The Crystal Cathedral, once owned by the Hour of Power ministries, has been acquired by the Catholic Diocese of Orange. The property, located in Garden Grove has been an icon of Orange County faith for years. From its humble beginnings as a drive-in church, the Reverend Robert Schuller took an outdoor stage and made it the centerpiece of what would be a worldwide ministry. Few people in Orange County and much of the world have not seen or heard of the Hour of Power and the Crystal Cathedral. As with many “worldwide” ministries, family feuds and scandal eventually rocked the church and many of its faithful followers found other flocks to gather in.

According to the Diocese press release, the Crystal Cathedral Ministries may continue to use the church and some other campus structures for a period of up to three years. The memorial garden and other operations will be transferred immediately to the Diocese. A pastoral center is planned for the site and the deal allows for the transfer of St. Calistus Catholic Church to be transferred to the CCM faithful so they will continue to have a place to call home.

Prior to the Crystal Cathedral coming up for sale due to bankruptcy proceedings, the Diocese of Orange had been planning to build a Cathedral in central Orange County that would house a new pastoral center and bishop’s seat. Purchasing the Crystal Cathedral property resolves the issue and will allow the Diocese to establish their Cathedral more quickly and economically.

So, the only question that remains is, will Bishop Tod Brown redecorate?