Church of Scientology of Philadelphia

A peculiar quietness surrounds the Church of Scientology of Philadelphia, doesn’t it? Considering the buzz that usually surrounds Scientology, one might expect more fanfare. The Church of Scientology of Philadelphia stands on Chestnut Street. It occupies the former Cunningham Piano building, a 15-story structure built in 1924. The Church purchased it in 2007, aiming to create a grand “Ideal Church,” a term used by Scientologists to describe churches meeting L. Ron Hubbard’s specifications. This Church of Scientology of Philadelphia was meant to be a hub, serving parishioners and the community with a public information center, multimedia displays, a chapel for services and events, and space to facilitate the church’s outreach programs. But the path to this ideal has been long and bumpy. The Church of Scientology of Philadelphia has been entangled in litigation with the city over its tax-exempt status. It faced a hefty tax bill in 2017. The building itself has seen years of neglect, battling graffiti, boarded-up windows, and even safety violations. Despite assurances from church spokespeople, the grand opening has been delayed for years. The projected opening in 2013 never materialized. Even in 2019, the exact opening date remained elusive. This Church of Scientology of Philadelphia represents a significant investment for the church. It reflects their desire to establish a prominent presence in Philadelphia. The connection to the city runs deep, considering Scientology leader David Miscavige’s Philadelphia roots. He grew up in the suburbs and is a known Eagles fan. Yet, despite this connection and the grand vision for the Church of Scientology of Philadelphia, the building remains shrouded in a sense of stalled potential. It stands as a silent testament to the complexities and controversies that have long surrounded the Church of Scientology.