Robert Schuller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Schuller
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Robert Harold Schuller
September 16, 1926 Alton, Iowa, U.S.
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| Died | April 2, 2015 (aged 88) Artesia, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Cathedral Memorial Gardens, Garden Grove, California, U.S. |
| Education | Hope College, Western Theological Seminary |
| Occupation | Christian minister |
| Years active | 1955–2011 |
| Known for | "positive thinking" books |
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Notable work
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Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do |
| Television | The Hour of Power (1970–2010) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Arvella De Haan Schuller (m. 1950–2014; her death) |
| Children | 5, including Robert A. Schuller |
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Robert Harold Schuller (born September 16, 1926 – died April 2, 2015) was an American Christian minister, speaker, and author. He was famous for his weekly TV show, Hour of Power, which he hosted from 1970 until 2010. His grandson, Bobby Schuller, continues the Hour of Power show today. Robert Schuller also founded the famous Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. This is where the Hour of Power program was later filmed.
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Robert Schuller's Early Life
Robert Harold Schuller was born on September 16, 1926, near Alton, Iowa. He grew up on his parents' farm in a small community of Dutch-Americans. When he was very young, an uncle who was a minister told him to become an evangelist. Schuller later said this was a very important moment in his early life.
After finishing high school in 1944, Schuller went to Hope College in Holland, Michigan. In 1950, he earned a degree from Western Theological Seminary. He then became a minister in the Reformed Church in America.
Starting His Church in California
Schuller first worked at a church in Illinois. Then, in 1955, he moved to Garden Grove, California. He started a new church called the Garden Grove Community Church. His first services were held in a drive-in movie theater! He also rented a small Baptist church nearby. Schuller would lead a service in the church, then drive his organ to the drive-in for another service.
As more people joined, Schuller bought land for a "walk-in, drive-in" church. This new church was designed by a famous architect named Richard Neutra. It was finished in 1961. The building allowed Schuller to preach to people inside the church and to people in 500 cars outside.
In 1968, a tall building called the "Tower of Hope" was added. It was 13 stories high and had a large, lit-up cross on top. That same year, Schuller bought more land to build the much larger Crystal Cathedral. This church was designed by architect Philip Johnson and had glass walls and a glass ceiling. It opened in 1980.
Robert Schuller's Ministry and Teachings
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Schuller focused on the positive parts of the Christian faith. He believed in helping people with their needs first. He taught that if you have a positive attitude and believe in your dreams, you can achieve great things with God's help. A famous saying of his was, "If you can dream it, you can do it!"
As the main pastor of the Crystal Cathedral, Schuller's Hour of Power TV show was watched by many people around the world every Sunday.
Robert Schuller's Family Life
On June 15, 1950, Robert Schuller married Arvella De Haan. She was a church organist and helped create the music program at the Crystal Cathedral. Arvella also produced the Hour of Power show for over 40 years. Robert and Arvella had five children: Sheila, Robert, Jeanne, Carol, and Gretchen.
Retirement and Changes
In 2006, Schuller's son, Robert A. Schuller, became the senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral. However, he resigned in 2008 because he and his father had different ideas for the church's future. Robert Schuller said he loved his son but felt it was time for the ministry to grow beyond just the Schuller family name.
In 2009, Schuller announced that his oldest daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman, would lead the church. In 2010, he officially retired as the main pastor and became the chairman of the church's board. Sheila Schuller Coleman then became the senior pastor.
Final Years and Passing
In October 2010, the Crystal Cathedral faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. In 2011, Robert and Arvella Schuller, along with their daughter Carol, were no longer part of the ministry.
In 2012, Sheila Schuller Coleman left the Crystal Cathedral to start a new church. This happened after disagreements with the ministry's board. In 2013, Robert Schuller's grandson, Bobby Schuller, became the new pastor for the Hour of Power TV program.
In August 2013, Robert Schuller was diagnosed with cancer. His wife, Arvella Schuller, passed away on February 11, 2014, after 63 years of marriage. Robert Schuller died on April 2, 2015, at the age of 88. His funeral was held at Christ Cathedral, the former Crystal Cathedral. He was buried next to his wife.
Robert Schuller's Books
Robert Schuller wrote over 30 books. Six of his books became bestsellers, meaning they sold a lot of copies. Some of his well-known books include:
- Way to the Good Life (1963)
- Move Ahead With Possibility Thinking (1967)
- Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do (1983)
- Success Is Never Ending, Failure Is Never Final (1990)
- My Journey: From an Iowa Farm to a Cathedral of Dreams (2001)
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See also
In Spanish: Robert H. Schuller para niños
