I was saddened at the recent announcement concerning demolition of the United Baptist Church in Lewiston. I was born and brought up in Lewiston and attended the now-defunct St. Joseph’s Church. My sister participated in Girl Scouts at the Baptist Church. To see this beautiful building come down is just awful.

I am amazed to see Catholic, Protestant and various other denominations closing buildings. In the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, extra services had to be added in many of those congregations. What has happened to our society?

Many people do not seem to feel the need to belong to a church. I don’t know what I would do without my church, where I feel God’s presence in my life during happy times as well as times of deep grief.

Many people think that church is for hypocrites and holier-than-thou types. In my experience, that is not the case.

If I’m physically sick, I’ll go to a hospital. Church, to me, is like a spiritual hospital. When I’m hurting emotionally or spiritually, I go to church. A church is one of the places to grow closer to God and to mend a broken spirit, which I believe can be more debilitating than a physical injury.

I know that the door is open at my church, and all the other churches in the Twin Cities. Wellness involves physical, mental and spiritual balance. What better way to start off the new year but in church ?

Michael R. Parker, Lewiston