County Commission Ken Hagan joined in cutting the ribbon for the opening of the new Tampa Church. “I want you to know that I am here for you — I mean that,” he said. “I look forward to all you will do for this community.”

“The Andres Diaz Building allows us the space we need and also enables us to contribute to the betterment and revitalization of the community,” said Payson. “It also presents us with a unique opportunity to ensure the preservation of one of Tampa’s most remarkable landmarks.”

The building is one of the best preserved of 11 remaining brick cigar factories in West Tampa that made Tampa the “cigar capital of the world.” According to the Florida Master Site File, the Diaz building is “stylistically unique among West Tampa factories in that it contains some of the most distinctive brickwork in the area.”

It’s history is still felt in the essence of the building. The main entrance bay, set with double-leaf, four-panel doors beneath a semi-circular transom, is sheltered by an arched porch with plain square brick columns. Ceilings and floors are wood and the walls are exposed brick. There is still the hexagonal-paved sidewalk and original brick paved street in front of the building and the original pressed metal sign, “Andres Diaz 1908,” is atop the structure.

Hundreds of residents came to celebrate the grand opening of the new home of the Church of Scientology of Tampa. The church and its parishioners have fully renovated the historic Andres Diaz building, built in 1908.

Now history moves forward as the Church of Scientology of Tampa makes the Andres Diaz factory building its new home. The Church offers introductory lectures, films, classes and spiritual counseling and is open seven days a week. Sunday Services are held weekly at 11 a.m. and visitors are always welcome.

The Scientology religion was founded and developed by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. It offers a precise path to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature. The religion has grown from one church in 1954 to more than 3,000 churches, missions and groups in 154 countries.

To visit the new building or find out more about the Church of Scientology of Tampa at 3102 North Habana Avenue, please call Ana Tirabassi at (813) 872-0722.