Mr. Miscavige presides over the dedication of the new Church of Scientology Chicago. The ceremony marks the third new Ideal Organization to open just since the beginning of 2024.
An exuberant Second City ovation greets Mr. David Miscavige during the Grand Opening in Chicago’s historic Printer’s Row neighborhood.
Big day for the City of Big Shoulders as Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, welcomes those in attendance to the inauguration ceremony.
Joining Mr. Miscavige for the ribbon-cutting are Scientology parishioners who headed the drive to make this treasured architectural landmark a Midwestern monument to spiritual freedom.
The crowd jumps to their feet as Mr. Miscavige leads the countdown to the moment the Ideal Church of Scientology Chicago is born.
Scientologists and guests celebrate the historic commemoration of the new Scientology Church in America’s Second City.
Streamers and confetti fly, marking the milestone moment Chicago opens the doors to its new Church of Scientology.
Celebratory take on Chicago Blues rings out on South Clark Street, kicking off an unforgettable Grand Opening for Chicago’s new Scientology Church.
“Today this Second City is truly Second to None. While before that Windy City ribbon comes cascading down, this is also the moment to recognize what you already know: how just as Chicago was once reborn, so today there is room for a new beginning. And thus, room for restoring to individuals the ability to live a better life—in their own estimation and with their fellows and the playing of a better game.”
—Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion
—Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion
“Designs born here define the skylines of America and, indeed, the skylines of the world. And what’s awesome about the Church of Scientology is that you get it. You understand the character of this city on so many levels. I know because, as a city councilor, I fought with you to secure this heritage site. And through our co-endeavor, I watched as the Church restored this landmark to her 1915 splendor. More than 25,000 hours were invested—twenty-five thousand hours. And let me tell you: every second, minute and hour is proof that you are a prized and trusted custodian of this city!”
—Mr. Rob Fioretti, Advisor to the City of Chicago
—Mr. Rob Fioretti, Advisor to the City of Chicago
“I do know a little something about the potential inside those doors. You see, 47 years ago, I first laid my eyes on Dianetics. It resonated with me before I even took it off the shelf. And to this day, I keep his works on my shelf so I can always have his wisdom with me. Let me tell you, you’re precisely what Downtown needs.”
—Dr. Gwen Appleberry, Citizen Advisor to the Chicago Police Department and the Board of Education
—Dr. Gwen Appleberry, Citizen Advisor to the Chicago Police Department and the Board of Education
“I set about getting neighborhoods to not only survive, but thrive. With this new Church and the transformative programs you will infuse into our community, we have a blueprint to build, block by block, a city we are proud of. And it will now stand on the unbreakable foundation of our people, our organizations and upon centers of change like this new Church of Scientology!”
—Mr. Kweli Kwaza, Executive Director of the Club 21 Initiative
—Mr. Kweli Kwaza, Executive Director of the Club 21 Initiative
“You have demonstrated an inherent willingness to help—indiscriminately. You see, there is a whole lot of need out there. And to have you answering the call is precisely what this city needs. Here stands a crown jewel which represents a friendlier, more supportive and more open city. What more could you ask for? So today, let’s recognize what stands before our very eyes—a home for every resident where we can unite and thus get better, together. And let’s make the most of today to make an even greater tomorrow in this city of Chicago!”
—Mr. Norman White, Program Director, Chicago Commission on Human Relations
—Mr. Norman White, Program Director, Chicago Commission on Human Relations
Mr. David Miscavige with (left to right): Dr. Gwen Appleberry, Citizen Advisor to the Chicago Police Department and the Board of Education; Mr. Kweli Kwaza, Executive Director of the Club 21 Initiative; Mr. Rob Fioretti, Advisor to the City of Chicago; and Mr. Norman White, Program Director of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
Scientologists and guests pour forth to be among the first to experience the new Church of Scientology in the great city of Chicago.
Guests admire the restored grand staircase made of Tennessee pink marble and the distinctive stained-glass windows—just as visitors have done for more than a century.
Thousands tour the landmark building on a landmark day for the Church of Scientology in Chicago.
Opening day guests enthusiastically take in all the new Chicago Church of Scientology has to offer.
Grand Opening attendees make their way floor by floor through the new Chicago Ideal Org.
Scientologists and guests take in their new downtown Church all afternoon and right into the evening hours.
A taste of what is to come for parishioners and guests as they enjoy the Church’s new streetside Four Star Café throughout opening day.
Honoring the building’s history, the exterior of the original Artcraft Building was restored, returning the limestone carving and terra-cotta and terrazzo details to pristine condition.
Across the threshold stands the restored historical lobby, complete with original brass hardware and elaborate cast-iron balustrade.
RECEPTION
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Chicago Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
Open seven days a week, morning to night, the Church of Scientology Chicago Reception welcomes anyone wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
SCIENTOLOGY PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTER
The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
The Public Information Center offers some 500 films, providing a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology. It includes the beliefs and practices of the religion, a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard, as well as the many humanitarian initiatives and community outreach programs the Church supports.
INTRODUCTORY SERVICES
The Church of Scientology Chicago provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an entire array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
The Church of Scientology Chicago provides for the delivery of all introductory services. These include an entire array of Scientology Life Improvement Courses to help better any aspect of one’s life.
Among the many services available are evening and weekend Dianetics and Scientology seminars imparting an overview of fundamental principles and their application in life.
DIANETICS & SCIENTOLOGY BOOKSTORE
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
The Bookstore makes available L. Ron Hubbard’s works on Dianetics and Scientology. In all, Mr. Hubbard’s legacy comprises tens of millions of published words in dozens of books and thousands of recorded lectures. Materials are available in 50 languages.
THE PURIFICATION CENTER
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. The mural pays tribute to the mix of culture, commerce and education that is the pride of the Windy City.
Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Program to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs and toxins through a regimen of exercise, sauna and nutrition—all of which are provided for in our Purification Center. The mural pays tribute to the mix of culture, commerce and education that is the pride of the Windy City.
HUBBARD GUIDANCE CENTER
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms.
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists receive one-on-one spiritual counseling, known as auditing. Just beyond the waiting room are dozens of auditing rooms.
Each of Chicago’s auditing rooms is ideally appointed to provide the calm, distraction-free setting requisite to achieving spiritual enlightenment.
THE ACADEMY
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Chicago Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
The Academy is where Scientologists train to become auditors (spiritual counselors), capable of applying the technology of auditing to help others attain spiritual freedom. The Chicago Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
THE FOUR STAR CAFÉ
The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending the many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
The Café welcomes visitors touring the Church and provides a gathering place for those attending the many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
THE CHAPEL
The Chapel, lined with the Codes and Creed of the Church of Scientology, provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Greater Chicago.
The Chapel, lined with the Codes and Creed of the Church of Scientology, provides for all congregational ceremonies and services—including Sunday Services, Weddings and Naming Ceremonies. The Chapel also serves as an ideal venue for workshops, banquets and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Greater Chicago.
THE OFFICE OF L. RON HUBBARD
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
As is tradition in all Churches of Scientology, the Office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honor of the religion’s Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
After acquiring the Artcraft Building, the Church meticulously preserved its architecturally significant features, from the red Chicago-style bricks and mortar joints to the original limestone carvings above the main entrance.
The grand staircase, with its elaborate cast-iron balustrade, Tennessee pink marble stair treads and rich oak handrails, stands fully restored to its original splendor, as do the Arts and Crafts stained-glass windows.
A striking sight—the building’s historic legacy runs straight through this South Loop landmark—altogether extending a full eight stories from top to bottom.
