As the rain subsided in Northwest Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Houston Texas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — the 97th dedicated in the Church’s history — was partially underwater.
A neighbor near the temple, not a member of the temple’s faith community, asked temple representative Al Haines “How is our temple doing?” Haines smiled and let them know the temple would be back in operation soon.
The Austin area is getting its own temple with a groundbreaking scheduled for Aug. 17. “How does a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints become our temple to those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Beyond the physical beauty temples add to local community landscapes, local citizens soon experience the unique spirit that accompanies these “houses of the Lord.” Such feelings inspire many, regardless of religious affiliation, to embrace temples as community landmarks and holy edifices that enrich their neighborhoods, each becoming their temple.