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also see pics at http://www.scribd.com/doc/151376216/More-From-Final-Crystal-Cathedral-Service-Jim-Kok-Retirement
also see http://rip-crystal-cathedral.blogspot.com/2013/07/l.html
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...so this is it..the day finally comes..the last-ever Crystal Cathedral service after 33 years in the big glass church (since 1980) & since Robert H. Schuller started preaching from the top of a drive-in theatre in 1955 (58 years ago) , albeit the church will continue as will the Hour of Power but at a different location..about a mile away at what is now the old St. Callistus church (Roman Catholic), while the St. Callistus congregation will begin having their mass in the arboretum on the Crystal cathedral campus but last thing I heard there will not be any catholic mass in the Crystal cathedral (Or "Christ Cathedral" as it is now called until they completely restore everything and it adheres to catholic "standards"...and that may not be until 2015 ... ; anyways, Robbie Schuller (the grandson of the founder) led the final service and apparently is now the designated "senior pastor" , and Robert A. Schuller (Robbie's dad, and the son of the founder) was also present at the final service and read the scripture and gave the final benediction. Also Jim Kok was recognized for his many years of pastoral care & kindness services, among other things...as his retirement was announced albeit he will apparently continue to volunteer his services for the church at the new location (Jim is a CRC ordained pastor who came to the Crystal Cathedral in 1984 to lead the pastoral care ministry, and he branched off into doing Care & Kindness ministry and conferences, & CPE (clinical pastoral education), among other things. The congregation gave him a standin ovation and the pastors presented a plaque of appreciation. There was also some beautiful music by various musicians...also all the different departments and various volunteers were recognized. It was VERY hot ...hottest weekend of the year so far.. record heat around "the southland"...and I wondered why they didn't open the giant doors to let some breeze in...and then Bobby announced that the doors had just broken in the last week or so...and quipped "not our problem anymore"..and there was some group baptisms (not immersion style).. and Robby gave a final homily (sermon)... and then Robert A. Schuller gave the famous benediction of his father ... and that was THE END ! ...albeit they also had a "final ceremony" outside with the mayor of Garden Grove and other persons..which I didn't stay to attend (had to get another function)... ; meanwhile, construction on the arboreturm (not sure what they are doing) was actually in progress during the service..these are the contractors for the Roman Catholic diocese..apparently trying to get it ready for the St. Callistus congregation..
ALSO see FINAL ST. CALLISTUS service at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl3S-GZxUak
tags: crystal cathedral, schuller, hour of power, garden grove, robert schuller, st. callistus, roman catholic, catholic diocese of orange, christ cathedral
