Beneath the warmth of the Caribbean sun, a joyous crowd fills the heart of San Juan to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico.
Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, welcomes parishioners, local dignitaries and guests to the dazzling new downtown Ideal Org—a first for the Caribbean.
An ideal day in an ideal spot as Mr. Miscavige leads the dedication ceremony in front of an enthusiastic and captivated crowd in postcard-perfect San Juan.
Pulling a ribbon the color of the Caribbean Sea to dedicate the Ideal Org, Mr. Miscavige is joined by parishioners whose dedication helped make the new Church on this Enchanted Isle come to life.
A massive Sunday crowd convenes to honor the latest addition to the lively center of San Juan—a new Church of Scientology, located along Juan Ponce de León Avenue, among the city’s busiest thoroughfares.
In one of the oldest cities of the New World, Scientologists and guests from throughout Puerto Rico and beyond commemorate the dedication of the island’s new Ideal Church of Scientology.
The vibrant Caribbean atmosphere mingles with fanfare and applause for the unveiling of the historic city’s newest landmark.
High-energy music and dancing opens the festive celebration, showcasing native bomba and plena music played on barrel drums, getting the rhythm rolling for a passionate celebration.
“Who can deny the magnetism of these waters surrounding your Isle of Enchantment. An island that moves to its own rhythm, an island that generates its own current—for the true power of Puerto Rico is her people. And just like your beloved coquí, you are unmistakable, you are indomitable, you are impossible to silence. And here stands the living proof: your new Ideal Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico!”
—Mr. David Miscavige, Ecclesiastical Leader of the Scientology Religion
—Mr. David Miscavige, Ecclesiastical Leader of the Scientology Religion
“We have many faith programs, but I’ve not seen anything as significant as yours. Today we are gaining more than just a building, because here is a place where our communities can come and reach their full potential. With this new Church of Scientology now opening to the community, we are going to make Puerto Rico a model of interfaith and government partnership everywhere.”
—Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan Faith-Based Coordinator and Advisor to the City Mayor
—Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan Faith-Based Coordinator and Advisor to the City Mayor
“When I met you, you opened a window of hope. You told me about your mission against drugs, and I told you, ‘That’s exactly what we need!’ In fact, 22 of my officers stepped forward and earned their educator kits as Drug-Free World lecturers. And that signaled not only the beginning of a partnership, but the start of a beautiful friendship. With this new center, we can change the direction of our youth. Child by child, classroom by classroom across our island, we can make a drug-free future!”
—Lt. Hector Ayala, Police Athletic League Director, Puerto Rico Police Bureau
—Lt. Hector Ayala, Police Athletic League Director, Puerto Rico Police Bureau
“Every situation in life has a solution. When an individual reaches the depths of existence, in the darkest place, they need to find a way to rise back up. They need the right tool. But L. Ron Hubbard doesn’t just have one—he has 21 guideposts to find your way out. The Way to Happiness is built on respect and empathy, values that speak to every human being. You exemplify what I feel all churches should do: bring your answers to the streets, where life actually lives.”
—Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President, San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network
—Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President, San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network
“I am a passionate and faithful defender of human rights. I have carried that flag wherever I go. With these new premises, we can welcome every person from every community. And together, we can fly our flag for collaboration, for solidarity and for human rights. I recognize that your passion is grounded in the vision and words of your Founder, and we celebrate this new home now rising before us here on the island he cherished.”
—Ms. Mery Dacosta, President, Human Rights Coalition, Puerto Rico
—Ms. Mery Dacosta, President, Human Rights Coalition, Puerto Rico
Mr. David Miscavige with (from left): Ms. Zorimar Betancourt, President, San Juan Violence Prevention and Support Network; Mr. Anibal Heredia Burgos, San Juan Faith-Based Coordinator and Advisor to the City Mayor; Ms. Mery Dacosta, President, Human Rights Coalition, Puerto Rico; and Lt. Hector Ayala, Director, Police Athletic League, Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Grand Opening attendees flood the entrance to be among the first inside the new Church of Scientology in Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan.
Opening day guests enthusiastically tour the landmark Church of Scientology of Puerto Rico—taking in all it has to offer.
The new church buzzes with Scientologists and guests touring the new Ideal Org throughout the Grand Opening celebration.
The church’s Café greets visitors with Caribbean charm and fresh coffee, as guests gather all afternoon and evening.
Located at the corner of two of San Juan’s most recognizable streets, the Church stands at the heart of the city’s artistic center. Its striking façade evokes the rhythm and color of Puerto Rico’s culture.
Reception
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Puerto Rico Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Puerto Rico Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
Scientology Public Information Center
The Public Information Center offers more than 1,000 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
The Public Information Center offers more than 1,000 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
Introductory Services
The Church of Scientology Puerto Rico provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
The Church of Scientology Puerto Rico provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
Among the many services available are evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars, imparting an overview of fundamental principles and their application in life.
Dianetics & Scientology Bookstore
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
The Purification Center
Scientology Founder 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 the Purification Center. The mural pays tribute to San Juan’s vibrant culture, lush rain forests and rich history.
Scientology Founder 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 the Purification Center. The mural pays tribute to San Juan’s vibrant culture, lush rain forests and rich history.
Hubbard Guidance Center
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms.
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms.
Each of Puerto Rico’s auditing rooms is ideally appointed to provide the calm, distraction-free setting requisite to achieving spiritual enlightenment.
The 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 Puerto Rico Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
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 Puerto Rico Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
The Café Borinquen
The Café Borinquen—honoring Puerto Rico’s original name—welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending our many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
The Café Borinquen—honoring Puerto Rico’s original name—welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending our many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
The Chapel
The Chapel provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events, in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Puerto Rico.
The Chapel provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events, in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Puerto Rico.
The Office of L. Ron Hubbard
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
L. Ron Hubbard’s history in Puerto Rico extends back to the first complete mineral survey of the island under US jurisdiction in 1932–1933. His survey would stand as a definitive reference for decades. In parallel with his survey, Mr. Hubbard also conducted a deeper ethnological study of the island’s jibaro people, whose rural culture, shaped by centuries of tradition, stands at the heart of Puerto Rican identity. Mr. Hubbard’s study proved instrumental to the development of the island and the utilization of its natural resources. Accordingly, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives later formally recognized Mr. Hubbard’s work, hailing it as “commendable and meritorious, serving the best interests of our country.”
