Deseret News | Moroni statue replaced at Oquirrh Mountain Temple

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Moroni statue replaced at Oquirrh Mountain Temple

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Alex | 3:58 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

I look forward to the dedication of this magnificent monument to the Lord. I also look forward to read negative comments from critics to the LDS faith who contended that the lighting strike was an act of God aganst the Mormon faith. I'd hope those who critizied the church should have come to tour this temple when it was open to the public.

Sign from On High | 4:35 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

Divine Retribution or Natural Occurance? You decide.

In Love... | 4:50 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

I fell in absolute love with this building...the LDS Church is so inspired and inspiring with its architecture and promise of providing a place to commune with the sacred things in life. If you failed seeing this marvelous structure you missed a true monument from our generation to those many who will follow.

Thank you to all who made this structure and open house possible!

Comments continue below

Fredd | 5:00 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

If you read the article on the earthquake and the comments than I think we can all conclude stuff doesn't just happen. Maybe God saw inferior workmanship that mortal eyes couldn't so he waited until the crowds were gone from the open house and zapped it so it would be replaced?

Anonymous | 5:08 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

If you think this was "divine retribution" you are crazy. How many churches have been hit by lightning strikes? Was that divine retribution as well? Here you have a tall building in the middle of nothing else. What do you think it is going to hit? Save your snide remarks for some other story.

A Catholic | 5:10 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

A lightning strike is a lightning strike. To view it as anything else is idiotic.

Re: Sign from on high | 5:12 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

In this day and age it doesn't suprise me that bigotry still exists. I don't know what the LDS church has ever done to you, but you need to get over it.

Divine approval | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

This is one of those great occurrences where God smiled upon the proceedings. The fact that no one was injured and that the tours could continue before and after this spectacular event are noteworthy. This is a divine tribute to detailed design and preparation; an instance of man, using his God given understanding, making a building safe from even direct lightning strikes. Thank you for this effective demonstration.

I loved my tour and look forward to the dedication in two weeks. There is no doubt the Lord approves of the workmanship, and of the intended purposes.

Anonymous | 5:55 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

Re: Sign from on high | 5:12 p.m You have no sense of humor. I write in here that I believe lightning is natural, you have the right to believe nothing happens that not god's will. I continual writing that it what you find joy in believing.

Sorry, I see no reason to waste my time or gas driving to see the temple in Folsom, CA. I think temples are ugly, authoritarian and look more like fortresses than places of worship. I like cathedrals were all are invited and wonderful light illuminates their interiors.

I'm not god. You don't have to share my view. It's not about me other than my right to see what I see.

I think its wonderful that some find these structure uplifting. If you find joy, my views don't matter.

Don't get upset when we, as people see the same thing differently.

My uncle loves these temple events. That's cool with me. I don't.

Its healthier to smile and have humor and to go through life being upset that ours aren't you.

2nd chair trumpet | 6:13 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

Why is there no mouthpiece on the trumpet? (or at least a small flaring of the trumpet tube at that end). Did you ever try to play a trumpet without a mouthpiece? Maybe it could be made a running change for inclusion in future?

P.S. very nice photo work. well done.

question | 6:16 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

How much does the statue weigh?

Not Making Sense At All | 6:17 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

"Anonymous | 5:55 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009 - Re: Sign from on high | 5:12 p.m You have no sense of humor. I write in here that I believe lightning is natural, you have the right to believe nothing happens that not god's will. I continual writing that it what you find joy in believing. Sorry, I see no reason to waste my time or gas driving to see the temple in Folsom, CA. I think temples are ugly, authoritarian and look more like fortresses than places of worship. I like cathedrals...."

You say you don't like LDS temples because they look like "fortresses" but you admit you like the look of cathredrals???

Are you serious? I mean, have you not seen St Paul's cathedral in London or just about any cathedral in Europe or the East coast?

Come on, if you're going to dis the LDS church you've got to come up with a better argument than that!

RE : Catholic Christian symbol | 6:50 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

When I was in Vietnam,we were looking for a orphanage,to tell the nuns that they needed to leave the orphanage,there were bad guys(VC) near the village,but all we found was a hoooch with a cross(crucifix),we were then able to warn tne Nuns, If it had been Moroni,we would not have had a clue.
The Cross is the universal sign of Christianity.

American Citizen | 7:12 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

Medieval churches always had tall steeples. Nobody had a watch, and the bells up there used to tell people when church started as well as other town events.

The steeples were also excellent lightining rods that provided protection around the church.

Lightining hasn't changed and they still serve that function. Good grounding keeps every steeple in America from becoming toast on a regular basis.

The guy who probably was most affected by the temple lightning strike was the contractor who failed to provide an adequate ground. That mistake was probably rapidly corrected before Moroni II went up.

