This got a lot of attention this week on facebook, and the outrage was justifiably robust.

This lovely limestone structure at the corner of 22nd & Broadway has been home to Broadway Methodist Episcopal, First Moravian Episcopal, Broadway Baptist and Grace Apostolic Church–the last and the one responsible for this destruction. They built the new structure at the corner of 22nd & College–so visually inferior to this one–and we may only presume this space will now be a vast parking lot. The job is about over, and evidently cost $100,000 to destroy.

Why is this a Sunday Prayer? Because we need to pay attention to buildings like these and try to prevent further destruction like this. It blows my mind that architectural gems of this caliber are are still being destroyed in 2012. This is architectural murder, a waste and a loss to our community, city and state. Shame on the congregation that did this. Surely there was a possible alternative that didn’t include demolishing our history. Pretty disgusting. Let’s remain vigilant and find viable reuses for places like these that are put up for sale (doesn’t appear that this one was!)

For example, the church near Crispus Attucks School is in need of a buyer and reuse. Here’s some history there’s still time to save! If you want to volunteer or help save and find reuses for such structures, Indiana Landmarks is the second largest preservation organization in the state. Learn it, know it, love it. The Historical Society houses records and photos and has exhibits and events. I’d love suggestions on how to get people to once and for all give these two entities the distinction and respect they deserve by knowing which is which and which does what!

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