About six months ago my friends began talking about Scientology in anticipation of the HBO documentary, "Going Clear." The documentary is based on Lawrence Wright's book of the same name. I downloaded the book and read it with fascination.
I have continued researching Scientology online. Just this morning, while bouncing around on the internet from one link to another, this came up, Whiting: Inside O.C.'s new Scientology church. David Whiting, a reporter for the Orange County Register, penned the article on July 20, 2012, shortly after the Church of Scientology in Orange County opened. It occupies the 48,000-square-foot building that was built in 1931 and was originally a Masonic Temple. Today the art deco building is a nationally registered historic landmark.
The Church of Scientology, 505 North Sycamore Street, Santa Ana, California
I noted the address from the OC Register article and decided I would stop by. Scientology has purchased landmark buildings near urban centers in major cities all over the world and this one fits the bill. It is just steps from the Orange County Civic Center and Courthouse.
To meet increasing worldwide demand for Scientology services and community initiatives, the Church of Scientology launched a program to transform all Scientology Churches into what Founder L. Ron Hubbard termed “Ideal Organizations.” An Ideal Org is configured to provide the full services of the Scientology religion to its parishioners, while also serving the community with social betterment and outreach programs.
Scientology has created an elaborate website template with video and slideshow for each of the numerous Ideal Orgs located around the world. The video and the slideshow for the Orange County Ideal Org documents the facility exactly as it is: beautiful and empty. I mean empty.
All millwork, accents and fixtures are largely original. The high ceilings, chandeliers and art deco details are stunning. One can only imagine the cost of refurbishing the building since it was in very poor shape when the church first bought it.
There was one head that popped up from behind the reception desk when I walked in. I filled out a welcome form and was asked to wait for Ana. The silence was deafening. No one passed.
When Ana came down the beautifully restored mahogany staircase, she looked inquisitive. When she asked what was the purpose of my visit, I told her I was looking for answers.
She walked me to the Public Information Center which is eerily empty. There are
sixteen different sections with comfortable seating and large high density screens for viewing the many programs offered by Scientology.
Ana apologized that many were set up for the Drug-Free World Open House which was to take place later that afternoon. This was fine since I am very interested in Scientology's plan for the solution to the drug problem.
Drugs destroy and ruin millions of lives every year.
What should YOU know about them?
drugfreeworld.org
I selected one of several videos and made myself comfortable. Besides describing the terrible toll drugs of various kinds have on American citizens, the high-cost production spent several minutes advertising dozens of brochures, books and cd's produced by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World.
After I finished viewing the video, I strolled around the Public Information Center unescorted. I noticed dozens of "Take One" acrylic brochure holders. Some were completely empty. Others had just 1 or 2 "The Truth About Drugs" leaflets.
Then I passed by the area designated for the history of L. Ron Hubbard. As I turned, there was an office, beautifully appointed with a desk, console, bookshelves and tasteful tchotchkes. I was especially attracted to a glass box with 3 partitions for 3 beautiful seashells. The gold rope was strung behind a sign which stated that this office was a Tribute to L. Ron Hubbard, one of many found in every Church of Scientology.
Just then Ana approached and asked if I wanted to take the personality test, also known as the Oxford Capacity Analysis. She gave me the 200 question test and left me to it. After I completed the test I returned it to the receptionist. I waited for Ana for a few minutes and then said I had to leave. The receptionist said that Ana would call when she has the answers for my test.
I really wanted to try the e-meter. Maybe I'll go back.