Clem | 7:25 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

No one, regardless of religious affiliation, is exempt from LIFE! It is ridiculous to say that because this or that person or group was subjected to this or that force of nature, that there is any divine approval or retribution involved.

Retired | 7:33 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

I enjoyed my visit to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and plan on visiting often.

I also like Catholic cathedrals and have always felt the spirit in each I have visited.

While in Iraq the universal symbol for Christianity was just a tent. No cross inside or out regardless of denomination.

Lola | 8:18 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

The photo's are so cool! I've always wanted to see Moroni up close. Thanks Des News

Anonymous | 8:36 p.m. Aug. 11, 2009

I love the simplicity in the decor of the temples. While I find cathedrils overly ornate but they too can be beautiful.

And concerning the symble of the cross representing Christianity - it was used as a religious symbol long before the birth of Christ.

Me | 12:02 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I think Temples are Very beautiful having been in many of them, they are truly amazing both inside and out. Also Though I am not a Catholic, I think that their Cathedrals are very beautiful too. They add nicely to a city. It doesnt matter if one looks like a fort or not. They inspire good for many people. Especially the Temples of God.

Anonymous | 12:18 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I just was struck while passing the LDS temple in Portland how few windows there were to transmit radiant light. Then, I noticed the porthole like windows on this shark edifice that seemed to want to keep the outside world at bay. This imagine was a reminder of an observation I made has a boy in Utah. The Mormon culture seems to feel its being attacked. This comes across in temple architecture.

I didn't know! | 12:52 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I learned something new. I didn't know that the temple angels served intentionally as lightening rods. More power to Angel Moroni.

RE: American Citizen | 3:27 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

The ground worked perfectly.

Please reread the article.

STW | 6:46 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

A similar strike happened at the San Diego temple before it was opened. A friend of mine was in the Celestial room directly under Moroni when it occurred. Reports are that his Marine reflexes took over and he hit the deck and started digging a foxhole with the boom of the lightening 50 feet over his head.

L. G. KIRKPATRICK | 8:26 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I really wish some of you folks would learn to spell and to proofread. The vast majority of posts here are cogent, worthwhile, and are greatly interesting. The few that are ungrammatical, and especially with misspelled words leave us wondering just what in the heck it is you're trying to communicate. You took the time an effort to compose a post; we take the time to read it, and are still confused about your intent.

Appreciative | 8:39 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

The photography that accompanied this article was awesome. Thanks for sharing such cool images.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:49 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I knew this was going to happen.

A | 8:50 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

L.G. Kirkpatrick - I have read all the comments and understood each of them (although I didn't agree with some of their views). Perhaps that is because I was reading them for content rather than correcting and English paper. Life is too short to be so stuffy.

Ex-Trib Reader | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Wow I can only imagine the comments that would be on the SL Trib in relation to this article...

Nice photos!

:Re I didn't know! | 9:06 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Why make an entire gold statue/idol. Why not just use a standard lightening rods?

To Anonymous | 12:18 | 9:06 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Well, mormon culture is being attached. Read the comments on any article in this paper and at least one poster will find a way to take a jab at the LDS Church. Even if the article is in no way related.

bluesky | 9:19 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Thanks for the great photos!!

Portland Temple 12:18AM | 9:21 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I noticed that there were not many windows in the Portland Temple, as well. Then I realized that there are many walls of the temple that are very thin sheets of marble that illuminate on the inside when the light hits them. It is pretty amazing.
I look at it as a time away from the world when I go inside. It is very well lighted and a very peaceful place to go. I've felt the same way in every temple I've gone into.

Ore LDS | 9:25 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

To 2nd Chair Trumpet

I think you need to look more closely at the photos. I clearly see a mouthpiece on the trumpet in picture 3 of 14 in the gallery.

Re: To Anonymous 9:06 | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

"at least one poster will find a way to take a jab at the LDS Church"

But it's so easy.

Re: Ex-Trib Reader | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

There would be just as many "negative" comments here, but by members of the church if it wasnt for the DN strong censoring practices.

Light in the Temple | 9:48 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

When I went through the open house for this temple, I was impressed with how much light the windows let in. The whole of the chapel was lighted by huge windows and the afternoon light lit the whole room and made it glow.

The whole of the temple is beautiful in a simple way. My one year old son particularly loved the tour and kept pointing to the pictures of Jesus to say "Jeee." It was a great experience for our family.

To ":Re I didn't know" at 9:06 | 10:00 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

It's not an "entire gold statue/idol." It's made of fiberglass, not gold, and covered in a layer of gold leaf thinner than tissue paper. And it's not an idol because it is not worshipped nor plays a part in any worship ceremony. If you think that it is inappropriate for temples of God to include gold-leafed statues of angels, you need to go back and read 1 Kings 6:23-28.

