As the date for the completion of the new Scientology building in Clearwater approaches I thought it would be good to look back at the groundbreaking event for the building. What Mr. David Miscavigesaid at that time is even more true today than it was then. David Miscavige is a very inspirational leader, who always emphasizes how important it is to help others.

Here's more on the groundbreaking ceremony:

On the evening of November 21st 1998, in Clearwater Florida, Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, officiated a milestone event in Scientology’s history.

Mr. Miscavige gave an insightful speech detailing the significance of the new building as the mecca for the Scientology® religion. Over 6,000 were in attendance, including, state and local officials, community leaders, local residents and neighbors and ScientologistsTM, many of whom had traveled from around the world.

Welcome to a groundbreaking like none you’ve ever seen.

This is a moment of great significance in the history of Scientology.

Indeed, tonight is a watershed.

For as we stand on the cusp of our 50th year – millions strong across 59-nations – this building represents far more than mere concrete and steel.

As a matter of fact, when considering all that will eventually comprise the mecca of our religion in this city —here is a project greater in physical scope than the combined total of all Scientology just twenty-five years ago.

And so it’s not for nothing that I also say—here will stand a structure that will symbolize our pledge for a better culture—a civilization without insanity, without criminals, without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights.

Now, on one hand, maybe this building can only be appreciated in terms of it’s sheer physical size.

You can read the full text of the speech here: Groundbreaking Ceremony Clearwater Florida with David Miscavige

Here's an interesting article about helping people. It was written by Rev. Cathy Norman who is the Director of Special Affairs for the Church of Scientology of Texas

Scientology's volunteering can be applied by anyone
By Cathy Norman
Saturday, November 16, 2002

More than 25 years ago, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard observed that we as a society were faced with rising problems of crime, illiteracy, immorality and drug use. He saw this as the result of a world more and more dominated by materialism and disappearing spiritual values.

His answer to this was the Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, which aims to "restore purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others."

Describing this program, he said: "A Volunteer Minister in Scientology is defined as a person who on a strictly voluntary basis helps out his fellow man by providing simple, basic counseling to people he meets to assist them in overcoming difficulties they may be having in life. A Volunteer Minister understands that something needs to be done about the world and . . . he wants to do what he can to help those around him."

The whole article is online on the Austin Interreligious Ministries web site: Scientology's volunteering can be applied by anyone

There are more articles by the same Scientology minister:
'
Affinity, Reality and Communication Form a Powerful Tool

Celebrating Hubbard's Message

Use a Map to Find the Path to Happiness

Cuban Family's Quest for Freedom Reminds Us to Cherish Ours

Scientology Gives Believers a Map on the Road to Self-fulfillment"