AFTON, Wyo., April 16, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A small crowd gathered Monday near Afton, Wyo., to see an angel “fly.”
The angel in question was Moroni, or at least his earthly likeness in a gilded statue.
According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moroni is the angel who told church founder Joseph Smith of the golden plates, which Smith would translate into “The Book of Mormon,” central to the faith.
A likeness of Moroni stands atop the LDS temples in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and many other locations.
The Moroni statue that now tops the Star Valley Temple, near Afton, was hoisted by a crane and fastened securely into place as onlookers watched. The likeness is 13-feet-8-inches tall, and weighs about 350 pounds. It is plated with 22-karat gold leaf.
The Star Valley Temple will be dedicated Oct. 30 of this year, and will host open houses most days between Sept. 23 and its dedication.
To see Moroni’s trip to the top, check out the images below.
