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L Ron Hubbard is born
L. Ron Hubbard, creator and leading figure of Scientology is born to a Navy father and a stay at home mother. He spent much of his early life traveling, then by his college years, pursued an education in civil engineering but dropped out. He turned to writing, then joined into the Navy shortly thereafter. Hubbard notably had a lot of complaints placed against him as a captain and was forcibly removed from service in the mid 1960s. -
L Ron Hubbard publishes "Excalibur"
While minor in detail, the publication of Hubbard's "Excalibur" in 1938 was the beginning of Scientology, as many of the ideologies and methods found in the religion today are included in this book. The first manuscript of Excalibur began with a story similar to that of Christian background: One wise men gathered all of his peoples and asked them to bring back the world's knowledge in a series of books, until eventually, all of that knowledge turned to one script. -
The First Clear
"Clear" people in Scientology are those who have 'ascended' to a higher state of living through "becoming free of the influence of engrams, unwanted emotions or painful traumas not readily available to the conscious mind." In August 1950, Hubbard presented the first clear, Sonya Bianchi, to an audience who tested the claims of "total human brainpower." This event caused hundreds more to believe Scientology as true, thus Hubbard's following grew more. -
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
"Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" was written in the 1950s by Hubbard as an accumulation of "research" on the human mind and its practices. Dianetics is considered the first of many holy texts in Scientology and covers human psychology through Hubbard's eyes. The book gained a cult following, and many committed to Hubbard's now religion bought thousands of books in order to boost sales after gaining a cult following for his "wise words." -
Hubbard's Dianetics Research Foundation
Hubbard's Dianetics Research Foundation is established in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Nothing major comes from this. -
Dianetics Center Moves to Arizona
A year later, Hubbard's Dianetics Research Center moves to Arizona. It becomes the "birthplace of Scientology." Continued research and conversion of future Scientology members resumes at the new location without trouble. -
Formal Establishment & More Publishing
By May of 1952, Hubbard officially announces Scientology as its current name, as well as the formation of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists International, the board of directors over the religion. Within this time, he also publishes "Scientology: A History of Man," later referenced as another religious text for the group. -
IRS Details & Expansion
Scientology, now far greater in popularity, is granted a tax exemption by the IRS and also opens more locations in Arizona and California. -
Scientology Becomes a Tax-Exempt Religion
Scientology is recognized as a tax-exempt religion. -
E-Meters Are Deemed Illegal
E-Meters, a device used within the church to read a person's 'electrodermal activity' is seized by the FDA for being an illegitimate medical device. E-Meters are forced to have a label stating they are strictly religious artifact and have no connections to actual medical performance. -
Scientology is Banned in Australia
Scientology, now being recognized from some as a 'cult-like' religion, is banned formally in many places, most notably most of Australia. Preaching the religion or coercing someone into it is considered a mental hypnosis tactic banned by the state. -
Introduction to Scientology Ethics is published
The first book when diving into Scientology scripture is published as an early introduction to what is expected as a Scientologist. -
Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre opened in Los Angeles
The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre opened in Los Angeles as a more private "worship" center for celebrities, artists, politicians and those of a higher social status. -
E-Meters Returned
The FDA was forced to return E-Meters to Scientology with the new constraints and warning stickers in place. -
Fort Harrison Hotel Purchased
In Clearwater, California, Scientologists purchase the former Fort Harrison Hotel and a small bank as centers for the religion. -
FBI Raids take place
Multiple Scientology locations are raided by the FBI as former members tip off officials that psychological torture and methods of hypnosis are being used widespread in the church. Nothing comes from the 1977 raids in the time they took place, but it is used in the future. -
Operation Snow White
Eleven senior officials are arrested on behalf of the FBI for obstructing justice, burglary of government offices, and theft of documents and government property, two years after the initial raids and investigation were launched. -
Cult Accusations
The governing forces of Clearwater host a public hearing where community members propose the theory Scientology is a full on cult. Nothing comes from these hearings. -
International Affairs
The year 1983 stands as incredibly prominent in international history for Scientology. Australia overturns the ban against the church as they had 'evidence of religious worship.' The Church of Scientology in Canada is raided by the FBI services. The Office of Special International Affairs is formed in rebuttal to this. It is also worthy to note that nearly 40 scriptures/texts/books have been published as religious scripture for Scientology by this point. -
Scientology Claims Freewinds
The Church of Scientology purchases the first of their famed ships. Previously known as the "Boheme," the yacht is renamed Freewinds and is used for training future members of the church. The first ten volumes of Mission Earth are published around this time as well. -
Exchange of Power
L Ron Hubbard passes away at the age of 77 at his ranch in California. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board of the Author Services for the church takes over as the president and main "preacher." -
Canadian Law Break
The next few years, things would lay dormant until 1992, where the Canadian branch of Scientology would be indicted on two counts of breaching public trust at their Ontario center. Fined a total of $250,000, seven members were also personally charged with crimes. -
Full Tax Break
The IRS grants Scientology a full tax break and they are legally recognized as a religious group. -
Fishy Activity
From 1995-1998, Scientology would have a number of public events happen that were nothing short of suspicious to the public. In 1995, Lisa McPherson, dies after 17 days within the Church of Scientology's care. In 1996, Don Jason, former executive of a Scientology center fleed from Fairwinds after having his passport stolen, chased by security guards until he eventually got in a taxi and screamed, "I'm being held against my will! Take me to a goddamn airport!" Multiple lawsuits are filed in 1998. -
Addition and Subtraction
Throughout the next ten years, dozens of countries would both add and withdraw Scientology from the list of reputable religions eligible for tax breaks.
Austria, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Belgium and Germany all rule against it.
Taiwan, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Portugal and South Africa approve Scientology as a real religion. -
Expansion
Scientology churches open in Brussels, Quebec, Las Vegas, Johannesburg, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Pasadena and Washington State -
Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath
Leah Remini, famed actress and ex-Scientologist launches her docuseries detailing the horrors and events that took place in the church with a slew of celebrities and eyewitnesses to vouch. Evidence, interviews and even recorded stalking from the church goes public. Scientology investigations open everywhere. -
Current Day
As reflected in the timeline, nothing too major has happened in the last 30 years, besides dead-end investigations and typical Scientology meetings. Despite the public image of the church, they continue to hold service and training for members, and often release new texts on their official website.