Myth 2 | All Statues Must Face East

Myth 2 | All Statues Must Face East

This belief goes back to the early days of the Moroni statues. The very first statue on the Salt Lake temple faced east, as did the temple itself. But one occurrence of something does not make a rule.

This incorrect understanding most likely really begins with the second Angel Moroni being placed on the Los Angeles Temple. Original plans for the temple had the Moroni facing in line with the front door, to the south east.  After the statue had been placed, President David O. McKay, on site for the placement, asked that the statue be rotated 90 degrees to face northeast. People have assumed that there must be a doctrinal reason for the move rather than an aesthetic one, as it has been said that President McKay had the statue turned to greet the Savior upon his return to earth. The tradition of ‘Moroni must face east’ was born, despite the fact that Seattle Washington, the fourth temple to receive an angel statue, has both the temple and the statue facing west.^[1]For more information on which direction Angel Moroni faces, see Chapter 7 – Moroni Always Faces East. ^[2]For More information on rotation of The Los Angeles California Temple statue see Chapter 5 – Statues Turned After Placement – Los Angeles

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