David Miscavige in Chicago
This is the second in a series of blogs about new Scientology Churches Mr. Miscavige has dedicated.
Thousands celebrated the Grand Opening of a revitalized and reborn South Loop landmark building, offering hope and help to all. Of course, the congregation was ecstatic about the occasion. But knowing Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige would dedicate the building took it to the next level.
Diversity and Devotion
Chicago is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, ethnicities and religions spanning some 77 dynamic neighborhoods. In that spirit, community and civic leaders partner with the Church to bring neighborhoods together under the banner of building a better Chicago.
Chicago Stands Tall
Among the guest speakers was attorney and advisor to the city Mr. Rob Fioretti. “Chicago stands tall—a bold slugger with one of the world’s most recognizable skylines,” he told the crowd. “Designs born here define the skylines of America and, indeed, the skylines of the world. And what’s awesome about the Church of Scientology is that you get it. You understand the character of this city on so many levels.”
“As a city councilor, I fought with you to secure this heritage site. And through our co-endeavor, I watched as the Church restored this landmark to her 1915 splendor. More than 25,000 hours were invested. And let me tell you: every second, minute, and hour is proof that you are a prized and trusted custodian of this city!”
Precisely What Downtown Needs
Dr. Gwen Appleberry, a Citizen Advisor to the Chicago Police Department and the Board of Education, spoke of the wisdom of the religion’s Founder: “I do know a little something about the potential inside those doors. You see, 47 years ago, I first laid my eyes on Dianetics,” the monumental volume by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard.
“It resonated with me before I even took it off the shelf. And to this day, I keep his works on my shelf so I can always have his wisdom with me,” Dr. Appleberry said. “It’s what I call the booster shot of living. The booster shot of living!” she repeated.
“Let me tell you, you’re precisely what Downtown needs,” Dr. Appleberry said. “You are going to light up the South Loop!”
Community Partnership and Empowerment
Mr. Kweli Kwaza, Executive Director of the Club 21 Initiative, a coalition of neighborhood block clubs promoting unity, highlighted the importance of community partnership and empowerment. Raised on Chicago’s West Side, he said, “I set about getting neighborhoods to not only survive, but thrive.” And when the Church of Scientology began supporting the neighborhood events, he added, “you came back again, and again and again. So yes, you are community partners.”
Doing Something About It
The final guest speaker, Mr. Norman White, works on the city’s Commission on Human Relations.
Mr. White recalled when the Church’s Volunteer Ministers responded to the pandemic. “I was damned impressed. You guys were on top of it. In fact, if it were a superhero movie, then while the rest of us were still in bed reaching for our masks, you had already zipped up your suits, put on your yellow jackets and were out there ‘doing something about it’! It’s all you!” Mr. White said.
The Crowning Moment: David Miscavige in Chicago to Open the New Church
Mr. David Miscavige, the last speaker, is the person the crowd was waiting for.
To meet the ever-growing worldwide demand for Dianetics and Scientology services as well as Church-sponsored social betterment programs, David Miscavige personally committed to accomplishing the goal of bringing all Scientology Churches to the standard of “Ideal.”
Ideal Churches provide the full services of the Scientology religion to their parishioners and to the community. Utilizing technological advances of the 21st century, Mr. Miscavige has been able to greatly reduce the time needed to put those facilities in place.
David Miscavige established the modern strategies for the acquisition, design and planning of all new Churches. Those strategies form a template that helps guide individual Scientology congregations around the world as they work with the Church to build for the future.
And so it was in Chicago on March 3, 2024, when Mr. Miscavige stepped to the stage as the final speaker of the afternoon.
Chicago is Second to None, Said Mr. Miscavige
“Today this Second City is truly Second to None,” said David Miscavige in addressing thousands of Scientologists and their guests gathered for the opening.
“While before that Windy City ribbon comes cascading down, this is also the moment to recognize what you already know. Just as Chicago was once reborn, so today there is room for a new beginning. And thus, room for restoring to individuals the ability to live a better life—in their own estimation and with their fellows and the playing of a better game.”
For more information on Mr. Miscavige, visit:
https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/david-miscavige-shaking-hands-with-my-hero/
https://www.standleague.org/newsroom/blog/my-friend-david-miscavige
https://www.scientologynews.org/gallery/david-miscavige.html
https://www.scientology.tv/network/david-miscavige-scientology-network-launch-special.html
https://www.rtc.org/david-miscavige/
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