The new Church of Scientology of Melbourne stands at Ascot Vale, Melbourne. This landmark building is now home to the oldest Scientology Church in Australia and the first Ideal Scientology Organisation to open beneath the Southern Cross.
Reception
The Church of Scientology of Melbourne’s reception extends a welcome to everyone. Here, visitors will find an array of introductory books presenting the fundamental beliefs and practices of the religion.
The Scientology Public Information Centre
The Church of Scientology of Melbourne’s Public Information Centre offers informational films which provide an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, as well as the Church’s many humanitarian and community outreach programmes. Here, too, is a biographical exhibit on the life and legacy of Founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
The Chapel
All congregational gatherings are convened in the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne’s Chapel—Weddings, Naming Ceremonies (christenings), and, of course, Sunday Services. The Chapel further serves as a venue for a host of community events and functions.
Introductory Services
A full wing of the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne is devoted to the delivery of Scientology Introductory Services. These include the Personal Efficiency Course, an evening seminar providing fundamental Scientology principles applicable to everyday life and work.
The Purification Centre
L. Ron Hubbard developed the Purification Programme to free individuals from the mental and spiritual damage caused by drugs. The Melbourne Church of Scientology’s Purification Centre pays homage to Victoria’s Twelve Apostles in a stained glass mural.
The Office of L. Ron Hubbard
As is traditional in all Churches of Scientology, an office of L. Ron Hubbard stands in honour of the Founder and symbolizes that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
The new home of the Church of Scientology of Melbourne is a landmark steeped in history. In 1873 it was site of the first match of the legendary Essendon Football Club, and beginning in the early 1900s it housed Mercy Teachers’ College, which later became part of the Australian Catholic University.
Australia’s first Ideal Church of Scientology now occupies the estate of Melbourne founding father, Robert McCracken. The original mid-19th century coach house now serves as the Church’s community conference centre.
The new home of Melbourne’s Church of Scientology retains the original landmark structures that once comprised Mercy Teachers’ College, including the cloister, which now serves as entryway for the Scientology Public Information Centre.
After careful historical restoration and renovation of the century-old buildings of the landmark Ailsa estate, the new Church of Scientology of Melbourne was inaugurated on January 29, 2011.