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

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.

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.