Wrecking ball for Smith Baker Center

Wrecking ball for Smith Baker Center

LOWELL — Say goodbye to another piece of Lowell history. Not even the impassioned pleas by advocates of historic preservation could save the magnificent First Congregational Church, rechristened the Smith Baker Center, from Judgment Day. By a vote of 6-2 during its Tuesday night meeting, the Lowell City Council approved demolition of the 141-year-old, four-story, red-brick building. Councilors Corey Belanger, John Descoteaux, Erik Gitschier, Way…