Under radiant blue African skies, dignitaries, religious leaders, humanitarian organizations, heritage specialists, interfaith clergy, youth groups, and international guests gathered for a momentous occasion: the official grand opening of the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site at Alexandra Park, Harare.
-- In a landmark event celebrating unity, heritage, and human dignity, Zimbabwe officially opened the restored residence of L. Ron Hubbard—a house where a bold vision for equality and freedom once took shape. Now meticulously preserved, this historic site stands as a living testament to the nation’s past, present, and future.
Under radiant blue African skies, dignitaries, religious leaders, humanitarian organizations, heritage specialists, interfaith clergy, youth groups, and international guests gathered for a momentous occasion: the official grand opening of the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site at Alexandra Park, Harare.
The beautifully restored estate at 31 John Plagis Avenue, New Alexandra Park was once the personal residence of L. Ron Hubbard, renowned author, philosopher, humanitarian, and founder of the Scientology religion. It has now been transformed into a living museum and national heritage site, honoring one of the most significant international allies in Zimbabwe’s long journey toward equality and justice.
A House Where History Was MadeIn the turbulent 1960s, as Rhodesia faced political tensions and calls for social reform, L. Ron Hubbard arrived in the country with a vision to advance education, civic freedom, and human dignity. Known worldwide for his literary and religious accomplishments, Hubbard immediately engaged with the country’s pressing social issues, drafting a proposed Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Penal Code advocating for one man, one vote—a revolutionary proposition for that era.
His home at Alexandra Park soon became a gathering place for ministers, diplomats, cultural leaders, and visionaries. Known as the famed “Sundowners,” these evening assemblies saw diverse leaders share conversations about nation-building, equality, and a future free from racial oppression. Hubbard’s humanitarian voice, however, extended beyond constitutional advocacy—he immersed himself in community work, literacy initiatives, and moral upliftment programmes, many of which laid the foundation for community-based development projects still active today.
“The adventures were many,” Hubbard wrote of his Southern Africa experience.
A Site of Spiritual and Humanitarian BreakthroughsThis landmark home was also where Hubbard made historic advances in his research on the mind and spirit. Within its walls, he delivered the renowned Clearing Course lectures, mapping a path to spiritual freedom for people of all backgrounds, and filmed his only televised interview, An Introduction to Scientology, offering the world a candid account of his philosophy and humanitarian purpose.
Today, the site’s exhibitions feature rare original artifacts, including Hubbard’s personal typewriters, the suit he wore while filming the Clearing Course lectures, his original travel suitcase, and archival photographs documenting his work in Rhodesia. A key highlight is the estate’s stone fireplace — once dismantled and used as a garden wall, now meticulously restored to its rightful grandeur after each stone was recovered and cleaned by hand.
A Celebration of Heritage, Culture, and CommunityThe grand opening, under the leadership of the Church of Scientology’s Heritage Preservation Office, commenced with a pre-reception at 10:30 a.m., followed by an official program filled with keynote addresses, music performances and moving reflections from Zimbabwean civic and religious leaders.
- Ms. Liza Zindoga, President-Elect of the Harare Rotary Club, fondly recalled Hubbard’s visit to a local Rotary branch 59 years ago:
“He spoke not of politics, but of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for all. He gave us a glimpse of what Zimbabwe could become and today, we honor that vision.”
- Mr. Frans de Klerk, the architect who oversaw the site’s restoration, remarked:
“This was a passion project for all of us. From reclaiming old fireplace stones to locating the perfect slate quarry after a three-hour drive on sunbaked roads, it was worth every effort. Today, this house is reborn as it was in Hubbard’s time.”
- Mr. Attwell Mamvuto, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Zimbabwe, emphasized its lasting moral voice:
“This heritage site remains a voice in our national conscience. His Constitution spoke of rights we still claim today. It is our duty to preserve and advance them.”
- Bishop Albert Chikuni, President of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Zimbabwe, delivered a powerful reflection:
“L. Ron Hubbard came not to enrich himself but to enrich others. We’ve seen division tear nations apart and unity build them up. If we follow his teachings, we can create a heaven on Earth.”
A Landmark of Global SignificanceThe Alexandra Park Landmark joins a prestigious family of nine official L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Sites worldwide — including his Johannesburg Linksfield Ridge estate; Dianetics’ birthplace in Bay Head, New Jersey; the Founding Church of Scientology in Washington, DC; and Saint Hill Manor in England.
Each Landmark Site offers a literal, visual, and educational journey through Hubbard’s humanitarian and philosophical contributions. Globally, humanitarian programmes inspired by his work have reached over 60 million people across more than 190 nations, advancing causes from literacy and drug prevention to disaster relief and human rights education.
An Enduring Impact for Southern AfricaToday, millions of people in Southern Africa have participated in humanitarian, literacy, moral upliftment, and anti-drug campaigns stemming from Hubbard’s early initiatives. Through the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and partner organizations, his message of equality, dignity, and community service continues to uplift families, youth, and faith communities.
In a world grappling with the preservation of heritage sites and the protection of human rights legacies, Zimbabwe’s Alexandra Park Landmark now stands among globally treasured locations where the principles of equality, education, and civic responsibility were courageously championed.
“The voice of history speaks in these very walls. And now, every visitor has the chance to listen,” noted the Church of Scientology Preservationist.
A Living Centre for Education, Culture, and DialogueThe Landmark is not merely a memorial. It is a living center for public education, interfaith dialogue, youth leadership development, and human rights advocacy. Through exhibitions, community forums, and historic archives, it invites citizens and visitors alike to reflect on Zimbabwe’s past while imagining a more inclusive, just, and prosperous future.
The public is warmly invited to tour the estate, walk through its history, and engage with its rare exhibitions and educational programmes.
About the company: The L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site at Alexandra Park, located at 31 John Plagis Avenue in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a nationally recognized heritage site and historic residence of renowned author, philosopher, and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. Meticulously restored and preserved under the leadership of the Church of Scientology’s Heritage Preservation Office, the site now serves as a living museum and cultural center celebrating Hubbard’s visionary contributions to education, human rights, spiritual freedom, and civic reform during his time in Rhodesia. As one of only nine official L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Sites worldwide, the Alexandra Park estate offers public exhibitions, community forums, and educational programs that inspire dialogue around equality, heritage, and social advancement. The Landmark stands as a beacon of unity and progress, honoring the enduring legacy of one man’s commitment to a just and inclusive future for all.
Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Church of Scientology
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.lronhubbard.org/
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL0DAD54F5DCE090D8&v=IAAnJ9_X288&feature=youtu.be
Release ID: 89165863
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