EXCLUSIVE: Church of Scientology is building new facility in East Harlem
The E. 125th St. chapel and community center are part of a new effort to expand the church from Hollywood to urban areas. A similar center was built in gang-heavy Inglewood, Calif., in 2011, and others are being built in Chicago and Philadelphia
The New York Daily News/August 28, 2013
By Maya Guimaraes and Simone Weichselbaum
Pray for East Harlem — Tom Cruise’s celebrity-centric church has anointed the gentrifying neighborhood as its next holy land.
The Church of Scientology is building a multimillion-dollar chapel and community center on E. 125th St. — part of a new effort to expand the sect’s base from Hollywood to urban areas.
The facility, which will open next year, includes a 200-seat prayer space, a cafe and a dozen classrooms. The chapel is near completion between Second and Third Aves., but the adjacent community center is still under construction.
“We are creating a new renaissance in Harlem,” crowed Phil Hargrow, executive director of the Church of Scientology and Community Center of Harlem. “The people in Harlem are looking for ways to further educate themselves.”
The Church of Scientology, trashed by critics as a power-hungry, money-grubbing cult, opened a similar site in gang-heavy Inglewood, Calif., in 2011. Centers in rough-and-tumble areas of Chicago and Philadelphia are also being built.
The L.A.-based church, founded in the 1950s by sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard, says it is “expanding like never before in our history.”
The glitzy Harlem center is part of a larger plan — but the religion’s image was clouded last month when actress Leah Remini left, alluding to mind control by her church handlers.
And movie star Katie Holmes’ departure last year captured international attention since she was embroiled in a highly publicized divorce with Cruise, the religion’s most luminous — and, some say, loony — adherent.
Critics say the church’s newfound interest in America’s urban centers is an effort to entice members who may be less aware of its history.
“Scientology is losing people. They are focusing on recruitment,” said Andreas Heldal-Lund, who runs anti-Scientology website Operation Clambake. “They are trying new avenues to find people who will pay for their truths.”
Some uptown residents remained skeptical, insisting they wouldn’t be duped by the flashy new digs.
“I am definitely not coming here. This is crazy,” said nonbeliever Bruce Vizueta, 23. “That’s not for us. It shouldn’t be in Harlem.”
But others took in the news with wide-eyed fascination.
“It’s great,” said Noemi Belis, 27. “Take a look at our neighborhood. . . . I think Harlem can use some help.”
Leaders plan to host self-help courses at $50 a pop, along with academic tutoring for kids.
The group spent $8.5 million between 2003 and 2008 to acquire three E. 125th St. lots, records show. A Scientology spokesman would not disclose the construction and renovation costs.
But he did say the religion would make a serious impact in East Harlem, where the church has already operated out of an office nearby.
“We are bringing a lot to the table,” said Minister Verlene Cheeseboro. “Scientology is the study of knowledge.”
Carnegie Mellon University Prof. Dave Touretzky has doubts.
“Going to Harlem has PR value, it is an iconic place,” he said. “I don’t think they have good intentions. They are deceptive.”
To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.
