Priesthood Restoration - Salt Lake City, UT, USA - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

This statue depicts the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood on the earth, with John the Baptist standing with his hands on the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, who are both kneeling, facing each other.

The Art Inventories Catalog describes this statue as: "Central male figure of John the Baptist stands draped in robes. On either side are kneeling male figures - Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. John the Baptist lays his hands atop the heads of each kneeling figure. The dimensions are listed as: Sculpture: approx. 10 x 8 x 4 ft.; Base: approx. 7 x 10 x 6 ft."

The marker in front of this statue reads as follows:

"Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood

On May 15, 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery went into the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism. As they prayed, "a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light" (Joseph Smith - History 1:68). This messenger was John the Baptist, who had baptized Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and was now a resurrected being. He laid his hands on Joseph and on Oliver and conferred upon each of them the Aaronic Priesthood. This priesthood, which had been absent from the earth for many centuries, includes the restored authority from God to baptize for the remission of sins."

"As the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he found mention of baptism for the remission of sins. On May 15, 1829, he and his scribe Oliver Cowdery went into the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism. As they prayed, “a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light.” This messenger was John the Baptist, the prophet who had baptized Jesus Christ centuries earlier. John the Baptist, now a resurrected being, laid his hands on Joseph and on Oliver and conferred upon each of them the Aaronic Priesthood, which had been taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy. With this authority, Joseph and Oliver were able to baptize one another. (See Joseph Smith—History 1:68-72.)

The offices of the Aaronic Priesthood are bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader (usually the bishop or branch president), deacons pass the sacrament. They help the bishop or branch president watch over Church members by giving service and assisting with temporal matters such as gathering fast offerings. Teachers may perform all the duties of deacons, and they also receive other opportunities to serve. They prepare the sacramental bread and water and serve as home teachers. Priests may perform all the duties of deacons and teachers. With the authorization of the presiding priesthood leader, they may also bless the sacrament, baptize, and ordain others to the offices of priest, teacher, and deacon.

The Aaronic Priesthood is “an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14). It is often called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the blessings of the temple, to serve a full-time mission, to be a loving husband and father, and to continue in lifelong service to the Lord." (visit link)

TITLE: Priesthood Restoration ARTIST(S): Avard Fairbanks DATE: 1957 MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: stone. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 77003003 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Temple Square DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: On the Inventory Page for this statue it lists: "Other Titles: Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood: John the Baptist, (sculpture)." I would argue that this should be the main title as the same artist sculpted another statue, that is placed within feet of this sculpture that is titled: "Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood". I don't see it in the Catalog, but someday, I'm sure it will be added and the more specific names should differentiate the two sculptures.

Visit Instructions:
Please give the date of your visit, your impressions of the sculpture, and at least ONE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. Add any additional information you may have, particularly any personal observations about the condition of the sculpture.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   12/31/2022 datenhamster visited it 09/05/2019 gemeloj visited it 03/13/2018 BFin visited it 11/24/2017 daleoffret visited it 10/19/2014 DopeyDuck visited it 09/16/2014 Team Pluto visited it 03/24/2014 run26.2 visited it 09/06/2013 Poehunters visited it 03/06/2013 petendot visited it 04/11/2012 Chasing Blue Sky visited it

View all visits/logs