Logan's Traveling Lodge: December 4th The Crystal Cathedral

It was a two hour drive to Garden Grove from Menifee, through lots of traffic. Not my favorite thing to do. With excellent directions given on their website, we made it. Hard to believe that in this very busy city there is this oasis. When we are travelling and can't attend our own church, we quite often watch the "Hour of Power" from the Crystal Cathedral. It was a wonderful experience to see it up close and personal. The grounds are immaculate, the volunteers with smiles on their faces and very friendly. There is a sense of peace with a lot of activity. The original church was started in a drive in theatre. Robert Schuller and his wife Arvila started this church in the 1950's with a hope and a prayer. His message is based around the teachings of Christ, the power of positive thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

They bought an organ on their way to California and he preached from the roof of the projection/snack bar stand. Arvila played the organ. From there they came to the present property to build their first sanctuary and soon expanded to a second sanctuary. The parking lot was set up much like the drive in theatre, so people could park facing the church and could worship still in their cars if they so choose. He tells the story of seeing a green coupe in the middle of the drive in each Sunday. Before he could get down to meet them, it was always gone. One day he got a call to come visit a family and when he pulled up to the house, there was the green coupe. He found out the man had a severely disabled wife. Each Sunday he carries her to the car and drives to the drive in and there they can worship together. He gave Dr. Schuller a sizeable contribution towards his ministry. He continues that ministry today.

They have many programs going on here.. like the Tower of Hope. They have an emergency suicide hot line manned 24/7 365 days a yr. They receive 50,000 calls a year. People volunteer to work here and they work 4 hours shifts. They also have a school here.. preK to 12th grade. There is a Garden of Remembrance where people are buried or put in a mausoleum. We saw Roger Williams family room, which has a stained glass window of a grand piano.

Through out the grounds are sculptures which bring the scripures to life. They are remarkable and so life like. The expressions etc are wonderful.

The outside of the Crystal Cathedral. It holds 3,000 people. Behind it is the Carillon tower.

This is the tower of hope with the original carillon bells on the outside.

This statue is called "Coming Home, the Prodigal Son". The father's face emanates joy.

This bronze sculpture is called "Peace be Still". Christ is walking on the water.

This bronze sculpture is called "The Holy Family.. milestones and miracles"

It is so life like with the color on it. Christ is in silver so that his face reflects your face when you look into it.

Joseph looks so animated.

Even the donkey, who is biting at his robe, looks so real.

At the base of the carillon tower is a prayer chapel. It is ringed by 33 marble pillars from Greece. 33 for the years that Christ lived. In between are 12 white columns for the 12 disciples. In the very center is an acrylic block which has the upper torso of christ carved out from the inside and one hand comes up out of the top as he looks upward praying. There is a light that comes up through the sculpture. This photo does not do it justice. It is really unique. Around this sculpture are kneeling benches for those who wish to pray or benches around the outside edges.

"Joyful Jesus..I Found Him" See the expression of joy at finding the lost sheep.

A water feature with water cascading down over white steps. A statue of Job is in the background. To the left is the Remembrance Garden. You go down some steps into the garden and as you go the sound of the water feature is quieted.

"The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes" a smiling Jesus. In the background you can see the outside of the Prayer Chapel. See the columns and domed top.