Flag Building It includes a 15-story tower topped by a bronze Scientology cross visible from much of Clearwater. Construction began in 1998, was halted in 2003, and was ultimately resumed to reach substantial completion during 2011. The long delay in construction led to substantial fines being levied by the city authorities. The building is valued at $80 million and at least $145 million has been raised by Church fundraising towards the project. The church denies accusations that the Flag Building's completion was deliberately delayed so that it could serve as a cash cow. The Church of Scientology announced in August 2013 that
Scientology in the United States Scientology in the United States Scientology was founded in the United States by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard and is now practiced in many other countries. Hubbard characterized Scientology as a religion, and in 1953 incorporated the first Church of Scientology in New Jersey. In 2007 a Church official claimed 3.5 million members in the United States but, according to a 2001 survey published by the City University of New York, 55,000 people in the United States would, if asked to identify their religion, have stated Scientology. Tom Cruise is the most well known Scientologist in the US as