Rev. Robert Schuller, Father of the Mega Church, Is Laid to Rest

As the life of Crystal Cathedral and “Hour of Power” founder Rev. Robert H. Schuller is celebrated at his funeral service today, his son can’t help but have fish tales on his mind.

As pastors, father and son, shared a passion for fishing, and the Rev. Robert A. Schuller’s memories of his iconic father these days revolve around their fishing expeditions.

“We traveled the world together, looking for big fish, and we did quite well doing that,” Schuller told City News Service. “When I went away to college we had a competition for the biggest fish. It bounced back and forth.”

Schuller recalled catching a 500-pound marlin in Australia, and a 1,000- pound marlin in Cabo San Lucas.

It was an appropriate hobby given the biblical metaphor for Christian evangelizing, Schuller said.

What’s also appropriate is the site of his father’s funeral service, which was held in the courtyard plaza of Christ Cathedral, formerly home to the Crystal Cathedral megachurch. Now owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, which picked up the property in bankruptcy proceedings, the current name is a nod to the history of Schuller’s ministry.

“It’s the only place to have it,” Schuller said.

Christ Cathedral also will be the final resting place of the “Hour of Power” founder.

Also appropriate, given his zeal for ecumenism, are the religious leaders selected to help lead the service, Schuller said.

Dan Chun, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, Bishop Charles Blake of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, and Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange were selected to speak about their friend, Schuller said.

“I know these men all very well and admire and respect them all,” Schuller said. “My father had so many friends. When it comes to pastors, that was one of his number one goals -- working with other pastors.”

The televangelist died April 2 of esophageal cancer at age 88.

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City News Service

Photo: Patch Archive

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