“Leaning into the Light,” Joseph Smith, the Boy – Statue

This indoor statue, set in place in 1997, depicts Joseph Smith as a young man and carries the title "Leaning into the Light." It marks a further chapter in the Latter-day Saint founding story: the movement holds that in 1823 an angel named Moroni told the young Smith of an ancient record buried in a nearby hill — the writings of early prophets in the Americas — which he later translated as the Book of Mormon, scripture his church regards as a second witness of Jesus Christ alongside the Bible.

What the plaque says

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. In 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by a heavenly messenger named Moroni. He said that God had a work for Joseph to do. Moroni told him of a record hidden in a nearby hill that contained the writings of ancient prophets in the Americas. The writings taught the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph translated this record by the gift and power of God. Today, this record is known as the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. As we prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, we will learn truths about Jesus Christ that will bless our lives. Joseph History 1:33-34

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Salt Lake City — steps away
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.
• Temple Square — steps away
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Ensign Peak — 1.4 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Liberty Park — 1.9 mi
  Salt Lake Citys beloved 80-acre urban park since 1882

More markers nearby

• Zions First National Bank — steps away
• Templeton Building — steps away
• Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian — steps away
• Old Folks Day — steps away