Sen. Hatch’s eulogy gets Sen. Kennedy in trouble over the Angel Moroni.

Former litigants and critics of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple on Belmont Hill are wondering whether the late Sen. Edward Kennedy used the power of his office to ensure the placement of a controversial spire on top of the Temple, especially after hearing two former Kennedy colleagues’ claims that he did.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah, spoke at Kennedy’s memorial service in Boston Friday, conveying to attendees the ability and power Kennedy had to cross political party lines to get things done for friends.

In describing the “graciousness of my dear friend,” Hatch claimed that Kennedy helped secure the placement of the spire on top of the Temple.

“There was another time, when the Mormon Church was nearing completion of its temple here in Boston, Belmont, I think,” Hatch said. “I was approached by several people working in the temple and informed that the city would not allow a spire to be placed on the top of the temple with an angel on top, as is customary on Mormon temples.

“I immediately called Ted and asked for help. Not long after that conversation, he called me back and said, quote, ‘All of Western Massachusetts will see the angel Gabriel on the top of the Mormon Temple’,” Hatch claimed, laughing. “I had to inform Teddy that it was actually the Angel Moroni, a prominent figure in the LDS faith.”

Opponents are not happy with Hatch’s remarks but the a spokesman for the court said that that they had no interaction with Sen. Kennedy. [via Religion Clause]