As a great fan of Robert Schuller and The Hour of Power, the Crystal Cathedral was a "must see" of mine. It's amazing to think that Dr. Schuller started this church at the Orange Drive-In in 1955, and became known for his walk-in/drive-in services. The first structure that was designed and built kept this in mind and had a raised pulpit and glass walls, so people in their cars could see Dr. Schuller while he preached. Out of those humble, but popular beginnings, rose today's 10,000 window Crystal Cathedral, fully paid for when opened and dedicated in 1980. It is designed to withstand an 8+ earthquake, and it's 900 strategically placed operational windows create natural air conditioning--years ahead of its time. The 13-story Tower of Hope was built and opened earlier (in 1968) to house the first church-sponsored 24-hour suicide and crisis prevention hotline, which is still operational today. Atop the Tower is a 90-foot high neon-lit cross that can be seen for miles across the valley. On the tenth anniversary of the Cathedral (1990), the Bell Tower and Spire were dedicated. Housed inside this structure of highly polished stainless steel prisms, is a 52-bell carillon. Everything on this magnificent campus is well done and truly is "to the glory of man for the greater glory of God."
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