.
MilestoneTexas Lubbock Mission Formed
The dedication closely followed the announcement of the formation of the Texas Lubbock Mission.
EventTemporary Closure Due to Pandemic
The Lubbock Texas Temple, like all other temples, temporarily closed in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
EventHistory by Decade
2000s — Announcement and Dedication
The new millennium brought the announcement of the Lubbock Texas Temple on April 2, 2000, by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Construction began swiftly with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 4, 2000, despite challenging weather. The temple was completed and dedicated on April 21, 2002, becoming a spiritual anchor for the region.
2020s — Global Challenges and Continued Service
In 2020, the Lubbock Texas Temple, like all other temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temporarily closed its doors in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Following safety protocols, it later reopened for sacred ordinances, continuing its vital role in the spiritual lives of Latter-day Saints in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Architecture & Facilities
The Lubbock Texas Temple features a classic modern architectural style, characterized by clean lines and a dignified presence. Its design reflects a traditional Latter-day Saint temple aesthetic, emphasizing simplicity, elegance, and spiritual symbolism, while harmonizing with the local Texas landscape.
Building Materials
Exterior Granite
Empress white and majestic gray granite, quarried in China, provides a light-colored and durable finish to the temple's exterior.
Stained Glass
Intricate stained-glass windows adorn the temple, featuring patterns and imagery that convey spiritual truths and enhance the interior's sacred ambiance.
Interior Finishes
High-quality interior finishes, including fine woods and fabrics, create a serene and reverent atmosphere within the sacred spaces.
Angel Moroni Statue
A golden statue of the Angel Moroni, a significant symbol in Latter-day Saint faith, stands atop the central spire.
Interior Features
Baptistry
The baptistry includes an oxen-supported font, used for proxy baptisms for the deceased, symbolizing ancient Israelite traditions.
Ordinance Rooms
Two ordinance rooms are designed for a progressive presentation of sacred covenants and teachings, guiding members through spiritual instruction.
Sealing Rooms
Two sealing rooms provide a sacred setting for eternal marriage and family sealing ceremonies, uniting families beyond mortal life.
Celestial Room
The celestial room, representing a return to God's presence, is a place of quiet contemplation, peace, and spiritual reflection.
Temple Grounds
The temple is situated on a beautifully landscaped 2.7-acre site, featuring manicured lawns, trees, and pathways that invite peaceful contemplation. The grounds are shared with an adjacent stake center, creating a unified spiritual campus.
Additional Facilities
An adjacent stake center (a local meetinghouse) shares the temple grounds, providing facilities for Sunday worship services and other congregational activities for local members.
Religious Significance
As a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lubbock Texas Temple serves as a sacred house of the Lord, distinct from regular Sunday meetinghouses. It is a place where members, as followers of Jesus Christ, engage in higher ordinances and make eternal covenants, deepening their commitment to Christian principles.
The core spiritual purpose of the temple is to provide a sacred space for Latter-day Saints to receive eternal blessings, make sacred covenants with God, and participate in saving ordinances necessary for exaltation in the kingdom of God.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Members perform proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors, offering them the opportunity to accept the gospel in the spirit world.
Endowment
The endowment is a series of instructions and covenants that provide members with knowledge, power, and blessings to return to God's presence.
Sealing
Eternal marriage and family sealing ceremonies bind families together for time and all eternity, extending relationships beyond mortal life.
Covenants and Blessings
The temple is a place where individuals make sacred covenants with God, promising obedience and devotion in exchange for divine blessings and guidance throughout their lives and into eternity.
Eternal Family
A central doctrine taught and practiced in the temple is the eternal nature of the family unit. Through sealing ordinances, families can be bound together forever, a core belief in Latter-day Saint theology.
Connection to Jesus Christ
All ordinances and teachings within the temple point to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His central role as the Savior and Redeemer, and helping members draw closer to Him.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (5)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| About & Historical Background | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Description | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Historical Timeline & Dedication | The Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Symbolic Elements & Interior | Fandom (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |