Spectacular Grand Opening of the Church of Scientology in City of London
Darcy House at 146 Queen Victoria Street becomes London's new Church of Scientology.
London, United Kingdom, October 27, 2006 --(PR.com)-- More than 3,000 members and friends of the Church of Scientology packed Queen Victoria Street in the heart of the City for the sensational grand opening of the church’s new home in London.
Steps away from the Tate Gallery and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the opening of the beautifully restored historic building at 146 Queen Victoria Street will serve the growing membership of Scientologists from the capital city. It marks the largest expansion for Scientology in its 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 Scientology] 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 capabilites beyond anything predicted and so arrived at the axiomatic truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded. Your early London organisations were also the original proving ground for the bulk of Mr Hubbard’s social betterment programmes which are used to uplift neighbourhoods just like this one.”
The London Church on Tottenham Court Road, which served the community for the past 38 years, was also 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 films 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 at 35-37 Fitzroy Street.
The Church of Scientology was welcomed in its new premises on Queen Victoria Street by Alderman Ian Luder, representing the Lord Mayor of the City of London. He spoke of the effective help the Church provides to get people off drugs and its successful programmes to reduce crime.
Mr. Kevin Hurley, Divisional Commander of London’s Snow Hill Police Station called upon the Scientologists to “tenaciously focus on bettering this world,” and said that he knows with “complete personal certainty” that the members are “raising the spiritual wealth of society” with their charitable works. He presented a special recognition for their valuable assistance and support following the tragic events of July 2005.
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Ayaz, OBE, United Nations Peace Envoy, spoke of his personal insight into the work done by Scientology around the world. “It is my personal belief this Church can restore what this world has lately lost – namely, much of the dignity and respect with which it was created,” he said.
Situated within the Square Mile of the City of London, the 1866 Italian-styled Victorian landmark, new home to the Church of Scientology of London, was designed by architect Edward l’Anson for the British and Foreign Bible Society. The redevelopment in the mid ‘80s transformed it into a fully functioning modern office facility which 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 programmes that will roll out from within these 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,” he said. “This new church packs the full body of L Ron Hubbard’s technologies as derived from the greater well of Scientology knowledge. And, as such, it provides the full gamut of Scientology activities for the betterment of mankind.”
The Church of Scientology welcomes visitors and tours seven days a week from 9am – 10pm.
The Church of Scientology of London
146 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4BY
www.scientology-london.org
For more information, contact:
Graeme Wilson
Public Affairs Director
Church of Scientology
Saint Hill Manor
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 4JY
Phone: +44 (0)1342 318 229
Mobile: +44 (0)7950 968 351
Skype: graemereidwilson
E-mail: g.wilson@scientology.org.uk
Web: www.scientology.org.uk
###
Steps away from the Tate Gallery and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the opening of the beautifully restored historic building at 146 Queen Victoria Street will serve the growing membership of Scientologists from the capital city. It marks the largest expansion for Scientology in its 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 Scientology] 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 capabilites beyond anything predicted and so arrived at the axiomatic truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded. Your early London organisations were also the original proving ground for the bulk of Mr Hubbard’s social betterment programmes which are used to uplift neighbourhoods just like this one.”
The London Church on Tottenham Court Road, which served the community for the past 38 years, was also 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 films 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 at 35-37 Fitzroy Street.
The Church of Scientology was welcomed in its new premises on Queen Victoria Street by Alderman Ian Luder, representing the Lord Mayor of the City of London. He spoke of the effective help the Church provides to get people off drugs and its successful programmes to reduce crime.
Mr. Kevin Hurley, Divisional Commander of London’s Snow Hill Police Station called upon the Scientologists to “tenaciously focus on bettering this world,” and said that he knows with “complete personal certainty” that the members are “raising the spiritual wealth of society” with their charitable works. He presented a special recognition for their valuable assistance and support following the tragic events of July 2005.
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Ayaz, OBE, United Nations Peace Envoy, spoke of his personal insight into the work done by Scientology around the world. “It is my personal belief this Church can restore what this world has lately lost – namely, much of the dignity and respect with which it was created,” he said.
Situated within the Square Mile of the City of London, the 1866 Italian-styled Victorian landmark, new home to the Church of Scientology of London, was designed by architect Edward l’Anson for the British and Foreign Bible Society. The redevelopment in the mid ‘80s transformed it into a fully functioning modern office facility which 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 programmes that will roll out from within these 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,” he said. “This new church packs the full body of L Ron Hubbard’s technologies as derived from the greater well of Scientology knowledge. And, as such, it provides the full gamut of Scientology activities for the betterment of mankind.”
The Church of Scientology welcomes visitors and tours seven days a week from 9am – 10pm.
The Church of Scientology of London
146 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 4BY
www.scientology-london.org
For more information, contact:
Graeme Wilson
Public Affairs Director
Church of Scientology
Saint Hill Manor
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 4JY
Phone: +44 (0)1342 318 229
Mobile: +44 (0)7950 968 351
Skype: graemereidwilson
E-mail: g.wilson@scientology.org.uk
Web: www.scientology.org.uk
###
Contact
Church of Scientology
Graeme Wilson
01342 318229
www.scientology.org.uk
Church of Scientology
Saint Hill Manor
East Grinstead RH19 4JY
Graeme Wilson
01342 318229
www.scientology.org.uk
Church of Scientology
Saint Hill Manor
East Grinstead RH19 4JY
Contact
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