You of Washington, D.C. have a tremendous opportunity for advancement into society. You are part of what is arguably the most important community in the world, and your work here factually can reverse a declining society.

But this is what is most important. This is what you have to remember: You are part of that community, and it not only needs your help — it welcomes it.

A case in point is that the City Council of Washington, D.C. has just passed a proclamation. This proclamation was signed by the Chairman of the City Council, Washington, D.C. and I quote for you a few sections here:

“Whereas L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion was one of the leaders of the home ruled movement in Washington, D.C. in the 1950s.

“Whereas the Church of Scientology has been an active participant in the D.C. community for 40 years —

“We hereby proclaim October 21st Church of Scientology Community Betterment Day”.

Bettering our community is exactly what we are all about, and that is what this new building represents.

Our Church in Washington has had an exciting past. There have been the ups and there have been downs! One could make a case that no where on earth was the suppression of our religion greater. Following the defeat of their prized Siberia Bill, the psychiatrists teamed up with the US Government, most notably the IRS, and there ensued a war that lasted almost 40 years!

But today is different. That war is over. The IRS has recognized ALL of our churches. And that victory truly spreads planet-wide.

It was during one of many dozens of trips to his city, to deal with the IRS, that the idea of obtaining this new Founding Church building was formed. After all, if we had fought so hard for so many years to stop suppression, it followed that we should put as much effort into our real mission of helping people with Dianetics and Scientology.

The new building represents this new era. Her purchase took many months, but thanks to very persistent efforts, she was soon ours. But that was only the beginning.

What stands before you is a beautifully restored historical building that has been ideally established for our Founding Church. The restorations are magnificent. They are the result of many kind contributions from Scientologists literally around the world.