Description of the Hill Cumorah Monument

  The monument was erected on the Hill Cumorah by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to commemorate the delivering of the ancient American record to Joseph the Prophet on September 22, 1827 as an expression of gratitude and recognition to the world of this outstanding event.

The Hill Cumorah Monument has an appearance of a symbolic pillar of light with upward leading lines so designed as to draw the thought of man towards Heaven and God and give heed to the Gospel plan.

The large figure on top of the shaft represents Moroni in a position as though calling the inhabitants of earth to reverence of the Gospel message.  His right hand is pointed toward heaven and in his left hand he holds the record. 

On the west panel is shown Moroni delivering the plates to the young man Joseph, indeed one of the most remarkable dealings of God with man.  God did not only reveal and speak to man but through His holy servant brought tangible material plates on which was written the Gospel plan as Jesus taught it to the people on this continent after His death and resurrection in Palestine. 

 
Not only did He reveal this to one man but, as shown on the south panel, three others were permitted to see them by the power and glory of God.  An angel of the Lord stood before them holding the plates in his hands and showed them the engravings thereon.  He commanded them also to testify of the same and a voice was heard from above saying that this record was true and the translation is correct. 
In addition to these witnesses, Joseph was permitted to show the plates to eight other men who handled them and examined the inscription thereon.  This is shown on the east panel.  The inscription of the north panel is taken from the last book of this record called the “Book of Moroni,” which consists mostly of counsels and exhortations to the people of the time this record should come forth.
The shaft and ornamentations thereon also have their symbol and meanings.  The lines of light flowing down the center shaft symbolize the President of the Church and the pillar on each side symbolizes his two counselors.  The design above the panels consisting of twelve conventional lights represents the Twelve Apostles who are called to be special witnesses of Christ.  The similar ornamentation on the corners symbolizes the Seven Presidents of the Seventies who stand as lights to the four corners of the earth.  The ornamentation on the corners below the panels represents the Presiding Bishopric who officiates in temporal things.

The Hill Cumorah Monument in enduring bronze and granite, stands as a testimony to all nations, kindreds, tounges and people that the angel spoken of by John the Revelator has indeed come to earth.  It also expresses our thanks to God for His kindness in revealing these things to us.

I trust that the imperfection of my work will not be in offense, but that whoever sees this monument will investigate and accept the Gospel message as I have done, as it is the most precious thing to receive.

 

 

Torleif S. Knaphus

Sculptor and Designer