Nearly a century and a half ago, LDS President Brigham Young gave a prophetic command to the membership of the church, with a promise:
Pres. Young
“There is a great work for the Saints to do…progress, and improve upon, and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds….and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations.”
This ’call to cultivate’ is still in effect, and can certainly be likened to our modern circumstances and 21st Century creative work. That also means the promise is still in effect: angel visitors.
I personally like the image of of our departed loved ones taking a little down-time from preaching the gospel beyond the veil to surf the net. [do you think they use MAC or PC?] Imagine angels online, checking in on our virtual activity…Hundreds of heavenly beings lurking through cyberspace, bookmarking their favorite sites, and hopefully, delighting in our online offerings! Do you think perhaps they’re even allowed to help us out a little? Maybe they attempt to whisper some heavenly inspiration into our ears as we sit down at our desktop, ‘boot up’, and ponder post subjects. Who knows? Certainly anything is possible in the Realms of Glory. So, I decided there’s no harm in sending a message:
Dear Online Angels,
You are officially invited to visit my humble blog, www.MormonSoprano.com. I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Please enter my world wide garden! Pull up a …er, cloud, and rest your wings. I’ve been cultivating this little spot of earth for awhile. I hope you will find joy, and delight, in my offering. Comments and/or inspiration is always appreciated! – Best wishes always, MoSop
January 4th is “National Trivia Day” in the USA. [You're welcome to play along no matter where you live]. It seems only appropriate I should share some interesting Mormon Trivia. So, here’s everything you need to know, and more, about:
THE ANGEL MORONI STATUE
Joseph Smith and The Angel Moroni
A large majority of Latter-day Saint (“Mormon”) Temples across the world have a gold-leaf statue perched on the top spire. The statue depicts a man in flowing robes blowing a trumpet. This recognizable Mormon symbol represents a heavenly messenger [angel] named Moroni, who appeared to the first Latter-day prophet Joseph Smith , visiting on several occasions. Moroni showed Joseph where the records of an ancient American civilization were buried, which were translated into the Book of Mormon. [extra trivia tidbit: the prophet Mormon which the book is named after and where Latter-day Saints get their nickname, was Moroni's father]
1840's Nauvoo "Flying Angel"
AN EARLY ANGEL:
The first angel placed on an LDS temple was the original Nauvoo Illinois Temple built in the 1840′s and destroyed by fire in 1848. The angel fulfilled a tri-functional purpose as religious symbol, weather vane, and lightning rod. This statue did not officially represent an angel Moroni. It was depicting a ”Flying Angel”, as inspired by Revelation 14:6,
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”
THE FIRST OFFICIAL ANGEL MORONI STATUE:
The Salt Lake Temple, dedicated in 1893, was the next LDS temple topped with an angel, and, the first to be formally identified as representing the angelMoroni. This statue was designed by an American Presbyterian sculptor living in Salt Lake City named Cyrus Dallin.
Cyrus E. Dallin, 1880
Cyrus Edwin Dallin was born in Springville, Utah, on 22 November 1861. His ancestors converted to the LDS Church in England and immigrated to Utah in 1851. Once there, however, Dallin’s parents joined the Presbyterian Church. As a child he loved sketching and modeling with clay. Eventually he studied art in Boston.
When LDS President Wilford Woodruff asked Dallin to create the statue, he declined, saying he “did not believe in angels.” President Woodruff was not deterred. He encouraged Cyrus to consult with his mother, a former Latter-day Saint.
The sculptor’s mother felt strongly that her son should accept the commission. When Cyrus repeated he did not believe in angels, his mother asked: “Why do you say that? You call me your ‘angel mother.’ ” She encouraged him to study LDS scriptures for inspiration, which he did.
SLC Temple Angel
Dallin’s design was a dignified, neoclassical angel in robe and cap, standing upright with a trumpet in hand. The original 40-inch plaster model was completed by 4 October 1891 and exhibited at the Salt Lake Fair. A full-size model was sent to Salem, Ohio, where the statue was hammered out of copper and covered with 22-karat gold leaf.
The 12-foot-5-inch statue stands on a stone ball on the 210-foot central spire on the east side of the temple.
Dallin’s reaction to his experience is enlightening:
“I consider that my ‘angel Moroni’ brought me nearer to God than anything I ever did. It seemed to me that I came to know what it means to commune with angels from heaven.”
