More than 5,000 Scientologists and guests celebrated the opening of Orange County’s new Church of Scientology on June 2, 2012. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, led the Church’s dedication ceremony. Guests taking part in the commemoration included Anaheim City Council Member Lorri Galloway; Garden Grove Mayor William Dalton; Santa Ana Historic Preservation Society Board Director Maxine Schmidl; Faith in Youth Project Director of the County Community Service program, Ms. Lourdes Gutierrez; and Orange County Interfaith Network Board Member Mike Penn. 

Church officials and leading Scientologists joined the ecclesiastical leader of the religion, Mr. David Miscavige for the cutting of the celebratory ribbon on their new Church, Saturday, June 2. The Church meticulously restored this nationally registered historic landmark to serve Scientologists and communities countywide.

On Saturday, June 2, more than 5,000 Scientologists and guests celebrated the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of Orange County. The Church stands at 505 North Sycamore Street just steps from the birthplace of the city of Santa Ana.

The Church of Scientology Orange County celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, June 2 with over 5,000 Scientologists and guests in attendance. Joining in the ceremonial ribbon cutting were Church officials and leading parishioners.

In true Orange County spirit, an ensemble featuring hip-hop and Latin dancers performed to a new millennium rendition of “Surfin’ USA” for the grand opening of the new Church of Scientology.

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, said in his dedication address: “We come to the first momentous page of this Church’s new history. Needless to say, it’s not a tide of history on which one merrily floats. On the contrary, it must be a history unlike any ever told before, a history of supreme competence, great passion and perfect adherence to our Technology. For only in that way will we ever achieve the Aims of Scientology and thus a world without war, without insanity, without criminality; a world of which we can be proud, where the able can prosper, where honest beings have rights and all are free to rise to greater heights.  That is our responsibility as Scientologists—and, yes, it’s one that we proudly embrace.”

Anaheim City Council Member Lorri Galloway acknowledged the significance of this new Church of Scientology in light of its leadership in community partnerships: “I think it is wonderful that such a massive international church such as yours is making its home in such a beautiful venue and iconic building. It is a perfect partnership. Reaching out to the community is a trademark of yours. It’s a joy for me to welcome you to your new home. Your parishioners and your religion are truly exemplary. So let’s live to serve together. And let’s start right now.”

Garden Grove Mayor William Dalton spoke of the Church’s community education programs: “One of our greatest champions of education in California and the nation, Cesar Chavez, once said, ‘The end of all education should surely be service to others.’ You are all fantastic examples of Cesar Chavez’ ideals in action.  Because you all put what you have learned, and what you know, right back into the community.”

Santa Ana Historic Preservation Society Board Director Maxine Schmidl addressed the Church’s faithful preservation work: “The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society is thrilled that you invested so much care in staying faithful to this original landmark. In doing so, you stayed true to its historical significance to Santa Ana. Our city and all of Orange County have lived with this building for eighty years now, and we are delighted to welcome you to the neighborhood as custodian of this Orange County Landmark.”

Faith in Youth Project Director of the Orange County Community Service Program, Ms. Lourdes Gutierrez, highlighted the Church’s drug education work: “I’m just amazed at what your drug prevention team has done in Orange County. I would like to congratulate you for doing so much to help us create healthy and safe communities and helping us to save lives. I look at this new Church as a place from which we will finally be able to work together on a much grander scale to save many more lives. Together, we can achieve our dream of a drug-free Orange County.”

Orange County Interfaith Network Board Member Mike Penn spoke of the Church’s role in the interfaith community. “What better example of common spiritual understandings is there than this statement from your founder, L. Ron Hubbard: ‘Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate.  To hate alone is the road to disaster.  To love is the road to strength.  To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness.  And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe.’ When we realize your sacred scriptures say the same things mine do, we have these ‘ah ha’ moments, and our future is brighter with possibilities of greatness!”

Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion (center right), was joined in celebration of the new Church of Scientology Orange County by (left to right): Santa Ana Preservation Society Board Director Maxine Schmidl; Garden Grove Mayor William Dalton; Anaheim City Council Member Lorri Galloway; Project Faith in Youth Director Lourdes Gutierrez; and Orange County Interfaith Network Board Member Mike Penn.

The Church of Scientology of Orange County
The new home of the Church of Scientology stands as the central Church for Orange County. Originally constructed in 1931, the 48,000-square-foot structure is one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the county and is listed on city, state and national registers of historic landmarks. The Church dedicatedly preserved the monument's iconic features, including the decorative façade anchored by a six-story tower.

Reception
The lobby and reception are now fully restored and ready to receive visitors to the Church of Scientology of Orange County—morning to night, seven days a week.

Public Information Center
The Public Information Center provides visitors a self-guided introduction to Dianetics and Scientology and the Church’s numerous humanitarian and community initiatives. These include a worldwide human rights education program; an equally far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, which is now the world’s largest independent relief force.

The Grand Chapel and Auditorium
The grand Chapel and Auditorium, its Tudor arches, decorative grills and original millwork meticulously restored, provides the setting for a host of Church ceremonies and activities, including Sunday Service open to all.

The Grand Chapel and Auditorium
The grand Chapel and Auditorium serves as an ideal venue for civic occasions, including formal banquets. It is also designed to host seminars, workshops and gatherings in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Orange County.

Café
The café is open daily for the convenience of parishioners participating in Scientology services and for those visiting the Church.

Introductory Seminars
One of several Seminar Rooms providing for evening and weekend seminars on the fundamentals of Dianetics and Scientology.

Introductory Courses
The Church houses multiple classrooms for introductory courses on Dianetics and Scientology principles and their application in life.

Dianetics and Scientology Bookstore
The Church’s bookstore offers L. Ron Hubbard’s scripture of Dianetics and Scientology in both English and Spanish. The entire body of knowledge comprises tens of millions of published words and thousands of recorded lectures, available in 16 languages. 

Hubbard Guidance Center
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists participate in auditing—Scientology spiritual counseling. Beyond this waiting area are dozens of auditing rooms to meet the needs of Orange County’s growing congregation.

The Purification Center
L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins, through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. The mural pays homage to Orange County as California’s “Gold Coast.”

Scientology Auditing Room
Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in dozens of auditing rooms, each of which provides a quiet, distraction-free environment necessary to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

Scientology Academy
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Orange County Academy comprises an entire floor of the Church, with multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.   

The Knowledge Center
The Knowledge Center, located in the building’s central tower, contains a complete library of L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology for use by parishioners in their studies. 

L. Ron Hubbard Exhibit
The Church includes a biographical exhibit on L. Ron Hubbard, presenting his life and legacy. In the background stands an office in honor of the Scientology Founder.

The Office of Founder L. Ron Hubbard
Traditional in all Churches of Scientology is the Office of L. Ron Hubbard, honoring the religion’s Founder and symbolizing this Church is true to his writings and ideals.

The Church of Scientology dedicatedly restored its new landmark Orange County home in downtown Santa Ana, including the iconic Art Deco façade. Among the many historic elements of the interiors returned to their early 20th century splendor is the original ballroom, which now serves as the Chapel and Auditorium venue for community-wide gatherings and events.

The Church of Scientology of Orange County’s new Ideal Org, an historic landmark originally built in 1931, stands fully restored to its early 20th century splendor—including the Sycamore Street entrance with its etched glass doors, original stone relief and wrought iron lamps.

Among the most distinctive historical elements preserved by the Church in this Santa Ana landmark is the exquisite, hand-carved mahogany staircase leading from the grand lobby.

After acquiring the historic landmark, the Church conducted meticulous renovation to preserve its original features, from the hardwood floors to the glass and alabaster chandeliers.