The grand opening of the Founding Church of Scientology drew nearly 3,000 Scientologists and their guests.
The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington opened its new church at 16th and P streets NW over the weekend.
The 49,000-square-foot building, six blocks from the White House, is the Church of Scientology's largest presence in Washington. It also owns its historic mansion North of Dupont Circle, where the religion was founded by the late L. Ron Hubbard in 1955.
The grand opening drew nearly 3,000 Scientologists and their guests, according to the Church of Scientology.
California Congressman Brad Sherman was among those speaking at the dedication.
"I have worked diligently and continuously to express my views, and I believe the views of the entire Congress, that all countries should treat all religions equally and provide true freedom of religion for everyone," he said.
Mike Silverstein, president of the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Association represented Mayor Adrian Fenty at the event.
The Church of Scientology has opened five new churches in the last six months, including locations in Rome, Dallas and Nashville.
