Courtesy of RON GONZALES / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
SANTA ANA – The Church of Scientology of Orange County, formerly in Tustin, held a grand opening on Saturday, June 2 for its new home at 505 N. Sycamore St.
The church about six years ago purchased the historic 48,000-square-foot Santa Ana Performing Arts and Event Center, which was built in 1931 as the Santa Ana Masonic Lodge.
Church officials said about 5,000 people attended the event to see the dedication, led by David Miscavige, Scientology’s ecclesiastical leader.
The executive director of the Orange County church is Ed Dearborn.
The building was designed by W. Horace Austin, who also designed the original Santa Ana City Hall and the Bowers Museum. After acquisition, the church renovated the building’s facade and Gothic Revival style interiors, including its arched ceilings, leaded glass doors, glass and alabaster chandeliers, and hand-carved mahogany staircase, church representatives said.
Hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends. The auditorium is available for banquets and civic events, the church said.
Call 714-544-5491 or see scientology-orangecounty.org.
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