Reverend Ike facts for kids

Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II (born June 1, 1935, died July 28, 2009) was an American minister and speaker, better known as Reverend Ike. He was based in New York City. Reverend Ike was famous for his saying, "You can't lose with the stuff I use!" He taught a unique way of thinking he called "Science of Living." This teaching focused on how positive thoughts and beliefs could help people achieve success and happiness in their lives.

Early Life and Ministry

Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II was born in Ridgeland, South Carolina. His parents came from the Netherlands Antilles. He had both African and Dutch-Indonesian family roots.

Reverend Ike started preaching when he was a teenager. He became an assistant pastor at Bible Way Church in his hometown. After serving in the Air Force, where he helped chaplains, he started his own churches. These included the United Church of Jesus Christ for All People in Beaufort, South Carolina, and the Christ Community United Church in New York City. His main organization was the United Christian Evangelistic Association.

Reaching Many People

Reverend Ike's popularity grew a lot in the mid-1970s. His weekly sermons were broadcast on hundreds of radio stations across the United States. He became well-known for his "Blessing Plan." He told his radio listeners that if they sent him money, he would bless them. He said this blessing would help them become more successful and prosperous.

In 1972, The New York Times newspaper described one of his church services. Reverend Ike encouraged his followers to "Close your eyes and see green." He wanted them to imagine being surrounded by lots of money. He sang, "Lots and lots of money, ready for my use, oh yes, it's ready for my use."

The "Palace Cathedral" is now known as the United Palace (2014). It is used for live music and as a church.

The Palace Cathedral

Reverend Ike bought a large, beautiful old movie theater called the Loew's 175th Street Theatre. This theater was in the Washington Heights area of New York City. He paid over half a million dollars for it. He renamed it the "Palace Cathedral." Many people also called it "Reverend Ike's Prayer Tower."

He had the building fully restored, making it look grand again. This included fixing a huge, seven-story organ inside. A special light called the "Miracle Star of Faith" was placed on top of the building's dome. This star could be seen from the George Washington Bridge. In 2016, the New York City Landmark Commission officially recognized the building as a landmark.

Reverend Ike also led the United Church Schools. These schools included the Science of Living Institute and Seminary. They also had the Business of Living Institute, which taught about "Thinkonomics."

Other Activities

Reverend Ike even appeared on a song! He was a guest on Hank Williams, Jr.'s song “Mind Your Own Business” in 1986. This song became a number one country music hit. It was the only song Reverend Ike ever had on the music charts.

In Pop Culture

Reverend Ike's words even inspired a famous musician. In 2005, May Pang, who worked for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shared a story. She said that John Lennon liked to watch different TV shows at night. One time, he was watching Reverend Ike. Reverend Ike said, "Let me tell you guys, it doesn't matter, it's whatever gets you through the night." John Lennon loved this phrase and wrote it down. This became the start of his famous song, "Whatever Gets You thru the Night."

Family and Legacy

Reverend Ike and his wife, Eula M. Dent, had one son named Xavier Eikerenkoetter.

Reverend Ike passed away in Los Angeles on July 28, 2009, at the age of 74. He had a stroke in 2007 and did not fully recover. His son, Xavier, spoke at his memorial service. Xavier compared his father to important leaders like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. He called his father a "spiritual activist" who helped free people's minds. After his father's death, Xavier took over leading the church.