(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)

BY ERIN DISMEIER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

After a bidding battle with Chapman University, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will purchase the iconic California Crystal Cathedral for $57.5 million.

Had the property been sold to Chapman, the original congregation would have been able to keep using the property for up to 20 years. But, under the diocese, it will need to find a new place to worship within three years. Still, KTLA reports, the diocese ownership offers something Chapman couldn’t.

“The diocese offer will ensure that the campus will remain a place of Christian worship, which is very important to the board.  Whereas the Chapman offer, while generous would more or less convert the campus into a school campus, a college campus.”

The cathedral is most well known for the telecast The Hour of Power, which attracted worldwide viewers.

The Christian Science Monitor reports the sale is putting the future of Crystal Cathedral Ministries in question.

“...some fear the ministry won't survive the move as congregants — and possibly "Hour of Power" television viewers — feel dismayed after pouring their hearts, and pocketbooks, into the elaborate [Crystal Cathedral] campus.”

Former Hour of Power producer, Mike Nason [Nae-sin], doesn’t believe the board took the congregation into consideration.  He told Garden Grove TV...

“I think what I’m feeling right now is the fact that the ministry is over.  It’s just now a matter of time before it winds down.”

But some still have a positive outlook. Director of Ministry and Mission Sheila Schuller-Coleman told CNN she doesn’t believe the decision is the end.

“[Schuller-Coleman] sought to reassure members and supporters of the iconic house of worship … saying “there is still time for God to step in and save Crystal Cathedral Ministries.  Lest you think it is too late for a miracle, I want to reassure you that it is not too late for a miracle.”

The cathedral was put on market after the ministry filed for bankruptcy in October 2010.

Transcript by Newsy.