Gurgaon Samachar

Washington, D.C. – During July, the Founding Church of Scientology is marking a major milestone: 70 years since its official establishment in the nation’s capital in July1955. A celebration honored both the church’s global impact and its deep roots in Washington, D.C., with historical tours, commemorative lectures, and a community BBQ hosted at the church’s National Affairs Office in the historic Fraser Mansion.

The church was first founded at 1812 19th Street NW, where L. Ron Hubbard established the Founding Church of Scientology as the first independent, self-governed Scientology church of its kind—serving at the time as the central communication hub for Scientology around the world.

A Legacy Rooted in the Nation’s Capital

Washington, D.C. played a pivotal role in the rise of Scientology as a global movement.

In 1923, at age 12, L. Ron Hubbard moved to the capital city, became the nation’s youngest Eagle Scout, and later shook hands with President Calvin Coolidge on the steps of the White House.

Later, he published his first story, conducted early Dianetics research, and held many historic gatherings called congresses in area hotels.

In 1949, at 1902 R Street NW, he wrote Dianetics: The Original Thesis, laying out his first breakthroughs into unlocking the unlimited potential of the human mind.

Historic Locations Showcased

Attendees at the anniversary celebration visited locations that are important in the church’s D.C. heritage, including:

1810 & 1812 19th Street NW – Original Church of Scientology headquarters (1955–1962)

1845 R Street NW – The first Academy of Religious Arts and Sciences

1827 19th Street NW – Home of L. Ron Hubbard (1957–1962)

1701 20th Street NW – The Fraser Mansion – Home of the Founding Church of Scientology from 1996 to 2009, now home of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office

1424 16th Street NW – Current Founding Church of Scientology location since 2009

Other landmark tour venues included the Mayflower Hotel, the Hotel Washington, and the Shoreham Hotel, which hosted multiple congresses where L. Ron Hubbard delivered more than 110 lectures.

A Walk through History and into the Future

The 70th anniversary celebration began with a guided tour of the L. Ron Hubbard Museum at 1812 19th Street NW, where attendees re-experienced the church’s formative years and its spiritual foundations. Guests received a commemorative booklet that led them to the locations where L. Ron Hubbard lived and worked, culminating at the Fraser Mansion, now home of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office and former site of the Founding Church of Scientology. There, attendees gathered for a community BBQ and leadership briefing, which underscored the church’s continued mission in Washington, D.C., and around the world.

Beth Akiyama, Senior Director of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, welcomed the crowd and reflected on the expansion of the church’s community and human rights activities over the years.

Christie Hillestad, Senior Executive of the Founding Church of Scientology, shared a personal story that captured the church’s reach.

Liz Clapp, Senior Executive of the Founding Church of Scientology, emphasized the Church of Scientology’s forward momentum.

Quentin Strub, Representative for Church management for the Eastern United States reminded attendees of the spiritual responsibility each person carries.

A Call to Advance

“Welcome back to where it all began,” read the commemorative booklet. And indeed, the 70th Anniversary stood not only as a moment of remembrance, but a call to advance forward into the next era of expansion, service, and spiritual freedom.

Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the Church of Scientology’s National Affairs Office addressing some of the attendees

Media Contact
Company Name: The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C.
Contact Person: Chas C. Smith, External Affairs Director
Email: Send Email
City: Washington, D.C.
Country: United States
Website: https://www.scientology.org/churches/ideal-orgs/washington-dc/