David Miscavige Officiates Grand Opening of New Scientology Church in Seattle

On July 24, 2010, over sixteen hundred Scientologists and their guests packed the street in front of 300 West Harrison in Seattle for the opening of the new Church of Scientology of Washington, a milestone for the congregation formed 54 years ago.

Duwamish Tribal Chairman Cecile Hansen, a descendant of Chief Seattle after whom the city was named, opened the event with a centuries-old ceremony, welcoming the Church to its new home.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated, acknowledging the Scientologists who spearheaded the drive to build the new Church.

Stressing the significance of the occasion, Mr. Miscavige said: “Just this year alone, we have opened six new Ideal Churches on three continents. While in months to come you’ll see ribbons parting as far away as Tel Aviv, Melbourne and Moscow, and as close to home as Twin Cities, Sacramento and Portland—to cite but a few of the more than 60 new Churches now looming on the near horizon.>>

New Ideal Scientology Church in Pasadena, California

More than 4,200 gather to welcome the Church of Scientology to its new home in the City of Roses

Pasadena, California • July 18, 2010—A 25-piece marching band welcomed over 4,200 to the Grand Opening of the new Church of Scientology of Pasadena today. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated, welcoming dignitaries, parishioners and guests to the Church’s new 58,000-square-foot facility.

The new Church of Scientology of Pasadena was dedicated July 18, 2010, in ceremonies attended by more than 4,200 Scientologists and their guests. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated. Thousands toured the new building and its Public Information Center after the ribbon cutting officially opening the new Church.

The new Church of Scientology of Pasadena was dedicated July 18, 2010, in ceremonies attended by more than 4,200 Scientologists and their guests. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman the Board of Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated. Thousands toured the new building and its Public Information Center after the ribbon cutting officially opening the new Church.

To underscore the importance of this new Church, Mr. Miscavige told the assembled Scientologists and guests: “You are now part of a movement like nothing in our history, and it is gaining momentum by the day. Because, in all sincerity, we are dedicated to helping the whole face of humanity. In that respect—and however all-encompassing and globally embracive is Scientology today—let no one forget that humanity is comprised of individuals. Each is unique, in his or her own way, and each has a story that will break your heart—if you don’t do something about it. So take this Ideal Organization and make the most of it. Because, yes, there is indeed a lot of help we must now bring to bear. And that is the pledge we make today, to the City of Pasadena.“

Also commemorating the occasion were Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard; Pasadena Heritage board officer Teresa Grimes; Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Paul Little; and Pasadena Ministerial Association President Dr. Nicholas Benson.

Mayor Bogaard welcomed the new Church to the city: “With this beautifully restored structure in Old Pasadena, the Church of Scientology represents not only a growing religion, but an important factor in the future of this city. ... So, it is a pleasure for me to extend a cordial welcome to you and this extraordinary Church of Scientology of Pasadena with its long history of service to the community.”

Teresa Grimes spoke of the appreciation for the city’s architectural legacy that is shared by the Pasadena Heritage Society she represents and the Church: “The Church of Scientology has purchased, rehabilitated and restored historic buildings throughout the world, and by doing so, has helped revitalize the communities in which they are located. … For not only have you preserved the physical past, you have also gone out of your way to care for tomorrow both culturally and spiritually. Your commitment to our community has been nothing less than outstanding, and I only hope that others will follow the example of the Church of Scientology.”

Paul Little told the assembled audience: “Your Church is a vital part of the Chamber and your members are active throughout this city. You are always there, helping with the annual Tournament of Roses events. Your public service sponsorship of Pasadena artists, or your social campaigns that are themselves a brilliant example of artistic expression—and humanitarian concern. Your devotion to the people of this city, your ability to enhance the quality of our life wherever you work—that's what I've come to know as the hallmark of the Church of Scientology. … You have made a profound and lasting statement of your dedication to Pasadena, and to the great society we know we can be."

Dr. Nicholas Benson spoke on behalf of the interfaith community: “For all of Pasadena, this day represents more than an opportunity to welcome a friend to their new home. This is a Church, an open haven where we have the opportunity to help ourselves, our loved ones and the community. I encourage everyone to make the most of this Church, and like me, take what it has to offer.”

The character of this turn-of-the-century historic monument was preserved in a unique blend of old and new. Its heritage is reflected in the restored Beaux Arts exterior, its classic four-story galleria-like atrium as well as Arts & Crafts style furnishings, stained-glass windows and Victorian accents throughout. Attention to 21st-century energy-conscious planning and construction also meets LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements for environment-friendly building materials, energy equipment, lighting systems, reduced water consumption and more.

The new Church features an extensive Public Information Center with 17 multimedia displays that present and illustrate Scientology beliefs, the life of its Founder, and the full array of its many social betterment and community outreach programs. In full, these displays provide a concise but panoramic view of the religion to visitors, students and others desiring to learn more about Scientology.

The building features a Chapel seating hundreds, a library containing all Church Scripture, as well as a multitude of seminar rooms, film rooms and volunteer workspaces for its many social betterment and community programs and projects in addition to course and counseling rooms to provide Scientology training and auditing for parishioners.