(Levi Edgar Young, “The Angel Moroni and Cyrus Dallin,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1953, 234 as quoted)
OTHER SCULPTORS & ANGELS:
Today, nearly every Latter-day Saint temple includes an Angel Moroni statue. Since Cyrus Dallin, other significant sculptors have been involved in designing the statues:
LA Moroni - click to enlarge
1. Millard F. Malin created the 2nd Angel Moroni Statue, placed on the Los Angeles California Temple in 1953 (dedicated 1956) . His angel was cast in aluminum, and stands 4.7 meters high and weighs 953 kilograms. It has Native American features, wears a Mayan style cloak and holds the gold plates in his left hand. You can read a fascinating trivia article about this statue at Keepapitchin entitled “Angel Moroni’s Secret“.
This angel was created as a one-meter model which was sent to Italy where it was enlarged, cast in bronze, and gilded. The finished statue is 5.5 meters high and weighs over 4,000 pounds (1814 kg). The Seattle Washington, Jordan River Utah, and Mexico City Mexico Temples each have a 4.6 meter casting of this statue.
Hill Comorah Monument
3. Torlief Knaphus is most famous for creating the Hill Cumorah Monument - [another Moroni statue] which stands atop the historic LDS site believed to be the location where Joseph Smith received the ancient Book of Mormon records [golden plates] from the angel Moroni. Torlief created another Moroni statue design which was eventually used for the Idaho Falls, Atlanta Georgia, and Boston Temples.
4.Karl Quilter studied under Avard Fairbanks, and sculpted his first Angel Moroni in 1978. Two sizes were made, one 3 meters high, the other just over 2 meters.
Quilter
These statues were designed to reduce the cost and weight of the previous Angel Moroni statues, in order to become a standard part of the temple architecture. These angels are made of fiberglass and covered with gold leaf. In 1998 with the construction of many new smaller temples, Quilter was commissioned to create a new angel. This angel was similar in design to his previous angels, but he gave Moroni a slightly more massive build, his left hand is opened, and his body is turned slightly showing more action. The photo attached is a 1998 design found on the Bern Switzerland Temple 2005 replacement Moroni. Quilter’s Angel Moroni design is found on well over one hundred (100) temples around the world. (J. Michael Hunter, “‘I Saw Another Angel Fly’,”Liahona, Aug. 2000, p. 12.)
The Monticello Utah Temple is the only temple to have had a white angel Moroni. President Gordon B. Hinckley had envisioned all of the “smaller temples” to have a white enamel angel, however the Monticello experiment proved the white statue was too difficult to see, especially in cloudy weather. It was replaced about a year later by a larger, traditional gold-leafed statue, which remained the standard from then on.
The angel atop the newly constructed Oquirrh Mountain Temple was struck and blackened by lightning on June 13, 2009.
Angel Moroni damaged by Lightening 6-13-09
Many people enjoyed poking jabs at this incident, and/or trying to devise some sort of “sign from God” theory. However, the plain and simple fact is that being the highest point on a very tall building, all Angel Moroni statues are frequently hit by lightning. They each include a lightening rod to protect the building, which emerges from the top of the statues head, and they also include special varnish to protect against extreme weather.
It appears that this particular angel suffered from a fluke strike which bounced and caused scorching:
“The original Angel Moroni statue suffered damage when the June 13, 2009 bolt hit the lightning rod on its head and arced beyond that point.” – Deseret News Mormon Times
The poor damaged Moroni was replaced successfully. The new one included an extra lightening rod, for extra protection.
As of this publication date there are 130 Operating Temples, 8 Under Construction and 13 Announced – (click this link for monthly update). As stated above, 8 temples do not have an angel Moroni statue. That adds up to a lot of angel Moroni statues!
PLACING AN ANGEL:
The event of an angel Moroni being placed upon the top of a new temple is always a very exciting celebration.
Each Angel Moroni is a special symbol to the Latter-day Saints. They are a reminder of the miraculous and holy circumstances which surround founding events of the church, and a declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being available and declared to all nations of the earth.
I always welcome your comments: ”don’t be mean, and keep it clean“! – MoSop
There are times in our life when we are going to feel completely and utterly alone. I have endured these. Some have only lasted a moment, or a day. Other experiences have lasted over a long extended period of time. These feelings are painful, frightening, and often seem overwhelming. If ever you are feeling lonliness, hopelessness, or fear, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you. And no matter what happens, or what circumstance you may be facing, there is a God in Heaven who is real. He has promised He will never leave you. He wants you to be happy and to succeed, and He will send help.
In November, 2008 LDS Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave these powerful words of counsel:
Jeffrey R. Holland, LDS Apostle
“My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.” (Moroni 7:36) On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” – The Ministry of Angels, Ensign Nov. 2008
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
The song used in this video is sung by John Canaan, and was written by Michael McLean. Hat tip to ‘yoehoeyne‘ YouTube channel for creating this lovely video.
