Nashville’s Church of Scientology saw a whirlwind of
activity throughout 2013. Parishioners gathered on New Year’s Eve to celebrate
a year of accomplishments and look forward to the year ahead.
Internationally, the Church of Scientology had much to
celebrate from 2013. The highlight of the year was the November 17th opening of
the Church's new cathedral - the 377,000 square foot architectural masterpiece
in Clearwater, Florida known as The Flag Building, an achievement that crowns a
year of the Church's most expansive growth to date.
Locally, the Nashville Church of Scientology had its best
year to date as well. Scientologists looked back on the time spent on programs
aimed at drug and human rights education, and other activities aimed at
improving their community, schools and neighborhoods.
The Church began the year by opening its doors to
community events. During Black History Month, the church hosted a presentation
for the Black Legends of Basketball. Legends were honored with a special
display and there was a panel discussion about the history and future of
basketball.
Throughout the year, church members visited 14 counties
in Tennessee to deliver information on the Truth About Drugs. Working with the
Foundation for a Drug-Free World, they were able to enlighten thousands of
students who are now certain they will never fall victim to a dealer’s lies.
One school to receive a visit was Smyrna West Alternative where a teacher
expressed his gratitude by writing a letter to the volunteers. He noted the program “is a highly
informative, mind-grasping look at the dangers and horrible realities that
addiction creates.”
In the summer months, Scientologists went out into the
community to distribute copies of The Way
to Happiness. This booklet written by L. Ron Hubbard is a common sense
guide to better living that anyone can use. The entire neighborhood surrounding
the church received copies of the booklet.
In November, the Church hosted the annual Artlightenment
art and film festival, which is themed “Art, Artists and the Art of Existence.”
In its fifth year, this was the most successful to date in terms of the attendance
and number of artists participating. The
festival has added film and fashion and become one of the go-to events of the
year for area fine artists.
In December 2013, the Church worked with local and state
government agencies and non-profit organizations to plan the Tennessee
Celebration of International Human Rights Day. During the December 10th celebration, human
rights advocates were awarded for their service to the community, there was a
panel discussion on Human Rights Issues Today, and a special speaker who served
the United Nations for nearly 30 years gave an overview of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights.
Church pastor Rev. Brian Fesler said, "2013 has been
an exciting year, our best yet. We are thankful for all our friends in the
community who are working to make Nashville a better place, and we look forward
to collaboration and a 2014 where everyone wins."
For more information about Scientology, visit www.scientology.org.
