Angel Moroni Monument

Almost immediately after the Church purchased the Hill Cumorah in 1928, sculptor Torleif Knaphus began envisioning a grand monument that would stand as a witness of the events that had occurred there over 100 years before. The resulting artwork stands over 30 feet (10 m) tall. A figure representing the angel Moroni looks out over the world as he points up to heaven with his right hand and holds the ancient record written on gold plates in his left. He stands atop a tall granite column with rays of light incised on its face. At the base on three sides are depictions in bronze of events connected with the gold plates. On the north side are Moroni’s words of exhortation to read the Book of Mormon and ask God if the words it contains are true.

Knaphus spent over five years designing the monument and overseeing its construction. He testified to close family and friends that it was a truly spiritual experience. He felt angels attended him as he worked to sculpt the angel Moroni. Unlike other depictions of this heavenly messenger, Knaphus wanted to portray a strong, military leader with a solemn and dignified countenance. He chose Elwin Clark, a bricklayer in Salt Lake City, as his model for the arms and torso. Elwin’s father Don Carlos Clark was the model for the angel’s face. All of these men believed that the resulting figure was the result of heavenly help.

President Heber J. Grant dedicated the monument on July 21, 1935.

What to Expect

Three trails lead from the Hill Cumorah Visitors’ Center to the Angel Moroni Monument at the top of the Hill Cumorah. There are some steps around the monument. Guests with mobility issues can request to be taken up the hill in a shuttle.