Under a radiant coastal sun, a jubilant crowd gathers in the historic Market Square to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Church of Scientology at Eastern Cape.
An ideal day comes alive as Mr. David Miscavige welcomes all to this new jewel of the Eastern Cape, a glorious 10-story Church of Scientology.
Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, leads the dedication ceremony in front of an elated crowd of Scientology parishioners, civic leaders and area residents.
Joining Mr. Miscavige for the ribbon-cutting are Scientology parishioners whose drive, determination and unwavering commitment helped make this new Church a reality here on the Eastern Cape.
Market Square was packed with joy as music, dance and guest speakers helped mark the celebration of the 90-year-old heritage site surrounded by a ring of historic landmarks including the old railway station, the old post office and City Hall.
A massive Sunday crowd of parishioners and guests from throughout the Eastern Cape proudly commemorates the dedication of the new Ideal Church of Scientology, a remarkable edifice now gloriously restored, centrally located at the city’s bustling crossroads.
The festivities launched with vibrant, high-energy music and dance, showcasing the rhythmic beat of djembe drums and an original composition.
“What an absolute honor to stand with you on this momentous day. Because, when Africa calls, who could ever resist? Especially when it brings you to the home of Nelson Mandela, where freedom was not a slogan—but a cause worth dying for. And just as he fought for the freedom of a nation, so you fight for the freedom of the spirit itself. Because, as you take hold of this Ideal Org, you inherit a responsibility: to fulfill Africa’s ever-present call for freedom.” —Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion
“Today we stand at the historical core of this city. You’ve returned our treasured friend to her full grandeur. Or, as we like to say: You turned lemons into lemonade. Religion has always been a building block of society. And upon that foundation, you’ve built a pillar of hope standing tall at the epicenter of historic Market Square. Talk about an investment into our future. This is the most significant contribution to our social infrastructure for over 50 years. Actually, make that ever! Here’s to that bright future!”
—Mr. Graham Taylor, Chairman, Historical Society of Port Elizabeth
—Mr. Graham Taylor, Chairman, Historical Society of Port Elizabeth
“My own story with you begins ‘in a flash of yellow.’ Mid-pandemic, your Volunteer Ministers came to my home and safeguarded my family. You went into our villages, our townships, our cities—everywhere. And the arrival of your VMs in their bright yellow jackets became a symbol of hope in our darkest hour. Your presence showed every South African that, truly, Something Can Be Done About It! You call these 19 tools The Scientology Handbook—I call it the Swiss Army knife for surviving! I am proud to have joined your pride of yellow shirts, because I am now an official Scientology Volunteer Minister!”
—Mr. Sonwabile Ndamase, Prince, Royal House of Mpondo
—Mr. Sonwabile Ndamase, Prince, Royal House of Mpondo
“Miracles appeared before me when I discovered your Narconon center by the Magaliesberg Mountains. One young man’s story still shakes my soul. Low self-esteem turned into personal pride. Spiritual confusion transformed into newfound purpose. Or, as he tells it, ‘I came face to face with myself and I now love the person I am becoming.’ Your Church delivers time and again. Today is a clarion call to every resident of the Eastern Cape to come and discover the many blessings within. And to my fellow church leaders across this country, I say, let us work together and use this day as a springboard to fulfill the purpose of our nation!”
—Rev. Thabang Xaba, Youth Coordinator, All Africa Council of Churches
—Rev. Thabang Xaba, Youth Coordinator, All Africa Council of Churches
“My Ministry Director told me, ‘Go down to the Church of Scientology and see what they are doing … because they are doing great works.’ Social development is about igniting potential, helping people rise above their circumstances. We meet many who believe their solutions must come from the outside, from the sky, from somewhere else. But you teach something revolutionary: that the solution comes from within. That is a new view on life! And so, I tell people, ‘Go to a Church of Scientology,’ because when they walk through your doors, they will leave stronger, brighter and more capable than ever before. None of us can do everything but, united, we can do anything. Let this be the place that brings light and direction to every corner of our nation.”
—Ms. Patricia Mokwala, Community Development Specialist, National Department of Social Development
—Ms. Patricia Mokwala, Community Development Specialist, National Department of Social Development
Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right) Ms. Patricia Mokwala, Community Development Specialist, National Department of Social Development; Rev. Thabang Xaba, Youth Coordinator, All Africa Council of Churches; Prince Sonwabile Ndamase, Royal House of Mpondo; and Mr. Graham Taylor, Chairman, Historical Society of Port Elizabeth.
Enthusiastic visitors flock to explore the expansive new Church of Scientology, a 10-story dream realized in Gqeberha—formerly Port Elizabeth.
Guests appreciate the Reception area—the initial view of 10 levels in the meticulously restored 90-year-old building.
More than a thousand tour the landmark building, immersing themselves in a wealth of resources.
Scientologists and guests make their way floor by floor through the new 10-story Eastern Cape Ideal Org.
The elegant black granite on the ground floor harmoniously complements the building’s original façade, reflecting more than 50,000 hours dedicated to exterior restoration.
RECEPTION
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER
The two-story Public Information Center offers some 1,000 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
The two-story Public Information Center offers some 1,000 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
INTRODUCTORY SERVICES
The Church of Scientology Eastern Cape provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
The Church of Scientology Eastern Cape provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
Among the many services available are evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars and the Success through Communication Course, which teaches the underlying skill to succeed in both professional and personal relationships.
DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
THE PURIFICATION CENTER
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in the Purification Center. The mural captures the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Cape—its timeless landscapes, rich traditions and the enduring light of its people.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in the Purification Center. The mural captures the vibrant spirit of the Eastern Cape—its timeless landscapes, rich traditions and the enduring light of its people.
HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are more than a dozen auditing rooms.
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are more than a dozen auditing rooms.
Each of Eastern Cape’s auditing rooms is ideally appointed to provide the calm, distraction-free setting requisite to achieving spiritual enlightenment.
THE ACADEMY
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors) capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Eastern Cape Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors) capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Eastern Cape Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
THE CAFÉ ENOMOYA
The Café Enomoya—meaning “with spirit” in Xhosa—sits on the second floor above the Public Information Center. The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending the many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
The Café Enomoya—meaning “with spirit” in Xhosa—sits on the second floor above the Public Information Center. The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending the many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
THE CHAPEL
The Chapel, lined with the Codes and Creed of the Church of Scientology, provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Eastern Cape.
The Chapel, lined with the Codes and Creed of the Church of Scientology, provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Eastern Cape.
THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
THE HISTORY OF AN EASTERN CAPE LANDMARK
Rising on Market Square, the historic heart of Gqeberha, now stands the home of the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape. The building is situated diagonally opposite a revered national monument: the 19th-century City Hall with its iconic clock tower.
Rising on Market Square, the historic heart of Gqeberha, now stands the home of the Church of Scientology Eastern Cape. The building is situated diagonally opposite a revered national monument: the 19th-century City Hall with its iconic clock tower.
Following the acquisition of the storied bank building, 50,000 hours of restoration turned this 10-story tower into a renewed landmark. The façade was meticulously restored to heritage specifications, reinstating the original black granite that graced the lower stories using stone quarried in the northern city of Rustenburg. Additionally, more than two dozen intricately carved lion-head medallions, set beneath exterior windows, were carefully refurbished and returned to their rightful place.
