The new home of the Portland Church of Scientology is the renowned Sherlock Building. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is recognized as one of the most noteworthy late-19th century structures in Portland and the preeminent example of Sullivanesque-style architecture in Oregon. The Church of Scientology undertook its complete restoration to preserve its history and heritage for another century. The landmark now stands fully equipped to accommodate the full range of Dianetics and Scientology services and serve all communities throughout the Willamette Valley.
Church of Scientology of Portland
The new Church of Scientology Ideal Organization stands on Oak Street, at the corner of Third Avenue, in Portland’s historic downtown quarter.
Reception
The Church welcomes all visitors wishing to obtain an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology.
Scientology Public Information Center
The Church’s Public Information Center provides a complete introduction to every aspect of Dianetics and Scientology—including the beliefs and practices of the religion as well as a biographical presentation on the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center further presents exhibits on the many humanitarian initiatives and social betterment programs the Church sponsors. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the Center’s displays at their leisure and to return as often as they like.
The Church contains a permanent exhibit honoring Portland’s notable place in Scientology history as the site of the first Scientology Religious Freedom Crusade. In 1985, tens of thousands of Scientologists from across the world and leaders of all faiths united in this city for a movement which culminated with a watershed court victory for religious freedom in America.
The Chapel
All Scientology congregational services and ceremonies are convened in the Chapel, including Sunday Services open to members of every denomination.
The Chapel
In addition to providing for Scientology gatherings, the Chapel serves as an ideal venue for banquets, receptions and events in the name of community collaboration for the betterment of Portland.
Café
The Café welcomes those touring the Church or attending its many scheduled events. It is further provided for parishioners during breaks in their Scientology services.
The Atrium
The atrium rises through five stories at the center of our Church.
The Atrium
Each floor overlooks the central atrium including Scientology course rooms and the Church’s Knowledge Center.
Rooftop Terrace
The rooftop terrace offers visitors and parishioners alike a panoramic view of downtown Portland and the foothills of the Oregon Cascades beyond.
Dianetics and Scientology Bookstore
The bookstore makes available Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s Scripture 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. All materials are further available in 15 translated languages.
Dianetics and Scientology Bookstore
The entire array of beginning books by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard are available in the public bookstore.
Introductory Seminars
One of several Seminar Rooms providing for evening and weekend seminars on the fundamentals of Dianetics and Scientology.
Introductory Courses
The Church houses multiple classrooms for introductory courses on Dianetics and Scientology principles and their application in life.
Hubbard Guidance Center
The Hubbard Guidance Center is where Scientologists participate in auditing (spiritual counseling). Beyond this waiting area are dozens of auditing rooms where parishioners achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Scientology Auditing Room
Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) is delivered in an array of auditing rooms like this one, each of which provides a quiet, distraction-free environment necessary to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The Purification Center
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 the Purification Center.
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 Portland Academy comprises multiple course rooms, each devoted to a different aspect of training.
The Office of L. Ron Hubbard
Traditional in all Churches of Scientology is the Office of L. Ron Hubbard, honoring the religion’s Founder and symbolizing that this Church is true to his writings and ideals.
The Church of Scientology’s new home is the historic Sherlock Building. Originally constructed in 1893, the landmark was heavily influenced by the work of eminent architect Louis Sullivan, whose distinct style combined modern elements with the Romanesque Revival style then prevalent in America. The Sherlock Building has long been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as the preeminent example of Sullivanesque architecture in Oregon. The Church meticulously preserved its distinguished architecture.
The renowned Sherlock Building rises seven stories at the corner of Third Avenue and Oak Street. As a result of the Church’s work to preserve this historic landmark, it will stand for another century. The building retains its original Romanesque Revival features, including the distinctive brick piers with rusticated stone capitals and trim.
Among the building’s original details now preserved are the signature Sullivanesque windows, framed with brick arches and terra cotta medallions.
Historic elements preserved in the interior of the Sherlock Building include the foyer’s coffered ceilings.