Kansas City Scientologists are thrilled with last month's announcement of a new home for their church.
 | The new building for the Church of Scientology of Kansas City will provide services for Scientologists and greatly increase facilities for community outreach programs. |
Church staff, who provide service not only to Kansas Citians but to Scientologists from throughout western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma and Arkansas, expect the next few months to be the greatest period of expansion they have ever known.
"The acquisition of the City National Bank Building fulfills our dream to find a fitting home for our rapidly growing Scientology congregation in Kansas City," said Maggie Kittinger, the Church's executive director.
 | The Church of Scientology of Kansas City serves western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
The new facility for the Church of Scientology of Kansas City will not only serve as the spiritual center for Scientologists in this area but will also be a generation point for secular social betterment programs that use the technology of L. Ron Hubbard to change conditions in society.
Drugs are a serious problem in Missouri, and local residents are particularly concerned about methamphetamine. According to federal estimates, more than 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine and 1.5 million are regular users. The estimated number of addicted meth users nationwide doubled in the past five years, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. And the police chief in Aurora Missouri calls meth "the drug of choice in this part of the country," describing it as "a severe problem."
"Scientologists in our city are very active in drug education," said Ms. Kittinger, who is excited about the increased facilities the new church building will provide for community outreach programs.
The acquisition of new church buildings for nine Scientology churches in cities around the world, all purchased since the beginning of the year, was announced at this year's celebration in March of the birthday of Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
"Scientology churches are actually considered pioneers and leaders in the restoration of vintage properties," said Ms. Kittinger. "We know that we can keep the historic beauty of this building and add to the vibrant environment that is being created in the area."
The church plans to occupy all of the building's 65,751 square feet, which will include a large area for audio-visual displays about the history and beliefs of the church; a multiuse chapel for Sunday services, weddings, other religious services and special events; and conference rooms that will be available to other Kansas City community and civic groups.
As to why the Church decided to purchase this particular building, Ms. Kittenger said, "Downtown is alive and vibrant. We want to be able to contribute to the cultural and spiritual growth of the area. We want to add to the stability and future of Kansas City, and what better place to do that than right in the heart of the city."
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