Washington, D.C. — On July 4–5, 2025, the Founding Church of Scientology marked a major milestone: 70 years since its official establishment in the nation’s capital on July 4, 1955. The 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 Church of its kind—serving as the central communication line for Scientology around the world.

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

• Here, he published his first story, conducted early Dianetics research, and introduced the concept of mental image pictures during the historic Ability Congress at the Shoreham Hotel.

• 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.

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Historic Locations Showcased Throughout the Weekend

Attendees visited major locations that reflect the Church’s D.C. heritage, including:

• 1812 & 1810 19th Street NW – Original Church 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 from 1995 to 2009, now the Church's National Affairs Office

• 1424 16th Street NW – Current Church location since 2009

Other landmark venues included the Mayflower Hotel, Hotel Washington, and Shoreham Hotel, which hosted multiple Congresses where L. Ron Hubbard delivered more than 110 lectures—all of which remain preserved and accessible today.

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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 St. NW, where attendees experienced the Church’s formative years and its spiritual foundations. Guests received commemorative booklets that led them to the locations L. Ron Hubbard lived and worked in, culminating at Fraser Mansion, now home to the National Affairs Office and former site of the Founding Church.

There, attendees gathered for a community BBQ and leadership briefing, underscoring the Church’s continued mission in Washington, D.C. and around the world.

Beth Akiyama, Executive Director of the National Affairs Office, welcomed the crowd and reflected on her time in D.C. during the 1980s:

“The impacts we have made here in D.C. have resonated throughout the world.”

Christie Hillestad, one of the Executive Directors of the Founding Church, shared a personal story that captured the Church’s reach:

“A man was literally sent from his country to Washington, D.C., looking for solutions for his people’s problems. He saw our sign and walked in. He got trained up as a Scientologist and is now back in his country delivering Scientology.”

Liz Clapp, Executive Director of the Founding Church, emphasized the Church’s forward momentum:

“We’re more prepared to help people now than we ever were before.”

Quenton Strub, Executive Director of WISE East US, reminded attendees of the spiritual responsibility each person carries:

“Every one of you, at one point or another, I’m sure has thought of what it would be like to work full time for L. Ron Hubbard in order to help him create a world without insanity, without criminality and without war.”

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A Call to Advance

The weekend concluded with a July 5th gathering at Fraser Mansion, featuring a historical exhibition, community briefings, and an open BBQ for parishioners, guests, and local leaders.

“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.

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Media Contact:

Chas C. Smith

External Affairs Director

The Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C.

 202-797-9826

 [email protected]

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