Temple windows | 10:12 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

If you are looking at the outside > in, it may seem as if there is no natural light. But to go inside is a different experience, especially in the celestial rooms of these temples where natural light bathes the rooms in the most comforting and inspiring ways.

To anon @ 12:18 "Mormon culture seems to feel its being attacked. This comes across in temple architecture." This statement is just way, way out of touch. Purely your imagination. Come inside any of the new temples when they are open and you will see and feel something very different than what you are imagining.

RE: 5:12 | 11:13 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

"I don't know what the LDS church has ever done to you, but you need to get over it."

If you don't know what the LDS church did to this person then how dare you tell them to get over it?!

People should be allowed the respect to take care of issues in their own way and their own time. Especialy if something has been "done to" them.

Anonymous | 11:57 a.m. Aug. 12, 2009

What the LDS church had ever done to people? To begin with.....

How about that I am not allowed to withness my own daughter Temple Wedding, because I am not a LDS Temple worshiper. They call it Sacred. I wonder what would Jesus say/do?

You certaintly don't know the story of the Mountain Meadows do you?

a Christian | 12:16 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Country clubs do it and the LDS church does it. They exclude non-members from participating in their activities. It is no new thing. One excludes based on the lack of money paid and the other excludes on basis of spiritual deprivation. I have read some of the bible. I don’t think Jesus would turn away ether the monetarily or the spiritually poor.

the building of temples | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

My thithe money being put to good use I see.

to anonymous | 12:23 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Your daughter made her own personal choice to marry in a place that you cannot visit as a wedding venue. Perhaps you need to take up her belief system with her, not the church. Nobody put a gun to her head and stated she must marry in the temple last I heard. My sisters married in the temple and I watched my mother cry, but again that was their choice. As you should also know, the mormons do not worship the temple but instead worship inside. Considering Church history, it isn't surprising that the doors of the temple were locked to outsiders. Kirtland temple wasn't locked and all were welcome.
I am also familiar with the Mountain Meadow massacre. Are you familiar with Governor Bogg's extermination order? Yeah, didn't think so.

Nope, I am not even LDS.

To Anonymous@11:57 | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Forgive me but I had to chuckle at your post. All too often I have heard the complaint from non-members when one of their children who are members is married in the LDS temples and they aren't allowed. Many times, the non-LDS parents understand that they don't belong to that particular religion due to their own beliefs and ideals. They understand this and move on although it does sting a little. Then there are the rest of the non-LDS parents that take it personally and question how a "Christian" religion could be so exclusionary asking the LDS faith "WWJD"? In humility I answer: even Jesus taught in Mattew that not everyone that calls on His name will enter into his kingdom.
Can it be possible that He can love all of us, yet still understand that His love alone isn't going to allow every person who lives to return and live with Him eternally? He DOES love us but expects us to do certain things to be able to return to him. It isn't hypocrisy to allow the Mormons the same exclusions religiously. I'm sorry it causes you grief.

Pete in Texas

Anonymous | 12:42 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

"I am also familiar with the Mountain Meadow massacre. Are you familiar with Governor Bogg's extermination order?"

The Mtn Meadow massacre was a wrong done by a group of Mormons to an innocent group of people.

Governor Bogg's wrongs don't make it right.

and I am LDS.

To anonymous | 12:57 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Tell your daughter that if she wants to she can have a civil wedding and a sealing ceremony in the temple. People do it all the time to make their families feel better and not left out. No one is forcing her to do anything she doesn't want to do.

I'm not allowed to go into the pope's quarters and I'm a good person. Why not?? WWJD? I'm also not allowed to worship on the same side of the church as men in Orthodox and Muslim religions. How unfair. Why can't I be a Catholic priest? Because I'm a girl. Again, how unfair. The LDS church isn't nearly as exclusionary as some others.

Re:Anonymous | 11:57 | 1:17 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

I thought the LDS church was about familys? What is up with not letting this guy go in and see his daughter get married? What is the big deal?

Jim in Texas | 1:25 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

"To Anonymous" wrote:
"Tell your daughter that if she wants to she can have a civil wedding and a sealing ceremony in the Temple".

While the above is correct, I understand that the "one year" rule applies. That is, if an individual chooses a civil ceremony, a sealing of that marriage will not be performed until a year has passed.

It does present a choice to any who are contemplating marriage. Life is full of choices.

Craig | 1:28 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Can't wait until this temple, the one downtown and all LDS temples around the world crumble and become dust. Stakehouses should become STEAKhouses and wards would make sweet, sweet skating rinks (or munitions testing sites). All I ask for is front row tickets to the destruction of the temple downtown, Salt Lake City. I would love to help administrate the eventual restructuring of the LDS cult.

Ben | 1:41 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Is the angel merlin going to be on top of the shoping mall as well?

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