Opening Address

Thank you and hello!

So many of you have come so far to be here today, to celebrate this moment. And we are especially gratified to see those of you from the San Francisco alumni — those who originally entered Scientology through this organization, and went on to lend your ability to Church expansion elsewhere around the world. You have come from Los Angeles, from Clearwater, even from Canada. So in addition to all else this day represents, this is your homecoming.

While as for everyone here today, those from the Bay Area, our honored guests and dignitaries — let me simply say, thank you very much for joining us, and welcome!

Just as Dianetics and Scientology enjoy a long history in this city, so, too, does this building. As a matter of fact, it was once home to famous benefactor Amadeo Peter Giannini, whose generosity and trust helped a decimated San Francisco rise from the rubble of the 1906 earthquake.

In the early morning hours of that fateful day, he set up a table on the Wharf where he made loans to individuals in his community so they could rebuild their shattered lives — often with nothing more than a handshake for collateral.

In just that spirit, so many of you have lent your hands to make a church like none we've ever had. So to every one of you, on behalf of the Church of Scientology of San Francisco — you have our deepest thanks.

Now, today could hardly be a more appropriate way to celebrate our 35th anniversary in this city. And it's all the more a celebration, because we're joined by so many of the friends with whom we've worked side-by-side with over the course of those 35 years to make this a better place for all who call San Francisco a home.

But I know I represent the views of all Scientologists when I say that our special guest today is a friend in the truest sense of the word. For the better part of two decades, he's worked with tireless dedication to uphold the purity and standard application of our religion across the world. And it's that standard which is reflected here.

So yes, he made this church possible in every way imaginable. And that he has made time for us today is both a statement of how important this moment is, and just how much he cares. So while no acknowledgment seems enough to convey how we feel, I know you all share my sentiments when welcoming him to this stage: The Chairman of the Board, Religious Technology Center, Mr. David Miscavige.