Robert H. Schuller was born in Alton, Iowa, in 1926, in a small, rural Dutch ethnic community. He graduated from Hope College in 1947 and Western Theological Seminary in 1950. He was licensed and ordained in 1950. After serving a Chicago church from 1950-1955, he began a unique ministry in Garden Grove, California, using the top of a drive-in concession stand. Parishioners stayed in their cars for the service. Schuller also began a traditional church at the same time. In 1961, a church was built which incorporated both concepts and allowed the pastor to address both groups. The Tower of Hope, a multi-story ministry complex, was constructed shortly after the new sanctuary.

The ministry continued to grow, incorporating a nationally televised program of Sunday church services entitled the Hour of Power. In 1978, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Crystal Cathedral, which was dedicated in 1980. Robert A. Schuller, the founder’s son, joined the ministry after attending Hope College and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Robert H. Schuller has authored numerous books incorporating his philosophy of possibility thinking including Power Ideas For a Happy Family, Your Church Has Real Possibilities, The Be Happy Attitudes, and The Power of Being Debt Free.

The collection contains secondary materials written by or about Robert Schuller which were collected by the Western Seminary library and the archives. Materials authored by Schuller give a glimpse at his development as a pastor. Those written by others include praise, criticism and indepth analysis. The collection also traces the development of the Hour of Power and the Crystal Cathedral.