The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints has completed its second North Texas temple, a 120‑foot limestone structure with a golden dome and intricate quatrefoil motifs, located at 1851 Greenridge Drive in Burleson. Beginning Nov. 5 and running through Nov. 21 (excluding Sundays), the temple will be open to the public at no cost and without the need for reservations.
Why the open house matters
Temple president Elder Michael A. Dunn explained, “We believe fully that a temple is literally where heaven meets earth. This is an opportunity to really come and focus and find that peace and hope that all of us hope that we can find as a result of our religious observances.” The open house provides residents a rare glimpse inside a building traditionally reserved for members after its dedication.
What visitors can expect
Guided tours will showcase the Spanish Colonial‑style exterior, the only LDS temple adorned with lace‑inspired detailing and ornamental metalwork. The south entrance features agave plants and silver‑colored shrubs, while benches and open grass invite guests to sit and admire the architecture.
Inside, visitors will see canyon‑clay reds and olive greens on rugs, upholstery, and coffered ceilings. The interior includes several purpose‑built rooms: a baptismal pool raised on twelve oxen statues symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, instruction rooms with audiovisual presentations about the mission of Jesus Christ, and a celestial room designed as a quiet space for personal reflection.
Family and community impact
Local leaders hope the open house will strengthen community ties. Justin Piepgrass, president of the Burleson stake, said, “It’s much more beautiful than the building. What happens in that building is what makes this building just amazing.” He added that the temple will serve members in Tarrant, Parker, and Johnson counties as well as surrounding cities.
High‑school junior Bela McKinney, who previously had to travel to Dallas for temple visits, expressed excitement: “If I’m having a bad day, I can just like come to the top. It’s so cool.” She plans to invite friends of all faiths to experience the space.
Lydia Holt, relief society president, shared that the celestial room brings her “comfort, peace and refuge,” and that the new temple will save her an hour’s commute each week.
Future dedication
After the open house, the temple will be dedicated on Jan. 10, at which point only church members will be permitted inside for sacred ordinances such as baptisms, eternal marriages, and family sealings.
For more details, visitors can consult the temple’s website at fortworthtexastemple.org.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
