This Week in Christian History: Gutenberg, Francis Schaeffer, Hour of Power

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 28, 2018

'Hour of Power' First Episode Aired - February 1, 1970

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller in the first episode of his famous 'Hour of Power' broadcast, which aired Feb. 1, 1970. — The Rev. Robert H. Schuller in the first episode of his famous "Hour of Power" broadcast, which aired Feb. 1, 1970. | (Screenshot: YouTube/Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller)

This week marks the anniversary of the premiere of the famous Crystal Cathedral worship broadcast series "Hour of Power."

Taped on Jan. 18 of that year and broadcasted via KTLA TV of Los Angeles, the "Hour of Power" was headlined by Cathedral founder the Rev. Robert H. Schuller.

Deadline Hollywood later described the "Hour of Power" program as a "an international religious behemoth" which at its peak averaged out 20 million viewers.

"He hosted the show for four decades, until 2010, more than 30 of those years with his son. Schuller's grandson, Bobby Schuller, is the current host," noted Deadline in a 2015 article.