Angel Moroni Statue Placed Atop The New Meridian Idaho Temple

A 13-foot-6, 608-pound, gold-leafed statue of the Angel Moroni was placed atop the Meridian, Idaho Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple Wednesday.

According to a newsreport by ​Mormon Newsroom Crane operators and construction workers hoisted the 13-foot-6-inch angel Moroni statue to the top of the Meridian Idaho Temple July 20, 2016. 

​Standing atop many temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the angel Moroni, an ancient prophet in the Book of Mormon. The statue is not a figure of worship, but rather symbolizes his role in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although not required, this iconic symbol of the Church stands high at the top of most of the 150 temples worldwide.

​Once the sacred building is complete, the Church will invite the public to tour the temple prior to its dedication.

Latter-day Saint temples provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God and where the highest sacraments of the faith occur, such as the marriage of couples for eternity. Temples differ from the thousands of local meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities.