HISTORIC ANDRES DIAZ BUILDING IN WEST TAMPA, FLORIDA, IS NEW HOME TO CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY OF TAMPA

Rev. Sheri Payson, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology of Tampa, welcomes parishioners, local officials and community leaders to the grand opening of the new Church in Tampa. She said the Church and its members will continue to work “to create a Tampa of peace free of crime, drugs and illiteracy.”

West Tampa, FL – A nearly century-old building at 3102 North Habana Avenue in West Tampa that began life as the Andres Diaz and Co. Cigar Factory in 1908 became the new home of the Church of Scientology of Tampa on Saturday, March 29, 2003, with a dedication ceremony and open house tours. The Church moved to its new building from its former Tampa premises at 3617 Henderson Boulevard to accommodate the growth of the congregation and their activities. Membership has grown to 5,000 since the first Scientology church formed in Tampa in 1972.

Cutting the ribbon with the Church’s executive director Sheri Payson and City Council member Mary Alvarez was Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who commended the Church for restoring the building that is a part of the rich heritage of Tampa. “I love what you have done with the renovations of the building in retaining its history and character. I want you to know that I am here for you. ... and I look forward to all that you will do for this community.”

The new Church of Scientology of Tampa opened its doors March 29, 2003. Scientology parishioners, local officials and community leaders from throughout the Tampa Bay area attended the ribbon cutting, including Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, City Councilwoman Mary Alvarez and local political consultant Mary Repper.

Rev. Payson acknowledged the men and women of nearby MacDill Air Force, Central Command for U.S. forces in Iraq, and prayed for their safe return and swift resolution of the war. She delivered the Scientology Prayer for Total Freedom.

She rededicated the Church and its members to continue their work in the community, joining their new friends and neighbors to help make their neighborhood an even better place. Payson said she and her congregation, through the workable technologies of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, want to help create “a Tampa of peace, free from crime, drugs and illiteracy.”

Payson described the 4-story, 20,000-square-foot building as well-suited to the needs of parishioners participating in religious services. It is also a center from which parishioners will work to assist in the revitalization of West Tampa and volunteer in secular programs to help secure the safety of families and children.