LANDMARK RESTORATION The Church of Scientology conducted considerable and meticulous repair and restoration of the architectural features of this historical landmark.
Spirituality. Heritage. Tradition. History. Education. Learning.
These are pillars on which rests the national Church of Scientology New Zealand, where Scientologists locally and from across the Pacific gathered with friends and supporters January 21, 2017, to inaugurate the rebirth of the world’s second oldest Church of Scientology.
MR. DAVID MISCAVIGE Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology in Auckland, January 21, 2017.
Overlooking the city and Auckland’s magnificent Waitemata Harbor, the local historic landmark, preserved and meticulously restored by the Church with local architects and preservationists, is a resurrection of what was home to spiritual training for clergy and religious scholars for nearly a half century.
The red brick and white Oamaru stone used across the façade, restoration of delicately finished oak in the entrance hall and library, and preservation of rimu timber paneling and jarrah wood flooring have set the facility apart as a work of art itself.
The opening marked a major milestone and a renaissance as well for a Church that was founded well over half a century ago. Since that time, it has witnessed steady growth that made its former facilities in New Zealand insufficient to needs, resulting in a rebirth reflected in the magnificently restored landmark and the continuation of the Scientology tradition of spirituality and education.
The historic site, established in 1844, was expanded in 1927 as the Trinity Methodist Theological College to train Christian theologians. In its new incarnation as a spiritual center for Scientologists, it brings full circle the ideas of faith and spirituality under the tenets of the goals of Scientology—a world free of war and want, and committed to humanitarian aims.
Maori Warden Mereana Peka, who offered a welcome to the crowd on opening day, spoke of the wisdom of her people and a union with Scientology that illuminates a common spiritual purpose.
SPIRITUAL HAVEN Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors) to help others attain spiritual freedom.
The new Church has become not only a center for the Scientology spiritual mission on the Pacific Rim, but also the heartbeat of its vigorous outreach efforts in anti-drug, human rights and other humanitarian projects.
Mr. David Miscavige spoke in his dedication address to the significance of the opening and the possibilities it affords every New Zealander.
A GOTHIC REVIVAL The Church’s landmark is a red brick and white Oamaru stone structure that previously served as a religious and educational institution.
Regional and local community leaders and individuals involved in Church-supported humanitarian missions spoke at the grand opening, noting the significance of the Church’s ever-expanding program within the country. But the establishment of the facility now represents far more to a community that has seen the Church’s human rights, social justice and anti-drug programs already make a difference in the lives of people in Auckland. Those programs are expanding through the combined efforts of volunteers and staff working from the Church’s new home base in New Zealand.
The first Church of Scientology in New Zealand opened in 1955, and its growth and expansion in the more than 60 years since became a realization of Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s vision for the Church and its work within the region.
DRUG-FREE NEW ZEALAND The Church’s program has helped thousands of New Zealanders get the truth about drugs.
Leaders shared their insights about the Church’s humanitarian programs and dedication to New Zealand’s heritage.