The Church of Scientology of Pasadena is the sixth new Scientology Church (and the second in Los Angeles County) to open in 2010. On January 23 this year, the Brussels branch of Churches of Scientology for Europe opened in Belgium; the Church of Scientology of Quebec opened January 30; the Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre of Las Vegas opened February 6; the Church of Scientology Los Angeles opened April 24; and a new National Scientology Church opened in Mexico City July 10.

Last year, new Churches of Scientology opened in Washington, DC; Rome, Italy; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Malmö, Sweden. These join a roster of new Ideal Churches of Scientology recently opened in world cultural centers, including the Church of Scientology of San Francisco, in the original historic Transamerica Building; the Church of Scientology of New York, just off Times Square; the National Church of Scientology of Spain, in Madrid’s Neighborhood of Letters; the Church of Scientology of London, at the city’s epicenter and the Church of Scientology of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Gate.

Another six new Churches of Scientology are scheduled for completion before the end of 2010.

Worldwide, there are more than 8,500 Scientology Churches, Missions and affiliated groups in 165 countries.

Who is David Miscavige? - A Biography

NEW NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MEXICO OPENS ITS DOORS IN THE CITY OF PALACES

Seven thousand Scientologists and their guests gathered on July 10, 2010, to celebrate the grand opening of Latin America’s first Ideal Organization of Scientology, located in the heart of Mexico City. The ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion and Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center, Mr. David Miscavige, presided at the historic ceremony, welcoming those in attendance to their new National Organization in this City of Palaces.

Describing the positive impact of Scientology organizations on the communities they serve, Mr. Miscavige said: “Take this Ideal Organization and use it for all it is intended. You say there is drug abuse out there? Well, you now have the wherewithal to ignite a ‘drug-free movement’ more potent than anything littered along trafficking lanes.”

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a full-scale reconstruction and design of Mexico City’s Juarez Building. Directly adjacent to the Fine Arts Palace and neighboring the National Supreme Court, the National Bank and the National Palace, it stands as a six-story contemporary cultural landmark. Now fully reconfigured to accommodate Scientology religious services, the building also includes an extensive Public Information Center with multimedia displays presenting and illustrating Scientology beliefs, the life of its Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and its many social betterment and outreach programs.

Describing the positive impact of Scientology organizations on the communities they serve, Mr. Miscavige addressed the assembled crowd:

“Take this Ideal Organization and use it for all it is intended.

“You say there is drug abuse out there? Well, you now have the wherewithal to ignite a ‘drug-free movement’ more potent than anything littered along trafficking lanes.

“You say there is criminality and cruelty out there? Well, you now have The Way to Happiness to rebuild self-respect and revivify the goodness within every human being.

“Then again, you say there is aching poverty and misery across this city? Well, you now have technologies for learning and literacy—from which comes prosperity and abundance.”

Also commemorating the occasion and expressing its significance to their country were leaders from diverse fields in this Central American nation.

In the new Ideal Organization’s Public Information Center, thousands learn about the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion, the life of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, and the many social betterment and community outreach programs sponsored by Scientology.

The chapel of the new Scientology Organization for Mexico serves parishioners and guests for Sunday services, weddings, naming ceremonies and other congregational gatherings.

Mr. Alejandro Rojas Dias Duran, Secretary of Tourism for the City of Mexico, stated on behalf of the city: “We are confident that Scientology Mexico will positively contribute and plant a seed of the fundamental values of humanity so that people of all ages, races and creeds can create a new future toward achieving a new civilization of peace and prosperity without criminality, violence and without drugs.”

The Honorable Ricardo Guzman Wolffer, Federal Court of Appeals Judge and renowned author, expressed the importance of Scientology to the future of Mexico and the world: “Today we open the doors of this beautiful new Scientology Organization, which I see as a commitment to take L. Ronald Hubbard’s message to everyone. I am of the idea that it is through individual change that one can change the world. This Ideal Organization gives everyone the chance to learn the truth within. It is the entrance to a new bright future.”

Dr. Jesus Corona Osornio, doctor of religious philosophy and author, also addressed those packing the streets and sidewalks before 85 Juarez Avenue. “This new Scientology Organization,” he said, “represents the emerging, multicultural Mexico of today. Mr. Hubbard took a very novel, revolutionary approach to spirituality. As an engineer, he employed highly precise technological tools to illuminate spiritual phenomena. The result is a definitive resolution between science and religion. In doing so, he salvaged religion. Spirituality lives in the 21st Century and in that regard, Mr. Hubbard has made one of history’s greatest contributions to mankind.”

Ms. Laura Chapa, Senior Advisor for Special Education to the Federal Ministry of Education of Mexico, further spoke of the solutions Scientology offers: “I believe that with the opening of this new Organization, leaders of all sectors of society will have the same realization I had: that you have the solution. And so I also believe that what will come from this new Organization is a turning point for our nation.”

In closing the dedication ceremonies, Mr. Miscavige said to the crowd of thousands: “I cordially invite you to step across that threshold and consider what’s waiting inside. For therein lies not only all I referenced for a drug-free, crime-free, literate and prosperous Mexico, but all else to spark that revolution of the spirit for which Mexico has been waiting so long.”

With those words, and joined by local Scientologists who led the drive to build the new National Organization, Mr. Miscavige cut the ribbon, ushering in a new era for cultural change and freedom in Latin America.

Who is David Miscavige? - A Biography