The Salt Lake Temple Door Niches
The niches are located right next to the east and west doors of the Salt Lake Temple. Their symbolism has reference to the temples of Israel. In the Old Testament, it reads that there would be door keepers at the temple standing watch and guarding the entrance. The niches on the Salt Lake Temple commemorate this guard post. These niches are also symbolic posts for angels that keep watch over the temple.
When the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated, statues of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith stood in the niches by the East doors. The statues stood as sentinels keeping their watch. The statues were later removed and placed on the temple grounds. The temple niches have become a popular photograph spot for newlyweds, tourists and families visiting the temple.
