History of the National Spiritual Science Center

The National Spiritual Science Center (NSSC) was founded in 1941 in Washington, DC, by Rev. Alice Welstood Tindall as the First Spiritual Science Church. Rev. Tindall trained at the Spiritual Science Mother Church, which was established on May 29, 1923, by Rev. Julia Forrest at Carnegie Hall Studios in New York City.

For the next 28 years, Rev. Tindall conducted weekly services, development circles, and public lectures on Spiritual Science. She was also instrumental in organizing the Federation of Spiritual Churches and Associations, serving as an officer multiple times.

In 1962, Rev. Diane and Rev. Henry Nagorka joined the Church and studied under Rev. Tindall. In 1969, the First Spiritual Science Church was renamed the National Spiritual Science Church as Rev. Tindall passed leadership to the Nagorkas. Under their guidance, the School of Spiritual Science was established to expand educational offerings.

By January 1970, NSSC moved to 5605 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC. During the mid 1970s, The Nagorkas published the Psychic Observer, a national metaphysical periodical carried by Spiritual Science churches and organizations throughout the United States.

Rev. Henry J. Nagorka served as president for 16 years until his passing in May 1986. Rev. Diane S. Nagorka led the Center until her retirement in June 1989.

Upon her retirement, she transferred leadership of the National Spiritual Science Center to its Board of Directors, establishing the Board as the governing authority for all policy and operational oversight from that point forward.

Resource: Rev. Margaret Moum’s article and NSSC 60th Anniversary School Catalogue.

The last official revision of the National Spiritual Science Center’s bylaws was made in 2014. A summary of the bylaws is available here: NSSC Bylaws 2014 Revision.

In 2020, the NSSC Historical Society was founded to preserve the Center’s legacy after its official registration was revoked due to extended inactivity.

To learn more about the Historical Society’s mission and current role, visit: Our Mission – NSSC Historical Society.