SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (AP) - Lightning has struck a new Mormon temple in Utah, blackening the golden angel that sits atop it.

The Oquirrh (OH'-kur) Mountain Temple, which is to open in August, was hit Saturday during a storm.

Church spokeswoman Kim Farah says no structural damage resulted from the strike on the Angel Moroni (moh-ROHN'-eye). She says a crew will re-gild the 10-and-a-half-foot statue soon.

Most Mormon temples are topped with a statue of the angel, who Mormons believe led church founder Joseph Smith to golden plates from which the Book of Mormon originated.

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple is Utah's 13th and the 130th church temple worldwide. It will serve an estimated 83,000 Mormons.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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