The Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood statue commemorates a sacred event in 1829. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ, appeared as a heavenly messenger to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. He conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, God’s authority to perform ordinances such as baptism that help us repent and prepare us to return to live with Him.

This priesthood is the same authority John held anciently when he baptized the Savior. Its restoration helped prepare the way for the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth.

Through this restored authority, individuals can receive baptism and other sacred ordinances that bring peace, forgiveness, and spiritual direction. The statue invites reflection on Christ’s ministry and stands as a witness that His power to bless God’s children continues today.