SeeCalifornia.com

GARDEN GROVE, CALIF. — The official Crystal Cathedral website (crystalcathedral.org) says the Glory of Easter will not be performed this season–please check back for 2012 Glory of Easter dates.  2012 has arrived and there’s more on the Crystal Cathedral plate than concerns about a lavish play that began in 1984 and was produced for 25 years. Close to one million people were entertained throughout several decades of Easter holiday shows. The Crystal Cathedral also produced  Glory of Christmas. But then there were problems–such as costume designers not being paid–and there were rumblings that finances were getting worse.

With the church’s founder (Rev. Robert Schuller) stepping down, the pastor (daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman) abruptly resigning a few weeks ago,  and Crystal Cathedral sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, the world broadcast of Hour of Power went into re-runs while the church regrouped.

During its heyday, Crystal Cathedral was the church of and by stars. Many Hollywood celebrities helped fund and finance the construction of a unique cathedral with glass panes that open to the sky, allowing music from one of the world’s largest pipe organs to emanate outside. Famed pianist Roger Williams was a favorite guest performer, though the stage hosted virtuosos, top Country & Western singers and ample doses of famous sports celebs.

Producing the Glory of Easter musical was no minor feat. Donkeys, five horses, water buffalo, a baby camel, lama, piglets, a miniature burrow, peacocks, sheep, and goats all graced the cathedral stage while six angels flew up to 80 feet in the air above, soaring at 20 miles per hour. The spectacular show may never be seen again, but you can still visit the church, located just a few minutes from Disneyland in Anaheim.

The architecture alone is well worth going out of your way to see at this spectacular facility and church campus containing sculptures, Memorial Gardens (cemetery,) an art gallery, unique Spire & Prayer Chapel,  fountains, and the glorious cathedral. Tourists from around the world consider this one of the must-see stops in Southern California.

The church ministry began in 1955 when Robert Schuller performed parking lot sermons at a drive-in. Approx. 100 people attended the daughter’s service last week at a movie theater not far from the Crystal Cathedral where traditional services were held and an interim staff announced.