HOUSTON, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints heralded a major milestone today in the construction of the
Houston Texas Temple that will serve some 90,000 members from Austin to the
Rio Grande Valley. A gilded gold statue of the Angel Moroni was placed atop
the temple spire by contractors, who anticipate that the 34,000 square foot,
two-story building will be finished in about one year.
Prominent Church and civic leader, Albert E. Haines, was on hand for the
celebration welcoming guests with his remarks. "The Houston Temple is a well-
constructed and beautiful addition to the community," stated Haines. "The
Angel Moroni is an impressive statue, adding to the beauty of the Latter-day
Saints Temples."
The golden statue figure represents the Angel Moroni, an individual
significant to the founding of The Church in the early nineteenth century.
According to Latter-day Saints belief, the Moroni symbolically heralds the
return of the gospel of Jesus to the earth.
Located at the southwest corner of Cypresswood and Champion Forest in
Spring, the temple will only be used for ritual celebrations such as marriages
and baptisms. Church members will continue to worship in their local
congregations.
Ground was broken for the temple one year ago, following a long-awaited
announcement of its construction by Church President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Currently, the only temple for the 206,000 Church members living in Texas
is located in Dallas. "With the addition of the new temple, Houston-area
Church members will have greater and more frequent access to participate in
sacred ordinances," said Haines.
Photo available at: http://www.houpa.com
SOURCE Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Houston,
Texas
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Related links:
http://www.houpa.com
CONTACT:
Ron Francis of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, Houston, Texas, 281-332-3402 ext. 28
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