What if I told you that right here stands a place not just of worship but of community upliftment? This is the Church of Scientology Community Center. It stands as a beacon of hope. It aims to create a drug-free and crime-free world.
The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles holds a special place. It was the first Church of Scientology in the world. The church was founded in 1954. Since 1977, it has served Los Angeles. It serves the largest Scientologist community on Earth. It operates from its landmark building on Sunset Boulevard.
Today, this Church of Scientology stands transformed. It is now a model Scientology Church. It embodies L. Ron Hubbard’s vision. He wanted all Churches of Scientology to become Ideal Organizations or Orgs. These Ideal Orgs provide facilities for Scientologists. They aid their spiritual journey. They also serve as community hubs. They are meeting places for uplifting people of all backgrounds.
The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles works with everyone. It partners with groups in Los Angeles. They share a dream. They want a flourishing future for all.
In November 2011, the Church of Scientology celebrated a new beginning. It opened a new Church in Inglewood and a Community Center in South Los Angeles. The Church is on South Market Street. The Community Center is on South Vermont Avenue. Together, they offer religious services and humanitarian programs. These benefit Inglewood and South Los Angeles.
The Inglewood Church has a Public Information Center. It shows the beliefs and practices of Scientology. It highlights the life of L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also presents Church-sponsored humanitarian programs. These include a human rights initiative and a drug education campaign. There are also literacy centers and the Volunteer Minister program. The Center has multimedia displays with nearly 500 documentary films.
The Community Center is in an historic art deco building. The Church meticulously restored it. It has a 380-seat event hall called the L. Ron Hubbard Community Auditorium. This hall hosts community events. It serves as a meeting place for all residents. It supports community initiatives. It embodies Hubbard’s vision. He wanted all denominations to work together. They should achieve the common dream of all religions. The Center also has classrooms for civic programs. A literacy and tutoring center is available.
David Miscavige officiated at the opening ceremony. He said this new Church embodies the spirit of Scientologists from over a hundred nations. It reflects Scientology’s body and soul. It also shows decency, nobility, compassion, and charity. The Community Center is open to all residents. It benefits everyone.
City officials welcomed the new Church. Ralph Franklin was an Inglewood City Councilmember. Jacqueline Seabrooks was Inglewood’s Chief of Police. Leon Jenkins was President of NAACP Los Angeles. Skipp Townsend was Executive Director of 2nd Call. Rev. Cecil Murray was retired head of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Ralph Franklin said the Church helps revitalize downtown. It offers a platform for a greater future. He believed its presence would catalyze the city’s renaissance.
Jacqueline Seabrooks spoke about the Church’s anti-drug initiative. She was impressed by the program “The Truth About Drugs”. Volunteers actively distribute materials. They hold drug education seminars.
Leon Jenkins recognized the effectiveness of the Church’s human rights programs. He said the Church addresses the individual. It helps bring about a just society. It sets a standard for others.
Skipp Townsend acknowledged the empowerment from the Church’s programs. He said the Church provides resources to Inglewood. It empowers people.
Rev. Cecil Murray praised L. Ron Hubbard. He encouraged the community to take advantage of the Church. Hubbard provided solutions. This new Church is an opportunity to make change.
The Church of Scientology Community Center is more than a building. It is a place for help. It offers a path to a better community. It provides resources. It offers spiritual guidance.