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The Crystal Cathedral is a Christian Megachurch in the city of Garden Grove , in Orange County , California . The church was founded in 1955 by Rev. Dr. Robert H. Schuller and his wife, Arvella, on the campus of what was known until that time as '''Garden Grove Community Church'''. One of the church's mission statements is, "Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it." The church is considered the world's first "seeker sensitive" church. World-famous architect Philip Johnson designed the main sanctuary building, which was constructed using over 10,000 rectangular panes of glass and which can hold over 3,000 worshippers. The church is also known for its 280 rank, five manual Pipe Organ constructed by Fratelli Ruffatti . The instrument incorporates the large Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ built in 1962 for New York's Avery Fisher Hall . According to a History Channel program about the Crystal Cathedral, construction began in 1977 and ended in 1980. The initial estimated cost of the cathedral was US$ 7 million but final cost was over US$ 17 million (about US$ 55 million in 2007 dollars). Also according to the History Channel TV show, one way Rev. Dr. Robert H. Schuller found to help finance the construction of the Crystal Cathedral was to sell each one of the 10,000 rectangular panes of glass for US$ 500 each, when the sale of the panes of glass was completed Rev. Dr. Robert H. Schuller had raised over US$ 5 million. Also according to the show, the rectangular panes of glass are not bolted to the structure instead they are glued to it using a silicone based glue, this and other measures allow the building to withstand an earthquake of magnitude 8.0. The Crystal Cathedral broadcasts its church services around the world on a Television show called the '' Hour Of Power '' and provides facilities for those of a similar faith to congregate. The campus services include support groups, Sunday School classes and daily Christian gatherings. Early on December 16 2004 , 57 year old Johnnie Carl, the cathedral's Orchestra l conductor, fired several rounds in the cathedral, shortly before the annual '' Glory Of Christmas '' program was about to begin. The shots were fired in the vacant Concourse area and no one was injured. Carl reportedly suffered from Clinical Depression . Soon after, Carl committed suicide. In his 29 years as Minister of Music at the cathedral, Carl wrote more than 3,500 arrangements, including several selections on tenor Daniel Rodriguez 's newest inspirational album. Rodriguez, a frequent musical guest at the Sunday services, dedicated his album titled "In The Presence" to Johnnie Carl. Schuller praised Carl's work as conductor and told his congregation that "We can be reassured that he is in heaven." Today, Marc Riley, Sean Groombridge, and Donald Neuen lead the music department at the Crystal Cathedral. Dr. Robert H. Schuller transferred leadership of the Crystal Cathedral and the ''Hour of Power'' TV program to his son, Dr. Robert Anthony Schuller on Sunday, 22 January 2006 . The Cathedral celebrated its 50th year of ministry in 2006. The name "Crystal Cathedral" describes the building's size and beauty, and does not mean it is a cathedral in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Lutheran sense of the word: the Reformed Church In America is governed by Elders , while a Cathedral is usually the term for a church where one finds a Bishop 's official seat, or Cathedra , nor is the sanctuary constructed of crystal. The title reflects Schuller's frequent use of Alliteration , both within his sermon titles and points, and book titles. TRIVIA
REFERENCES E.M.Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List, Compiled by Allen Kinzey and Sand Lawn, published: Organ Historical Society, Richmond, VA. 1st Edition, 1992, page 124. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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