CULTURAL SUMMARY

Lubbock's culture is a vibrant blend of Texan influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Tex-Mex cuisine, featuring dishes like chili con carne, barbecue, and fried chicken. Music and arts thrive in Lubbock, with venues like the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences and the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the Museum of Texas Tech University. Historically, Lubbock has grown from a small settlement into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, flat plains, and river valleys, with natural landmarks such as the Caprock Escarpment and the nearby Brazos River, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban development.

CLIMATE

The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average around 92°F, while winter temperatures average around 50°F. The region experiences occasional snowfall in the winter and thunderstorms in the summer.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are English and Spanish.

RELIGIONS

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The region has a strong agricultural sector with major employers excelling in cotton and grain production.

Education: Institutions like Texas Tech University lead in higher education and research.

Energy: The area supports a robust energy industry with companies excelling in oil and wind energy production.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Lubbock Arts Festival, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Buddy Holly Music Festival, featuring cultural festivities and historical commemorations; and the 4th on Broadway, showcasing national pride and historical events.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Buddy Holly Center, known for its musical history; the Lubbock Lake Landmark, offering cultural and historical exhibits; and the National Ranching Heritage Center, featuring historical significance and architectural beauty.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying natural reserves, with major parks like the Mackenzie Park and the Buffalo Springs Lake being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

Before Joseph Smith, the first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was murdered in 1844, he and other Church leaders considered buying a tract of land in Texas. The land would serve as a gathering place for the Saints should they be persecuted and driven out of Illinois. These plans were dissolved with the death of Joseph Smith. Missionary work in Texas had begun one year prior to this event.

In 1845, former Church leader Lyman Wight moved to central Texas with 100 others. Although he was excommunicated from the Church, he and his colony gave a favorable reputation to Church members in the state. In 1849, missionaries visited the Wight colonies and several were baptized back into the Church. From 1854 to 1857, several hundred converts immigrated to Utah from Texas.

In 1898, land was purchased that eventually became the colony of Kelsey, composed of 300 Church members. In 1906, membership was 1,000 and by 1930, 3,840 members met in 14 congregations. Membership was 50,000 in 1977; 120,000 in 1984 (when the Dallas Texas Temple was completed) and 154,000 in 1990.

On 14 October 1993, Richard A. Searfoss of League City, Texas, became the first Latter-day Saint to pilot the flight of a space shuttle. In 1994, Church members and missionaries rallied to assist flood-stricken southeast Texas, gathering relief supplies and helping to clean up debris and water-ravaged homes.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission.  Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!