Robert Harold Schuller was an American Christian televangelist, pastor, motivational speaker and author.
In his 40 years of television he was principally known for the weekly Hour of Power television program which he hosted from 1970 until his retirement in 2010. He began the program after he had been encouraged by a visit from his long time friend Billy Graham in 1969.
Robert was also the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California where the program was later broadcast from.
Robert’s grandparents were Dutch Immigrants. He was youngest of 5 children. When he was still only 4 an uncle, who was a minister, told him to become an evangelist Single most defining moment of my early life he called it.
He studied at Hope College, located in Holland, Michigan and in 1950 received an MD degree from Western Theological Seminary.
He was ordained in the reformed Church of America. He worked first in Ivanhoe Reformed Church in Riverdale, Illinois before moving to Garden Grove, California.
He opened it at a drive-in movie theatre! 4 miles away he rented a 300 seat former Baptist church. On the Sunday he presided firstly at the church and then drove with his organ to the drive-in for another service!
As the congregations grew he bought some land and combined the 2 congregations! Started in 1958, finished in 1961 at a cost of $3 million. Dedicated 5th November 1961. Architect was Richard Neutra. He was able to preach his sermon to both the drive-in (500 cars) and the church congregation.
In 1968 the Tower of Hope building (13 storeys high) was added with a 90 foot illuminated cross.
After purchasing more land Crystal Cathedral was built. Architect Philip Johnson
The church has glass walls and ceiling and dedicated 14th September 1980.
Cost $18 million (Found colour photos on Google but unable to download)
Robert, in his lavender and purple vestments, was viewed on Sundays on the world’s most widely watched hour long church service Hour of Power.
It was one of the first USA megachurches. He had an imposing pulpit from which to reach his global flock. The stage was so roomy for the Christmas Nativity he had live camels and horses. with angels overhead on cables.
In 2006 Robert stepped down as senior pastor. He had built an Empire Preaching Self-belief.
His son, Robert, became senior pastor, but resigned in 2008. His eldest daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman took over in July 2010.
October 2010 the Crystal Cathedral (CC) sort bankruptcy protection in the midst of what became known as the ’ Great Recession’. CC sold in 2012 .
( Read - Final years and death)
Robert's wife, Arvella died in 2014. They were married for 63 years. Robert had cancer and died on 2nd April, 2015. He was interred next to his wife in Garden Grove , California.
Sources used
The New York Times
Wikipedia
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