(Cuyahoga Falls) - Televangelist Ernest Angley has died at age 99. The announcement was on the web site for Ernest Angley Ministries, which said, "Pastor, evangelist and author Rev. Ernest Angley has gone to Heaven to be with his Lord and Master at 99. He touched multitudes of souls worldwide with the pure Word of God confirmed with signs, wonders, miracles and healings. He truly pleased God in all things."
Angley began his career as an evangelist in Northeast Ohio in the 1950s, moving here from North Carolina. He turned into an internationally-known person when he started doing TV broadcasts in the 1970s, which culminated in his purchase of WBNX-TV 55 in the 1980s. Angley eventually purchased a Boeing 747, which he used to take his ministry around the world, often to Africa.
He was known for his faith healing, which drew a lot of criticism. Angley's style was also spoofed by comedians, including the late Robin Williams.
Angley's original evangelical revival sessions were held in a tent. In the 1990s, he bought the Cathedral of Tomorrow in Cuyahoga Falls from fellow televangelist Rex Humbard, which held 5.000 people.
In 2014, the Akron Beacon Journal did a six-part series in which former members of Angley's ministry claimed that the church was actually a cult, and that Angley purposely ignored sexual abuse by some in his church. The series also said that Angley illegally had volunteers work at his Cathedral Buffet restaurant, which Angley shut down after a court said he coerced people into working for free.
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