Visitors can see new statues on the grounds of Temple Square. Seven statues are currently available for public viewing. The statues are located on both the east and west sides of the Salt Lake Temple. More statues will be installed before the open house celebration begins. The statues currently available to the public are listed below:
The First Vision
In 1820, Joseph Smith prayed to know which church to join. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. God called Joseph by name and said, pointing to Jesus, “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him.” Like many past prophets, Joseph spoke with the Lord face-to-face. Jesus Christ restored the fulness of His gospel through Joseph, bringing eternal joy to all God’s children.
God and Jesus Christ know us by name, will answer our prayers, and continue to communicate with us through living prophets.
Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17
Come, Follow Me
As Jesus Christ walked the shores of the Sea of Galilee, He saw Peter and Andrew washing their nets after fishing all night without a catch. He instructed them to cast their nets back into the sea, and they were amazed when their nets filled with fish. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once, Peter and Andrew left their nets to follow Him.
Following Jesus Christ changed their lives and brought them great joy. Christ extends this same invitation to all of us to follow Him.
Matthew 4:18–20; Luke 5:2–8, 11
The Priesthood Restoration Monuments
Two monuments stand near each other depicting the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. The Aaronic Priesthood was restored to the earth when it was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on May 15, 1829, by John the Baptist. The Melchizedek priesthood was restored in 1829 when the Apostles Peter, James, and John conferred it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
Seagull Monument
In 1848, the first year after Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, a massive infestation of crickets began devouring their crops and threatening their survival. According to tradition, large flocks of California gulls descended on the fields and began eating the crickets, ultimately saving the crops and the settlers from starvation.
Five Wise Virgins
Jesus Christ told a parable, or story, of ten women waiting to attend a wedding. Five were wise and brought oil to light their lamps, but the other five did not bring oil. The host was delayed. Those who were prepared had oil to light their lamps during the night as they waited. The other five left to purchase oil. When they returned, they were too late for the wedding.
This story teaches the importance of spiritual preparation. Our efforts to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ keeps oil in our lamps.
Matthew 25:1–10
Joseph Smith Receives the Plates
In 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by a heavenly messenger named Moroni, who told Joseph that God had a work for him to do. Moroni told him of a record hidden nearby that contained the writings of prophets in the ancient Americas. The writings taught the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph was tasked with translating the record by the gift and power of God.
Today, this record is known as the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Joseph History 1:33–34