Church of Scientology Washington, D.C., Grand Opening Photos

The original Founding Church of Scientology was established in Washington, DC in 1955 by L. Ron Hubbard. The address chosen for the new Church was on “Church Row,” just six blocks from the White House. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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On October 31, 2009, three thousand Scientologists and guests attended the dedication and opening of the new Founding Church. The structure was fully restored as one of Washington’s premiere historical sites. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, officiated at the dedication this day, inaugurating a new Church in the nation’s capital. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Mr. Miscavige, joined by honored guests, officially opened the doors of the new Founding Church, which will serve the spiritual needs of its parishioners and offer unqualified help to the greater Washington, DC community as well. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The Honorable Brad Sherman, United States Congressman, California's 27th District: “The battle for human rights includes the battle to bring human rights awareness to all people. That is why the efforts of many churches and religions to focus on human rights issues is so important. And among them, the efforts of the Church of Scientology to promote the awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Ms. Diana Rothe-Smith, Executive Director, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster: “The physical presence of this Church is most impressive. But to me, even far more impressive is the nature of your help, and the Volunteer Ministers who will walk out these doors to carry that help into the world.” © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Ms. Addie Richburg, Founder, National Alliance of Faith and Justice: “Of course you carry the burden common to all successful, truly helpful programs: to reach even more, to have even greater impact. The dedication of this new Church and facility is a stunning visual promise of even greater things to come.” © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Mr. Mike Silverstein, Chairman, Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commission and Representative of the Mayor of Washington, DC: “It is fitting that the Founding Church of Scientology has kept its roots here in the Dupont Circle community, and particularly in this 1918 legacy of one of DC's most important architects of the last century, Appleton Clark, Jr. ... More important now is what you will do from within these walls, through your leadership and participation in our community.” © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The doors are always open and the reception area stands ready to welcome visitors in for introductory lectures, films and self-guided tours through the Public Information Center of the Founding Church. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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An extensive section of the Information Center is devoted to the Church’s many social betterment activities. Here visitors learn about global initiatives to eradicate drug abuse, ensure human rights and respond to disasters through the Scientology Volunteer Minister’s program. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Visitors may also view a multimedia presentation of the life and legacy of Church Founder L. Ron Hubbard. These include interviews with those who knew and worked with him, and photographic essays of his professional achievements. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The auditorium of the new Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC is used for congregational gatherings as well as serving as a Chapel for Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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The Academy is comprised of six course rooms which will be able to provide training to hundreds of ministers and parishioners at a time. © 2025 Church of Scientology International. All Rights Reserved.

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Church of Scientology Washington, D.C., Grand Opening Photos

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