New Church of Scientology Opens on Main Street in Buffalo

Amid a marching band, balloons, confetti and a massive ribbon, Church officials, local dignitaries and celebrities opened the new home of the Church of Scientology of Buffalo November 16, 2003, with Mayor Anthony Masiello proclaiming “Church of Scientology of Buffalo Day.”

The new building, the former Buffalo Catholic Institute at Virginia and Main streets, was purchased by the Church in December 2002 and renovated with 50,000 volunteer hours by parishioners from Buffalo and other states and countries. One guest at the opening described it as “truly a showplace of the practical, spiritual methods you have to offer.”

Attending the ceremony were 1,400 well-wishers, including City Council members who praised the Church’s social betterment programs, preservationists pleased that the Church had breathed life into not just the building but also the neighborhood, and celebrities Billy Sheehan, renowned rock bassist and Buffalo native, and TV and film actress Jenna Elfman.

The Scientology religion’s most senior executive, David Miscavige, addressed the assembly, noting that the true significance is not the “monument” but its key duty: “to bring the help this world so desperately needs.”

Mayor Masiello read a proclamation stating that “It is not the purpose of Scientology to change any man’s religion or to change any person’s politics but rather to help build a real civilization on Earth” and then spoke about the Church’s work in education, drug rehabilitation and other social ills. The Proclamation concluded:

“WHEREAS: The city celebrates not only what was done to restore this landmark but more importantly what is done inside the building to restore the productivity of our people and increase their personal happiness,

“Now, THEREFORE, I, ANTHONY M. MASIELLO, Mayor of the City of Buffalo, recognizing the value of L. Ron Hubbard’s work and the contribution of the Church of Scientology, do hereby proclaim November 16th as ‘Church of Scientology of Buffalo Day’.”