Family, Religious Leaders Remember Rev. Robert Schuller at Cathedral He Built

The late Rev. Robert Schuller was lauded as a visionary at a memorial service outside the large, glass cathedral he built in Orange County.

One of the first televangelists popular around the world, Schuller died in a care facility in Los Angeles County on April 2. He was 88, having built an empire through his TV program "Hour of Power," which in 1970 began broadcasting his sermons every Sunday, just as television became a popular medium.

Schuller was to be buried at the former Crystal Cathedral, which his megachurch constructed in 1981. Outside, at the public memorial, his family led the procession -- his grandchildren were pallbearers -- and his famous robe lay on the closed casket.

Bishop Charles Blake of West Angeles Church God in Christ remembered Schuller as "a bundle of optimism and motivation" who helped his own pastoral career off the ground.

"He told us that the only limit to the size and strength of our churches was the size of our vision," Blake said.

Schuller sold the cathedral in 2011 after declaring bankruptcy and relocated his ministry; the building is now known as Christ Cathedral and owned by the Catholic Church. His grandson, Pastor Bobby Schuller, continues broadcasting on his "Hour of Power" program.

The memorial made no mention of the financial troubles and divisions that marked the later years of his ministry.

But his oldest daughter, who left Crystal Cathedral to start a separate church, spoke of the pride she felt as the child of a pastor.

"When people were hurting, I could always say, 'Let me get my daddy. He can help you,'" Sheila Schuller Coleman said.

Among the hundreds listening to the family members and religious leaders speaking at the memorial was Theresa Boyd, 54. She said Schuller inspired her with his uplifting message and by inviting speakers including political leaders and an Olympic athlete.