Scientology Timeline By ctansey Jan 1, 1952 Scientology philosophy created based on Hubbard's Dianetics Scientology philosophy created based on Hubbard's Dianetics Period: Jan 1, 1952 to Jan 8, 2012 Scientology Timeline Jan 1, 1953 Hubbard incorporated three churches – a "Church of American Science", a "Church of Scientology" and a "Church of Spiritual Engineering" in Camden, NJ Feb 18, 1954 First local Church of Scientology, the Church of Scientology of California, was founded by Hubbard Jan 1, 1955 Hubbard established the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, D.C Jan 4, 1963 FDA raids Churches of Scientology and seizes E-meters as illegal medical devices Jan 1, 1966 Hubbard steps down as executive director of Scientology to devote himself to research and writing Jan 1, 1967 the IRS removes Scientology's tax-exempt status Jan 1, 1982 Scientology establishes the Religious Technology Center (RTC) to oversee and ensure the standard application of Scientology technology Nov 11, 1982 The "Free Zone" was established Jan 24, 1986 Ron Hubbard dies and David Miscavige becomes head of organization Jan 1, 1991 Persons connected with Scientology filed fifty lawsuits against the Cult Awareness Network Dec 1, 1993 IRS grants full tax exemption to all Scientology Churches, missions and organizations Apr 11, 2000 Italian Supreme Court ruled that Scientology is a religion for legal purposes Mar 9, 2005 Church of Scientology states its worldwide membership to be eight million Jan 2, 2007 Church official claimed 3.5 million members in the United States
