The Rev. Jane Sims
Columbus
I was disappointed and saddened to learn of the Bartholomew County Public Library Board’s decision to remove the cross that crowned the steeple of the former North Christian Church facility recently acquired by the library. The revered site was the first landmark that greeted our family upon our first visit to make Columbus our new home almost 50 years ago. Down through the years we were always inspired by its majestic beauty.
Over the years Columbus has been noted internationally for preserving the architectural integrity of its unique treasures, the many structures entrusted to our community, that are the work of noted architects from around the world. The removal of the cross, no matter how noble the library board’s motive, is an obvious violation of the architectural integrity of the site. While I applaud the use of the building as an addition to the library’s system that will allow the community to continue to enjoy this unique space, this decision is not in keeping with the building’s historical distinction within our community.
The BCPL has characterized itself as an advocate for the free expression of ideas of all stripes. The placement of that cross at the very pinnacle of the building was an intentional architectural expression denoting the original use of the building as a church, which was and is part of the historical legacy of our community. Why then is this stance deemed necessary and justified by the BCPL to so casually remove the cross, which is an expression of faith among a multitude of faith expressions heralded and celebrated within our community?
