Spectacular Grand Opening of Scientology Church's New Home
in London
LONDON — More than 3,000 members and friends
of the Church of Scientology of London packed Queen Victoria
Street in the heart of London for the sensational grand opening
of the new home of the UK’s oldest Scientology church.
Steps away from the Tate Modern and St. Paul’s Cathedral,
the beautifully restored historic building at 146 Queen Victoria
Street now serves the growing membership of London-area Scientologists.
Its opening marks the largest expansion for Scientology in
the Church’s 50-year history in London.
Guest of honour, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board
of the Religious Technology Center and leader of the Scientology
religion, stressed the historical importance of London:
“This is the city L. Ron Hubbard [founder of the Scientology
religion] himself selected as home to the first Scientology
organisation. This is also the city wherein he first defined
the human spirit as an immortal being possessed of capabilities
beyond anything predicted, and so arrived at the axiomatic
truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded.”
The London Church on Tottenham Court Road, which served the
community for the past 38 years, has also been completely
refurbished and re-opened on Sunday as a Scientology Life
Improvement Centre. It now features a full public information
exhibition, including audio-visual presentations of the Church’s
work across society, and introductory film showings, live
lectures and materials for anyone to learn more about Scientology
for themselves.
To add to the import of the day was the announcement that
the Church had acquired and renovated the very building where,
in 1957, Mr. Hubbard established that first Scientology organisation
in the UK, at 35-37 Fitzroy Street in London
The Church of Scientology of London was welcomed to its new
premises on Queen Victoria Street by Alderman Ian Luder, representing
the Lord Mayor of the City. He spoke of the effective help
the Church provides to get people off drugs and its successful
programs to reduce crime.
United Nations Peace Envoy, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Ayaz, spoke
of his personal insight into the work done by the Church of
Scientology around the world:
“It is my personal belief,” he said “this
Church can restore what this world has lately lost —
namely, much of the dignity and respect with which it was
created.”
The Church’s new home is an 1866 Italian-styled Victorian
landmark designed by architect Edward l’Anson for the
British and Foreign Bible Society. Redevelopment in the mid-80s
transformed it into a fully functioning modern office facility
that served British Petroleum for two decades. The stunning
period staircase and double-height entrance hall have been
restored to create a welcoming and elegant atmosphere for
parishioners and visitors.
Beyond the aesthetics of the building itself, Mr. Miscavige
spoke of the role of the programs that will roll out from
within the London church’s walls: “Our gift of literacy
to disadvantaged children; restoring self-respect to those
who’ve gone astray; easing suffering; eradicating racial
prejudice; and, repairing the bonds that bind man together.
“This new church packs the full body of L Ron Hubbard’s
technologies as derived from the greater well of Scientology
knowledge,” said Mr. Miscavige, “and, as such, it
provides the full gamut of Scientology activities for the
betterment of mankind.”
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