WATCH: Crews install Angel Moroni back on top of Idaho Falls temple
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IDAHO FALLS — The Angel Moroni statue removed from the Idaho Falls Mormon temple last week was reinstalled back on top of the temple Wednesday morning.
Crews used a large crane to hoist the gold-plated 13-foot statue from the ground back to its 143-foot tall perch, where construction crews fastened it to the temple.
Dozens of spectators watched from the ground during the hour-long process.
PHOTO GALLERY | ANGEL MORONI BEING INSTALLED ON IDAHO FALLS LDS TEMPLE
The Angel Moroni was taken down April 5 so crews could clean and cover it with new gold plating. The temple has been closed for over two years as part a major renovation.
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The statue was added to the temple using a helicopter after the building was renovated in 1983. This is the first time it has been removed from its location.
Moroni is a prophet from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Book of Mormon and the trumpet, which is held in Moroni’s right hand, symbolizes the spreading of the gospel and the Second Coming of Christ, according to the church.
There are six versions of the Angel Moroni statue used on temples throughout the world. The statue mold used for the one in Idaho Falls is also used for the Moroni statues on two other Mormon temples: Atlanta Georgia and Boston Massachusetts.
Public tours of the temple begin Apr. 22 before the building is dedicated and reopened for church members on Sunday, June 4.