The temple was dedicated on October 8, 2023, by Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The temple serves church members in southern Texas and northern Mexico.[9] It is the fifth in Texas, joining the temples in Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio.[10] The McAllen Texas Temple is the church's southernmost in the contiguous United States. As of 2019, the Latter-day Saint community in Texas had grown significantly since 1990, from over 154,000 members to more than 350,000, with nearly 700 wards and branches across the state. [9][11]
History
The presence of the LDS Church in South Texas dates back to the 1920s, when Dan Smith and his family were baptized, becoming some of the first members in the region. Although they did not speak Spanish, the Smith family traveled across the U.S.-Mexico border to attend services in Matamoros, Mexico. By the 1940s, the Latter-day Saint population in the area was about 20 members, and in the 1950s, the Rio Grande Valley Branch was established. Over subsequent decades, church membership reached approximately 378,000 members across 78 stakes and 744 congregations by the 2020s.[9][11]
On December 11, 2019, the church announced that the temple would be built on a 10.6-acre site located on the northwest corner of Second Street and West Trenton Road in McAllen.[12] Plans called for a single-story temple of approximately 25,000 square feet, with a center spire, and is 107 feet high.[13]
A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify beginning of construction was held on November 21, 2020, with Art Rascon, an area seventy, presiding.[14] Following a public open house from August 25 to September 9, 2023, the McAllen Texas Temple was dedicated by Dieter F. Uchtdorf on October 8, 2023.[10][15]
Design and architecture
The McAllen Texas Temple occupies a 10.6-acre site on the northwest corner of Second Street and West Trenton Road in McAllen, a city just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.[16] With a center spire, the single-story temple covers a total area of 27,897 square feet, alongside a meetinghouse and a distribution center for temple garments and clothing.[9]
Exterior
The temple's exterior is inspired by Spanish colonial architecture. Constructed from beige precast concrete panels by Gate Precast in Hillsboro, Texas, the temple features a central spire reaching a height of 107 feet with a design reminiscent of traditional church bell towers. The design includes barbed quatrefoils, shell niches, and scrolls.[9][17] The structure's blue, gold, and green accents symbolize Texas' bluebonnets, Gulf waters, and rich landscapes.[10]
Art glass created by Bovard Studio in collaboration with VCBO Architecture and Holdman Studios is incorporated into windows throughout the temple. Landscape architect Heffner Design Team of McAllen incorporated local plants and concrete pavers whilst designing the grounds.[10]
Interior
Inside the temple, the general areas are adorned with soft-gold broadloom carpeting. Some rooms feature area rugs in shades of blues, golds, and greens. The temple's doors are made of mahogany and have bronze handles.[9] Its main spaces include two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry, designed for ordinances of the faith.[10] Soft gold broadloom carpet by Mannington is used throughout, with wool rugs in celestial and sealing rooms. Blue, gold, and green rugs are also featured in these spaces.[18]
Marble for various temple areas was sourced from Spain, featuring scroll shapes similar to Spanish colonial patterns, particularly in the baptistry font's decorative border. VCBO Architecture and Dale Gierisch of Finessed Finishes Inc. in Springville, Utah, designed and installed decorative painting throughout the temple, including ceilings, hallways, and the celestial room.[10]
The lighting is a mix of acrylic, bronze, and crystal fixtures by Preciosa Lighting and BNA Consulting, while the temple's carved millwork and furniture reflect local motifs like citrus blossoms.[10]
Location
Situated just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the temple's presence is intended to emphasize unity, togetherness, and transcendent faith.[14] It creates connection and shared purpose.[19] Its bilingual monument sign contains inscriptions in both English and Spanish.[9]
The temple's architectural and decorative elements include local symbolism of the culture and landscape of the Rio Grande Valley. Citrus blossom motifs are seen throughout the exterior and interior.[10]
Cultural and community impact
The temple is intended to strengthen cultural and community meaning in a region with a substantial Hispanic population. Located less than 15 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, the temple serves as a symbol of peace, unity, and outreach for Latter-day Saints in both countries. Church members who have not been able to travel north due to immigration status or south to Mexico for temple worship. The temple offers these individuals a nearby sacred space for worship and spiritual strengthening.[5]
As a landmark for Latter-day Saints in the Rio Grande Valley, the temple reflects the growth and commitment of the church community in the area. The temple fulfills a longstanding hope for a closer place of worship, reducing travel demands for those who previously journeyed significant distances to visit other temples in Texas.[10]
Temple presidents
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.[9] Since its 2023 dedication, the first temple president has been Carlos Villarreal, with Myrna A. Villarreal serving as matron.[10]
Admittance
Prior to its dedication, a public open house was held. Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship.
↑Nelson Russell, M. "Spiritual Treasures". 189th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 5 October 2019, Web,
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