Location
15725 Champion Forest Drive
Spring, Texas 77379-7036
United States
Contact
Telephone: 281-376-6804
Facsimile: 281-376-6315
Distribution Services: 281-376-3817
Details
Announcement: 30 September 1997
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: 13 June 1998 by Lynn A. Mickelsen
Public Open House: 5–22 August 2000
Dedication: 26–27 August 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley
Site: 11 acres.
Exterior Finish: Luna pearl granite.
Ordinance Rooms: Two ordinance rooms (stationary) and three sealing.
Total Floor Area: 33,970 square feet.
Temple Facts:
The Houston Texas Temple was the second temple built in Texas, following the Dallas Texas Temple (1984).
History:
The Houston Texas Temple district blesses the lives of its members who come from twenty-eight stakes. The closest temple before its dedication (in Dallas) is located five hours from Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Elder Christofferson spoke of humility, repentance, obedience and submission. He exhorted listeners to ask themselves: "What aspect of my life should I bring into harmony in the next two years? What do I need to give up? What do I need to yield? What should I add? Is my nature one of a sincerely broken heart and contrite spirit?" Over the door of the new temple will be the words Holiness to the Lord. Elder Christofferson asked, "What will make each of us more holy as we enter the temple doors?"
Also in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony was a gentleman by the name of Don Hand, the former land owner of the temple site who worked with Church officials to find the right architect for the beautifully designed temple. In the mid-1980s, when the Houston economy took a downturn, Mr. Hand was hit so hard that he feared bankruptcy. He prayed to the Lord and begged His assistance promising to pay Him back in the future. Mr. Hand was spared financial ruin.
As a developer, Mr. Hand originally purchased 2,000 acres in the area of the temple site and had painted a scene for his wife of his conception of the area's future grandeur. The land had been on the market prior to President Gordon B. Hinckley's site-selection trip to Houston, but when he visited the city it was not available. He viewed the location anyway and informed Realtor Steve Cook that it was the desired site. However, in response to Brother Cook's queries, Mr. Hand indicated, "No amount of money would interest me in selling that property."
The agent persisted and eventually discussed the intended usage of the land, to build a temple for the Church. Mr. Hand's heart softened. He remembered his promise to the Lord so many years earlier and realized that this would be the perfect opportunity to fulfill it. He agreed to sell (Church News, 20 June 1998).