Texas Big, Texas Tough: A New Ideal Church of Scientology Opens in Austin

The ribbon falls over this vibrant new Church, with its doors open wide to all and its magnificent facilities designed to forward spiritual awareness, freedom and effective help for the entire community.

In a flurry of streamers and clouds of flying red, white and blue confetti, a new Texas milestone was celebrated on February 24, 2024—the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Ideal Church of Scientology in Austin, Texas.

And while perfection may be unobtainable, this beautiful new church building, with its long history of help and compassion and a membership embodying excellence, proud effort and enthusiasm, comes close.

A mile from the Texas State Capitol, Austin’s new Ideal Church stands at 2200 Guadalupe Street in the very heart of the capital city. It looks over “The Drag,” with the University of Texas just across the street and some 70,000 people passing by the Church doors every day. Many are curious and walk in to discover for themselves what is Scientology and to learn about the life improvement and spiritually enhancing avenues Scientology has to offer.

Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, told the opening-day crowd of thousands, “You’re Texas big and Texas tough. While before that ribbon falls on your new Church of Scientology, this is a moment to remember what was said long ago by one of your famous Texans—that it was the best land he had ever seen, and there was a world of country to settle.

Every Ideal Church of Scientology is a realization of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s intention for the religion. He envisioned Ideal Organizations (Ideal Orgs) as centers that not only provide services to Scientologists but also serve as community hubs. These Ideal Orgs are designed to promote spiritual awareness and freedom while also benefiting the entire community.

“Well, so it is again today. Except your ‘line of country’ is the human spirit, and you settle it by restoring to people the happiness, love, sincerity and kindness with which they were created.”

Every Ideal Church of Scientology is a realization of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s intention for the religion. He envisioned Ideal Organizations (Ideal Orgs) as centers that not only provide services to Scientologists but also serve as community hubs. These Ideal Orgs are designed to promote spiritual awareness and freedom while also benefiting the entire community.

Scores of Ideal Churches exist in cities about the globe, including London and Birmingham in England; Dublin, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Copenhagen, Malmo, Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart in Europe; Tel Aviv in the Middle East; Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia; Auckland in New Zealand; Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa; Mexico City and Bogotá in Latin America; and dozens across the United States and Canada.

Austin officials and dignitaries joined Mr. Miscavige in welcoming this new Ideal Church. Mr. Mike McHone, Vice-President of the University Area Partners Association, said: “For those of you who aren’t from Austin, this is a university town. We work to keep our neighborhood at the front of the pack when it comes to, well, everything. And today, I’ll admit a little Longhorns pride in celebrating another big step in keeping our neighborhood the Best of the Best. Hook ‘em Horns!” with the crowd cheering to his University of Texas Longhorns’ greeting and gesture.

“Each and every one of you should take pride in knowing you have helped make our home what it is today. Your members form the backbone of an ongoing community effort. Which is another way of saying, you have shown an inherent understanding of what our residents need with a passion and care to create a thriving, active community.”

Ms. Simone Talma Flowers, Executive Director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, said. “You have been pillars of devotion and dependency. And upon those pillars, we have now built the largest interfaith movement in all of Central Texas.”

Mr. Sam Price, who was with the Austin Health Department for nearly 25 years and is now a Texas drug education advocate, praised the Church-sponsored drug education initiative, Drug-Free World. “Thanks to your support, thousands who never had a choice to be educated now have the choice to say, ‘I’m going to live drug-free!’ The world would be a better place if more people had the care and commitment that your Church members do.

“Keep doing your good work. You’ll never know how many lives you’ve saved.”

Mr. Nelson Linder is President of the Austin NAACP. “Like many others, my fight for civil rights is now decades long.

“A just society requires sacrifice and commitment,” Mr. Linders said. “In fact, a great man once said, ‘Injustice is not something in which any man with power should ever trade.’ That was L. Ron Hubbard. To say that in the crucible of the 1960s shows tremendous courage.

“At that time, just a handful were in the middle, trying to broker a peace, and yet there he was. Mr. Hubbard’s ideas of forwarding the concept of true justice were both visionary and grand.

“And let’s face it, they inspired you all to create a movement not only in Texas, but around the world. That’s not just a gift for those who are here. It’s a gift for those who aren’t even born yet. So on behalf of the Austin NAACP, thank you, Mr. Hubbard, for being a strong voice in the land.

“With this Grand Opening today, we can now say: Yes, Mr. Hubbard, we are turning your dream into reality.

“And that is most certainly cause to celebrate.”