Crystal Cathedral ready for parishioners after $77M makeover

The iconic Crystal Cathedral, that once housed the ministry of Rev. Robert H. Schuller, will be dedicated as a Catholic cathedral on July 17. 

The Crystal Cathedral is now Christ Cathedral, following a $77M renovation.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
7/12/2019 (5 years ago)

Published in U.S.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - The Crystal Cathedral, an icon of Southern California history, will be dedicated as a Catholic cathedral on July 17. The impressive glass and steel structure was the former home of Rev. Robert H. Schuller's ministry. Schuller was a televangelist who had the church built for his congregation and shows. 

The Crystal Cathedral has a facede of nearly 11,000 glass panes, which makes an impressive sight from outside for miles around. Inside the sun is shaded with quatrefoil shades that will protect parishioners, and direct beams of light onto the altar, pews, and a crucifix. 

The renovated structure will be renamed "Christ Cathedral." 

Christ Cathedral will seat 2,100 people, and will alleviate pressure on older churches in the area. The cathedral is situated in the Diocese of Orange, which is now home to one million Catholics and growing. 

In 2010, the diocese enjoyed an opportunity to purchase the structure from Schuller's bankrupt ministry. The final price tag was $57.5 million. In addition to the Crystal Cathedral itself, the deal included a sprawling property which includes a school, offices, and a cemetery. The walkways between these elements are graced with fountains and gardens. 

The renovation cost $77 million. 

The diocese will place the relics of martyrs from Vietnam, Mexico and South Korea into the altar to honor the large, vibrant immigrant population in the area. A relic of St. John Paul II will also be included. 

The cathedral will be home to a massive Hazel Wright pipe organ, which is believed to be the world's fifth-largest. The organ will be tuned over the next several months. Until that is complete, the Cathedral will only be used for weekend Mass. Next year, Mass will be offered daily, as it is in many Catholic churches. 

The Cathedral was once home to Schuller's "Hour of Power," which was launched in 1970 and televised nationwide. However, the ministry foundered after a transition to new leadership. Schuller passed away in 2015 following a battle with cancer. 

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