Rev. Robert Schuller, Crystal Cathedral Founder, Dies at 88

The Rev. Robert H. Schuller, founder of the well-known Crystal Cathedral in Southern California, passed away Thursday at the age of 88.

Schuller's daughter, Carol Schuller Milner, announced her father's death Thursday morning. The late Rev. Schuller had recently been in critical condition while battling esophageal cancer since 2013. Schuller's condition had reportedly worsened since January, when the 88-year-old televangelist underwent a digestive tract exploratory procedure.

A Facebook announcement posted by Shepherd's Grove, Schuller's congregation, indicated that the 88-year-old pastor's health was rapidly declining as of Wednesday.

"We at Hour of Power and Shepherd's Grove are deeply saddened to report that our founding pastor, Dr. Robert H. Schuller's health is swiftly declining," the Facebook post read. "Please join us in prayer for him and the entire Schuller family during this difficult time. May our most precious Lord and Savior grant them peace and comfort as they gather at his side."

Schuller became known during his time as a charismatic preacher who started broadcasting his "Hour of Power" television program, as well as building the grand Crystal Cathedral in Southern California's Orange County.

Schuller's ministry was plagued with difficulties in its later years, including declaring bankruptcy and the sale of the Crystal Cathedral to the Catholic Diocese of Orange in 2012.

The telelvangelist's son, Bobby Schuller, who now pastors his own church, has previously commended his father for his ingenuity when beginning to pastor as a young man.

"He was a young guy like me, and he was going out there and trying new things," the younger Schuller said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press. "He did so many amazing, innovative things."