As the building looked in 1912.

The Church’s new home has a long and interesting history, tracing back to the original religious purpose for its construction. In 1893 a group of German-American Catholics, called the Buffalo Catholic Institute, constructed the building and opened it as the first Catholic Public Library in the U.S. Serving as a public library for many years, the building fell into disrepair and stood vacant, in need of major renovation.

Buffalo Scientologists, many long-term local residents and business owners, teaming up with Church executives and staff, embraced the project of acquiring and restoring the historical landmark as a fitting home for their church, which is to be the central church for training of members in Western and Central New York, Pennsylvania, as well as some parts of Ohio and neighboring Ontario, Canada.

Exterior renovations of the building.

The story of the restoration of the building, which began early in 2003, is a colorful one. Members, including artisans and construction workers from as far away as Hungary, Lithuania, South Africa and Italy traveled to Buffalo, lending their many talents to the challenging tasks of modernizing and restoring the 23,232 sq. foot premises. They also came from Chicago, Miami, Hollywood and New York and worked in shifts around the clock, sanding, plastering, upholstering, painting and refinishing.

The space utilization for all floors of the building has been meticulously planned to provide service and facilities to hundreds of students, parishioners and community groups for whom the Church is designed as a central hub of planning and activity. From the executive offices on the top floor, to the chapel, conference room and cafe on the third floor, to the public film and course rooms on ground level, to the basement, where there are 23 individual counseling (“auditing”) rooms and offices, there is ample space for the congregation to continue to grow. Facilities include a public lounge and even a 24-person sauna (for delivery of the Hubbard program called the “Purification Rundown^® procedure”).

Reception of the Church of Scientology Buffalo.

The finished product, a fully modernized facility completely restored even beyond its original magnificence, is one of which all citizens of Buffalo can be proud. The opening of the new Church of Scientology Buffalo signals more than just the beginning of a revitalization of the Main Street district, however; it represents hope for a safer, more prosperous community, as the Church becomes increasingly an island of sanity and creativity for all citizens of Buffalo.