St George Temple: No Angel Moroni Explained
The St George Temple, located in Utah, is a notable attraction among Latter-day Saint temples due to its absence of an angel Moroni statue. While many other temples feature this iconic symbol, the St George Temple stands without it, sparking curiosity and questions about its significance and symbolism.
The Trend of Moroni-less Temples
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend among Latter-day Saint temples – the absence of angel Moroni statues. Out of the 225 temples worldwide, only 156 operating temples and 15 temples with renderings have Moroni statues. Interestingly, the remaining 54 temples either currently lack a Moroni statue or may not have one in the future. This shift in temple design aligns with the leadership of President Russell M. Nelson, who assumed the presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2018. Since then, a majority of the newly announced temples have renderings without Moroni statues. This architectural change may signify a deliberate emphasis on the Church’s focus on Jesus Christ rather than specific symbols.
To illustrate the significant decrease in angel Moroni statues, here’s a breakdown of the temple count:
| Temples with Moroni Statues | Temples without Moroni Statues | Temples with Renderings (without Moroni) |
|---|---|---|
| 156 | 54 | 15 |
With more temples being designed without angel Moroni statues, it begs the question of the symbolism and purpose behind these statues in the first place. This theme will be explored further in the upcoming sections.
The shift towards Moroni-less temples reflects a broader architectural movement towards emphasizing the core principles and teachings of the Church. By placing a greater focus on Jesus Christ rather than specific symbols, these temples symbolize the central role of Christ in the lives of Latter-day Saints.
The Significance of Angel Moroni
The angel Moroni plays a vital role in the beliefs of Latter-day Saints. According to their faith, Moroni, the final prophet from ancient America, appeared to church founder Joseph Smith in a vision. He directed Joseph to the gold plates, which ultimately became the sacred text known as the Book of Mormon. As such, the angel Moroni symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of the Latter-day Saint faith.
The presence of Moroni statues on temple spires is a visual representation of this belief and serves as a reminder of the divine guidance that led to the establishment of the church. The first Moroni statue was placed on the Salt Lake Temple in 1892, becoming a distinguishing feature of many Latter-day Saint temples worldwide.
Over time, different artists have sculpted Moroni statues, each bringing their unique artistic vision and cultural influences to the designs. These statues have varied in size and style, reflecting the changing artistic trends and preferences throughout history. From the classical to the contemporary, each Moroni statue stands as a testament to the rich heritage of the Latter-day Saint community and their commitment to their faith.
| Year | Temple | Location | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1892 | Salt Lake Temple | Salt Lake City, Utah | |
| 1953 | Los Angeles California Temple | Los Angeles, California | |
| 2002 | São Paulo Brazil Temple | São Paulo, Brazil |
Temples without Angel Moroni Statues
Currently, there are fifteen operating temples that do not have an angel Moroni statue. Some of these temples include the St George Temple, Logan Utah Temple, Oakland California Temple, and Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Additionally, there are numerous temple renderings that have been released without an angel Moroni statue.
Reasons for the absence of Moroni statues can vary, including building codes, cultural considerations, or architectural designs. While some municipalities have regulations that restrict the inclusion of statues or figures on the exteriors of buildings, other temples may prioritize cultural sensitivity by avoiding certain iconography. Architectural designs also play a role, as some temples may have unique structures or aesthetic preferences that make the inclusion of an angel Moroni statue challenging or impractical.
The absence of angel Moroni statues in these temples does not diminish their significance or purpose. These temples still serve as sacred spaces for Latter-day Saints to participate in important ordinances and draw closer to God and Jesus Christ.
| Temple | Location |
|---|---|
| St George Temple | Utah, United States |
| Logan Utah Temple | Utah, United States |
| Oakland California Temple | California, United States |
| Hamilton New Zealand Temple | Hamilton, New Zealand |
Conclusion
The St George Temple’s absence of an angel Moroni statue is a unique aspect that sparks curiosity and discussion. While the presence of the Moroni statue has become a common feature in many Latter-day Saint temples, its absence in the St George Temple does not diminish the sanctity or significance of the temple.
Symbolism in Latter-day Saint temples extends far beyond external representations. The primary focus of these sacred spaces is to draw individuals closer to God and Jesus Christ through the performance of sacred ordinances. The absence of the angel Moroni in the St George Temple serves as a reminder that the true sacredness lies in the spiritual experiences and relationships fostered within the temple walls.
Although the angel Moroni symbolizes the restoration of the gospel and holds significant importance in the Church’s history, the St George Temple stands as a testament to the broader perspective of the Latter-day Saint temple experience. The absence of the Moroni statue invites individuals to focus on the personal meaning and spiritual growth that can be found within the walls of this beautiful and revered temple.
