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.