Mr. David Miscavige Whirlwind Tour
In 2003 in the course of just about a month, Mr. Miscavige visited Scientology churches on 3 Continents and the British Isles. , with a special message to Scientologists. Just two years after his famous wake-up call following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, members of Scientology churches around the world had responded, resulting in the greatest expansion in the history of our church.
Mr. Miscavige began with Johannesburg, South Africa -- his first visit to that country. There, he spoke at the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of Johannesburg in its greatly expanded premises, now capable of providing help to the community at a completely new level.
Next, he traveled to Buffalo for the grand opening of the church in that city.
His final visit was to San Francisco, California for their grand opening just before Thanksgiving.
I think the following story givens an accurate picture of the Buffalo grand opening.
SCIENTOLOGY OPENS NEW CHURCH WITH FANFARE
The Buffalo News
MARK SOMMER; News Staff Reporter
DATELINE: BUFFALO
"A large insignia engraved on a dramatic backdrop towered over a red-carpeted stage.
"In front rested a commanding wooden podium flanked by a TelePrompTer.
"Politicians and celebrities sat among rows of filled white seats....
"Meanwhile, hundreds of red, white and blue balloons waited to be released.
"One could have been forgiven for thinking Vice President Cheney was in Buffalo a day early. Instead, it was the grand opening of the Church of Scientology's restored building at the southwest corner of Main and Virginia streets.
"Despite a chilly, gray afternoon, a crowd estimated by organizers at 1,400 came out to hear outdoor speeches, get a tour of the restored 1893 building and celebrate Scientology's expanded presence in Buffalo.
"It is the latest chapter for a worldwide organization that has long been accused of being a cult rather than a religion.
"'What we have here in Buffalo are great people, great architecture, great opportunity, and I think this represents the best of the best here today,' said Mayor Anthony M. Masiello, who read aloud a proclamation that declared Church of Scientology Day in Buffalo.
"'Like so many of you, I've been looking forward to this moment for some time,' Masiello said.
"Other speakers, including David Miscavige, chairman of the Scientology-related Religious Technology Center, and Ellicott Council Member Brian Davis, praised the work of the church and its potential impact on ."
For more information about David Miscavige, there is a good page on the RTC web site.