77th Anniversary of Historic Fort Harrison Hotel, Now Scientology Religious Retreat, Brings Church and Community Together for Gala Celebration

The 77th Anniversary of the Fort Harrison was celebrated with a gala event for 600.

CLEARWATER, FL — The Church of Scientology in Clearwater marked the 77th Anniversary of the Fort Harrison Hotel, the Clearwater landmark purchased by the Church in 1975 for its international religious retreat, with a gala celebration Saturday January 24, 2004. Attended by 600 Florida government, business and civic leaders, the evening was highlighted by a presentation to the Church by Florida Senate Majority Leader Dennis L. Jones, which he read to the audience: “...[I]n recognition of your invaluable service to the people of Clearwater and our great state of Florida, through your effective community and social betterment programs creating a better world for all.”

Church members hosted Florida government, business and civic leaders.

Also attending were some of the Church’s well-known parishioners including actors John Travolta, Anne Archer and Sofia Milos.

The evening also featured a concert with multiple Grammy winner, jazz legend Chick Corea, Grammy Award-winning film composer Mark Isham and singers Pamela Falcon and Elena Roggero.

John Travolta with Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst and wife (left). Grammy winners Chick Corea (center) and Mark Isham (right) perform for the guests.

Circuit Judge Linda Babb and Pinellas County Public Defender Bob Dillinger also spoke of the contributions of the Church and Scientologists to the community through programs that improve literacy, end drug addiction and restore self-esteem to those who have come through the criminal justice system.

Judge Linda Babb (left), Florida Senator Dennis Jones and Church Public Affairs Director Pat Harney (center), Public Defender Bob Dillinger (right).

Some 1,500 Scientologists from all over the world visit the Clearwater Church at any one time, and most of the 9 million Scientologists will visit this church at least once in their lives.

Elena Roggero (left) and Pamela Falcon in concert (right).

For local residents, the Fort Harrison hotel is an important part of Clearwater’s history and for the 12,000 Scientologists who also live here it represents the heart of their religion. From January 26 through February 22, the Fort Harrison is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours of the hotel and the new “L. Ron Hubbard: Legacy to Mankind” Exhibit are available. For more information call (727) 467-6860.