What does it profit a man if he gains a parking lot but loses his architectural soul?

The paraphrasing of an oft-quoted Bible verse easily applies to the current tragedy taking place in Lewiston — the demolition of the building formerly housing the United Baptist Church.

The main photograph on the front of the city section (Sun Journal, Feb. 15) illustrates the crime against the city’s cultural heritage. And then there is the removal of the beautiful stained-glass windows from the former St. Patrick’s Church, for transport clear across the globe to Japan (Sun Journal, Feb. 19).

Twice in one week, the Sun Journal revels in the wanton destruction and systematic dismantling of vital parts of the Twin Cities’ architectural landscape and history.

The ongoing stripping away of the city’s artistic beauty and culture, much like the stripping of Christ’s garments before being scourged, cannot be explained by indifference or ignorance alone. It goes much deeper, to a total erosion of values. The answer lies in 30 pieces of silver.

In an age of supposed enlightenment and awareness, people have not yet learned from past mistakes. One has but to peruse the marvelous book by Ralph Skinner, “The Churches of Lewiston-Auburn,” to see all of the beautiful buildings now gone. I note particularly the stunning Bates Street Baptist Church and the Pine Street Congregational Church, as well as the predecessor to the present Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Will the senseless elimination of the city’s cultural heritage ever cease?

Brian Franck, Auburn