Beyond that, LRH was able to release, for the first time, the now famed Flag-Only Rundowns — including the New Vitality Rundown, researched and developed right here in Clearwater. As for what followed — the rest, as they say, is history.

Yes, Scientologists came from all corners of the globe — ultimately better than a quarter of a million from 160 nations, to be exact. And while I could detail the growth of Flag throughout — to accommodate Scientologists ascending to the top of the Bridge — there was actually another simultaneous and more significant expansion that bears upon this building:

Specifically — and even if never initially planned or envisioned - Clearwater, Florida began to exert an attraction of her own. Meaning: Visiting Scientologists decided to make Flag their "local org", and up springs a permanent Scientologist community in Clearwater. And as that community continued expanding, so it expanded into the community at large.

And while it first begins at a grassroots level — through an interaction of Scientologists in their daily affairs — well, suffice it to say, it soon became a necessity that Flag herself take on a greater role and responsibility. A role befitting her stature and prominence in this community.