Moroni statue removed from Idaho Falls temple as part of restoration

The golden statue of the angel Moroni has been removed from the Idaho Falls Temple as crews finish the restoration project at the religious structure.

According to local church spokesman Steve Poulsen, the 13-foot-tall statue is being taken down to have the gold finish redone ahead of the open house for the newly remodeled temple which starts on April 22.

The statue should be back in place on top of the temple sometime next week.

According to beliefs held by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moroni is one of the ancient prophets who helped collect the golden plates, from which the prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.