Where it all began
Once again, I will provide the warning that this post may be pseudo educational with a religious emphasis. That said, this is no mere statue on a hill. First, its not just a hill. Its a drumlin. As my geologist friend taught me, a drumlin is a low oval hill consisting of compacted boulder clay molded by past glacial action. There you go Joe. Beyond that, its not just a statue. Its an angel. So, this is an angel on a drumlin. More importantly, if you are a Mormon, this is where it all began.
Cumorah Hill and Angel Moroni
This drumlin is located near Manchester, New York, just north of the I-90 interstate. Furthermore, this drumlin is called several names, such as Cumorah Hill, Mormon Hill, and Inspiration Hill. In 1823, according to Mormon beliefs, the Angel Moroni paid a visit to Joseph Smith. The Angel Moroni informed Joseph Smith as to the location of sacred golden plates. Subsequently, Mr. Smith was able to dig up the plates from within the hill. In a nut shell, once a year from 1823 to 1827, Mr. Smith interacted with Angel Moroni and these tablets. Eventually, Mr. Smith translated these golden tablets into the foundation of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. That is, the Book of Mormon.
Atop Cumorah Hill 
Carol awaits inspiration
Furthermore, the base of the statue contains various depictions of the key events between 1823 to 1827. Specifically, there were two groups of witnesses to the golden plates. The first was the “Three Witnesses” and the second was the “Eight Witnesses.” Naturally, all of these men provided sworn and written testimony supporting Joseph Smith’s accounts of the golden plates and the Angel Moroni.
Joseph recewives the plates… 
PT, Carol, and Moroni 
And, the Three bear witness
Finally, the last piece of background information is that the golden plates got lost somewhere in those early years. So, as with many religious points, its about belief and faith. As there are over 16 million members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, quite a few people believe that this was the genesis of the Mormon faith.
Anyway, my point to this post was not to enlighten you on the Mormon faith. I guess the place just struck me as odd. Its too “casual.” Cumorah Hill is the sacred beginning of the Mormon faith, practiced by 16 million people. I expected something a bit more spectacular to honor the place. There was no compound, no gates, no guards, no worshippers, no priests, and no temple. Well, there was a Visitor Center. But, it was closed due to COVID. But, that’s it. To me, it just seemed like a pleasant roadside park. I drove my car to the top of Cumorah Hill and parked in the convenient lot next to the Angel Moroni’s statue. Maybe, there is some lesson here that is over my head. Perhaps, the casual nature of this sacred place is supposed to teach humility and openness.
Angel Moroni’s view… 
…and, the Visitor Center
As you can see from the above left picture, there is a great view at the top of the sacred drumlin. But, not much else. Perhaps, if the Visitor Center was open, my experience would have been different. I am going to make a point to revisit this place when the Visitor Center is open. Maybe if I get to talk to someone and visit the center, it will elevate my opinion. Again, this is the place where it all began. While its a nice place to visit, I guess I just expected something more. Cluelessly yours, PT
I hope you have enjoyed reading “Where it all began” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Furthermore, if you enjoyed this post, check this one out too https://travelingwithpt.com/whats-a-cloister/
And, if you want to learn more or visit Cumorah hill, here you go https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/subsection/historic-sites/new-york/manchester/hill-cumorah?lang=eng
