Las Vegas - The First Church of Scientology in Las Vegas dedicated a new building on Saturday. The relentless rain didn't stop Saturday's dedication. "We have opened new churches in cultural epicenters before, but talk about center stage, planet earth," exclaimed Ecclesiastical Leader David Miscavige. "This one stands in a town so bright you can even see it glowing from deep space."
Several public officials attended the grand opening, including Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. "As the mayor of the fastest growing city, I look forward to partnering with you as the fastest growing religion," Goodman said.
The 40-thousand square-foot facility includes a prominently-displayed bust of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. Practicing Scientologists can take courses at the new church. Counselors are also on-hand to help worshippers study the religion's philosophy. An outside courtyard leads to a purification center which houses treadmills and saunas.
The church also includes an interactive museum with electronic presentations outlining Scientology's tenets. "We believe that an individual has lived before and will live again," Church of Scientology Spokesman Tommy Davis said. "We acknowledge and focus on the individual as a spiritual being. You don't have a soul. You don't have a spirit. You are a spiritual being."
Scientologists like Brent Jones are proud of their new church. "When I bought a book in the parking lot and when I read it, I just went 'bing'," he said.
Leaders welcome the community to the new church. It is located at 2751 Emerson Avenue. It is open every day from 9:00a.m. to 10:00p.m.
