March 29, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Pat Harney
(727) 445-4338
or
Linda Simmons Hight
Phone (323) 960-3500
E-mail mediarelationsdir@scientology.net

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

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.”

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.

“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.

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.