LDS Church Breaks Ground on Controversial Texas Temple

After years of debate, the Church moves forward with new houses of faith in Fairview and Missouri City.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has broken ground on a new temple in the small Texas town of Fairview, despite years of controversy and pushback from local residents. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in late February 2026, with church leaders praying for the community to embrace the new temple. Meanwhile, the LDS Church is also making progress on a second temple in the Houston suburb of Missouri City.

Why it matters

The construction of new LDS temples in Texas has been a contentious issue, with local communities raising concerns over the size and scale of the buildings. The Fairview temple, in particular, faced intense backlash before the city ultimately approved a compromise plan. This groundbreaking represents a major milestone for the church's expansion in the state, despite ongoing tensions with some residents.

The details

In the Fairview ceremony, church elders prayed that "hearts will be softened and that all thy children will feel of thy light, grace and goodness" from the new temple. The original design for the Fairview temple, which included a 174-foot spire and a 65,000-square-foot building, was rejected by the city. After the church threatened legal action, Fairview officials approved a scaled-down version with a 120-foot spire and 30,000 square feet. The church also agreed to turn off the temple's outside lighting during certain hours. Meanwhile, the LDS Church is also making progress on a second temple in the Houston suburb of Missouri City, which will be called the Fort Bend Texas Temple.

  • In late 2025, the LDS Church announced plans to build new temples worldwide, including two in Texas.
  • In October 2022, the LDS Church first announced plans to build a new temple in Fairview, Texas.
  • In December 2025, the LDS Church submitted details about the Fairview temple to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, estimating construction would begin in early 2026 and last through 2028.
  • On February 21, 2026, the LDS Church held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Fairview temple.
  • On February 23, 2026, the LDS Church shared an update that the incoming Missouri City temple had been renamed the Fort Bend Texas Temple.

The players

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A religious organization that is building new temples in Texas and worldwide as part of its international expansion.

Fairview, Texas

A small Dallas-Fort Worth suburb that initially rejected the LDS Church's plans for a new temple due to the size and scale of the proposed building.

Missouri City, Texas

A Houston suburb where the LDS Church is also building a new temple, the Fort Bend Texas Temple, on a 15.7-acre site.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The construction of new LDS temples in Texas has been a contentious issue, with local communities raising concerns over the size and scale of the buildings. The groundbreaking in Fairview represents a major milestone for the church's expansion in the state, despite ongoing tensions with some residents, and highlights the challenges religious organizations can face when building new facilities in tight-knit communities.