On October 1, 2008 I Joined the “Hinckley Challenge” (found at hinckleychallenge.com) to read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ in 97 days or less. This was created in honor of the immediate past LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley’s 97 years of life. On Jan. 4, 2009, I completed the challenge! It has been one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. I feel enlightened and invigorated and eager to share this feeling with the world! I also want to share an important new video with you!
I can’t tell you enough how exciting it was to read this book! I hated to have to stop reading and put it down. Once, I even missed my stop riding the bus because I was so engrossed in my reading. I have carried it everywhere with me in my purse, and any time I found myself waiting in line somewhere or with a few spare minutes, I cracked open the pages and grabbed a few more verses. Nowhere was off limits for reading. The grocery store, lunchroom, bus, elevator, my hair salon, and the bathroom…you name it! Several times, fellow bus riders leaned over and asked me what I was so intently studying. “So, is it a good book?” one man inquired. “Oh yes! The best in the world!” I replied. I gave him a brief summary of the book and told him about the story I was currently reading. He smiled and said, (more…)
Joseph Smith is given the ancient records by Angel Moroni
In March 2001, a new musical production entitled “Joseph Smith the Prophet“, premiered at the Provo Utah Tabernacle. Composer Rob Gardner was then a student at Brigham Young University. Gardner organized the first stage concert with the help of many talented volunteer musicians. The response was overwhelming. The audience filled the venue beyond capacity, forcing many to listen from the lawn outside. In the months and years following, thousands more have been able to attend performances. Global church and musical groups have also staged presentations. Similar to a ‘classical American musical’ or a ‘modern oratorio’, Gardner employs (more…)
In the fall of 2007 a creative project began that would become a life-changing experience for everyone involved. The Lord said, “out of small and simple things, great things shall come to pass”. The Reflections of Christ project has become such. Like a polished stone dropped into a calm sea, the ripples continue to reach out exponentially in all directions.
I am one of those who had never heard of this artistic project. This week a link to view a “cool slideshow” popped up into my already burgeoning email box. ‘Oh brother’ (insert groan), I thought, ‘here’s another “FamSpam”’. However, because this one was sent from a dear friend, I dutifully clicked on the link.
I have come across a lovely little book this week. It traces the history and importance of music in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It details the humble beginnings of the first hymns collected by Emma Smith (published in 1835), then onward through the generations of LDS composers, and forward to the grand choirs and stage productions of today. Music has become a legacy. It is an essential fiber in the fabric of our lives as individuals and as a church. We love the arts and music! And indeed, we believe it is one of the highest ways (more…)
“What the gladsome tidings be, which inspire your heavenly song?”
Music has been referred to as the ‘language of angels’. This is such a beautiful and poetic thought; “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful …” (Isaiah 49:13). I believe we can also take this sentiment literally. The Holy Scriptures confirms the presence of heavenly choirs. (more…)
God our Father has a Gameplan, and we’re all on the team! If He had a “playbook”, He might borrow a few play titles straight from daytime TV; “As The World Turns“, “One Life To Live“, “Guiding Light“, and “All My Children“. He could certainly include “Search For Tomorrow“, and “Another World“. For simplicity, this [...]
A very historic and sacred event in history was commemorated this weekend. In June 1978 the Priesthood was extended to “every worthy male” member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I remember that prophetic day. I would have been 12 years old. My mother picked me up from school and told me [...]
We have been experiencing a little taste of spring weather lately in Northern Utah. The other day it was unresistable, and I had to get out and enjoy it while it lasted! I believe I made my dog the happiest
This ’call to cultivate’ is still in effect, and can certainly be likened to our modern circumstances and 21st Century creative work. That also means the promise is still in effect: angel visitors.
There are times in our life when we are going to feel completely and utterly alone. I have endured these. Some have only lasted a moment, or a day. Other experiences have lasted over a long extended period of time. These feelings are painful, frightening, and often seem overwhelming. If ever you are feeling lonliness, hopelessness, or fear, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you. And no matter what happens, or what circumstance you may be facing, there is a God in Heaven who is real. He has promised He will never leave you. He wants you to be happy and to succeed, and He will send help. 
I can’t tell you enough how exciting it was to read this book! I hated to have to stop reading and put it down. Once, I even missed my stop riding the bus because I was so engrossed in my reading. I have carried it everywhere with me in my purse, and any time I found myself waiting in line somewhere or with a few spare minutes, I cracked open the pages and grabbed a few more verses. Nowhere was off limits for reading. The grocery store, lunchroom, bus, elevator, my hair salon, and the bathroom…you name it! Several times, fellow bus riders leaned over and asked me what I was so intently studying. “So, is it a good book?” one man inquired. “Oh yes! The best in the world!” I replied. I gave him a brief summary of the book and told him about the story I was currently reading. He smiled and said, 
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