New Ideal Church of Scientology for the Mile-High City

On Saturday, June 16, more than a thousand Scientologists, guests, and state and city dignitaries assembled in Lower Downtown Denver to dedicate a new Church of Scientology.

The Church stands one block from Coors Field in the heart of the Ballpark Neighborhood Historic District. The building, originally constructed in 1916 for the American Radiator Company, is a renowned example of Denver’s urban revitalization. The Church meticulously preserved the landmark’s original features, including the distinctive neo-classical entrance crafted from pure-white Colorado Yule Marble. Presenting all facilities and services of a 21st century Church of Scientology, the new Denver Church is designed to serve parishioners as well as the city and county of Denver long into the future.

The greater significance of the inauguration was prominently underscored by the presence of Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion.

Addressing the thousands of Scientologists, Mr. Miscavige said: “The moment you elected to take responsibility for Denver—to become Denver in the most meaningful sense—you invoked the very essence of that word responsibility. And consequent to that, it now becomes your responsibility to bring all our programs and technology to bear: To not just teach kids how to read, but to read with such passion it sparks a cultural renaissance. To not just cut drug consumption, but to end the misery once and for all. And to not just provide a moral compass, but a full-fledged technology for living based on a reverence for life. So, yes, some might say our goals are impossibly high. But as all great things must begin somewhere, then let it begin mile high—at your Ideal Church of Scientology Denver!”

Dignitaries joining in the dedication ceremonies were Denver Chief of Police Robert White; Denver City Council Member Albus Brooks; Lower Downtown (LoDo) Neighborhood Association President Josh Davies; Historic Denver Executive Director Annie Levinsky; and Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Executive Director, Reverend Leon Kelly.

In his salutatory address, Denver Chief of Police Robert White said: “From training our youth on drug prevention, to supporting us as part of Denver Police Department community outreach efforts, there are many roles I know I can depend on the Church of Scientology and each of your members to play. Collaboration is what will make this city stronger. I look forward to working with you and having the Church of Scientology as part of the team.”

Denver City Council Member Albus Brooks spoke of the Church’s progressive approach to education: “Education is at the core of all your humanitarian initiatives, your literacy and tutoring programs. Your programs are impressive, and the fact that they are universal demonstrates their value to the community. There’s plenty of talk out there, but you are one of those groups doing the work.”

Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Executive Director, Reverend Leon Kelly, highlighted the Church’s dedication to helping others: “I want Denver’s kids to know real freedom. I want to witness a partnership to build a better community and a better future. Together we will achieve this. And I know this is just where the work begins for you. Well let’s together help Denver find freedom—and let’s take it right to the mountaintop! God bless each and every one of you.”

Historic Denver Executive Director Annie Levinsky commended the Church of Scientology for its restoration work: “This building has already seen nearly a century of activity—and thanks to your church it is poised to endure for at least another 100 years. We commend you for your efforts to rehabilitate not only this historic structure but so many others nationwide—and your responsibility for rejuvenating the sense of community in the process. So congratulations on opening a new chapter in the long story of this place and the evolving Renaissance of our city.”

And finally, LoDo Neighborhood Association President Josh Davies acknowledged the significance of this opening to downtown Denver: “There are many reasons I’m excited to see the Church of Scientology moving into the neighborhood. The philosophies of the church are universal and welcoming. I’m so pleased that this will be a communal gathering space where we can discuss ideas, form new relationships, and get involved in a variety of projects that will benefit our residents, business owners, visitors and friends. We look forward to seeing all of Denver walking through these doors.”

The new, 44,000-square-foot Church provides Denver with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 500 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the many Church-sponsored humanitarian programs—including a worldwide human rights education initiative; an equally far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, now comprising the world’s largest independent relief force. The Center is open morning to night for visitors to tour at their leisure and return as often as they wish.

The new Church further includes dozens of classrooms and rooms for Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling), while the Chapel seats hundreds for congregational services as well as banquets, seminars and events in the name of community collaboration.

The opening of Denver’s new Church of Scientology marks the fifth Scientology Ideal Organization (Org) to open in 2012. Others opened this year include: the Church of Scientology of Orange County on June 2; the Church of Scientology Greater Cincinnati on February 25; the Church of Scientology Sacramento on January 28; and the Church of Scientology Hamburg, Germany, on January 21.

Ideal Orgs realize the fulfillment of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the religion. They not only provide the ideal facilities to service Scientologists on their ascent to greater states of spiritual awareness and freedom, but are also designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift citizens of all denominations.

Further Ideal Orgs opened in recent years include Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Tampa, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California; Pasadena, California; Inglewood, California; as well as Quebec City, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; London, England; Melbourne, Australia; Brussels, Belgium; Madrid, Spain; Rome, Italy; Berlin, Germany; and Moscow, Russia.

Eight new Ideal Orgs are additionally scheduled for grand opening in 2012.

For a complete list of new Churches of Scientology, visit Scientology.org.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 10,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.