The History of Ailsa

The History of Ailsa
The new home of the Church of Scientology of Melbourne is a landmark steeped in history. In 1873 it was site of the first match of the legendary Essendon Football Club, and beginning in the early 1900s it housed Mercy Teachers’ College, which later became part of the Australian Catholic University.

The Church carefully preserved the history of Ailsa, including its oldest building—the original McCracken family coach house, a listed heritage site dating from 1880 that stands at the northeast end of the property.

The new home of Melbourne’s Church of Scientology retains the original landmark structures that once comprised Mercy Teachers’ College, including the cloister, which now serves as entryway for the Scientology Public Information Centre.

Among the historical features preserved inside the Mercy Teachers’ College buildings are the distinctive brickwork and the grand staircase with its ornate iron balustrades.

View Gallery

The new Church of Scientology of Melbourne stands on a mid-19th-century estate, known as Ailsa. The name derives from a Scottish island not far from where original owner Robert McCracken hailed. The head of one of Melbourne’s first families, McCracken founded the now legendary Essendon Football Club and, in 1873, the team played its first match on this very estate. Thus, Ailsa entered the annals of Australian sporting folklore.

In 1909, the property became home to Mercy Teachers’ College, founded by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy. In the decades following the Second World War, the college expanded until it comprised five interconnected buildings.

The Church of Scientology acquired the estate from Australia Catholic University. After careful historical restoration and renovation, the building was inaugurated in January 2011.

Ailsa remains historically significant, and especially so given its rededication as a religious centre.

Inside our Church

Church of Scientology of Melbourne

It is with great pride we welcome you to the Church of Scientology of Melbourne.

Originally founded in 1955, we are the oldest Scientology Church in Australia. We also hold the distinction of being the first Scientology Church in the Southern Hemisphere.

Grand Opening Event

Ribbon Falls on Australia’s First Ideal Church of Scientology

Thousands of Scientologists, dignitaries and guests from across the nation celebrated a milestone on January 29, 2011—the opening of the first Ideal Scientology Church in Australia.

David Miscavige, Ecclesiastical Leader of the Scientology Religion

On January 29, 2011, David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, personally dedicated Australia’s first Ideal Church of Scientology in Melbourne.

Map and directions