Moroni

If you have ever seen a Mormon temple, chances are you have seen the golden statue that adorns most of the steeples of these beautiful buildings. The statue is known as the angel Moroni. The male figure is dressed in a robe and typically (there are different versions on different temples) carries a golden book in one hand and blows a long golden trumpet in the other.

Moroni: Warrior, Prophet, Historian

Moroni, as a mortal man, was the last author of the Book of Mormon, burying the plates it was recorded on in the year AD 421. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Mormon (after whom the Book of Mormon is named) as keeper of an ancient record detailing the history and eventual destruction of their people. Moroni served as a general during the final military campaign of his people. All but himself and a handful of others survived. Moroni was left alone and described his situation: "My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go" (Mormon 8:5).

Moroni: Angelic Messenger

Revelation 14:6 reads "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

In September 1823 Moroni, who was then a glorified personage, visited young Joseph Smith as a heavenly messenger sent from God. Moroni told Joseph of the very plates he himself had buried 1400 years earlier.