Angel Moroni - 1974

Avard T. Fairbanks, was chosen as the sculptor to create a prominent figure in Latter-Day-Saint (Mormon) theology known as the Angel Moroni. The Angel Moroni was the personage who delivered the “golden plates” to Joseph Smith for translation into the “Book of Mormon.” Joseph Smith became the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). A beautiful multi-spired temple was being erected in Washington D.C. area, just outside the beltway and visible from the beltway around Washington D.C..

The leaders wished to have a statue of the standing Angel Moroni with a trumpet signaling the dawn of a new era (the return of the everlasting gospel), erected on the tall central spire. In 1971, Avard produced a working model which was accepted by the authorities of the Mormon Church as the prototype for the colossal figure.

A certain amount of distortion was used by the sculptor by lengthening the lower extremity so that as the statue would be seen from below, it would not appear short. Using the working model as a guide, an 18-foot statue was created, cast in bronze in Italy, and plated with gold leaf. It was shipped to Washington D.C. where it was erected on the central spire of the Washington D.C. Temple using some masterful technology.

The Temple was dedicated in 1974. Three other temples are graced with similar statues of the Angel Moroni by Avard T. Fairbanks. These include the temples in Mexico City, South Jordan, Utah, and Bellevue, Washington.

This size of the artwork is not available for purchase.  The 23" working model is available for purchase.