Evangelist. He preached a philosophy of "Prosperity Now", stating that "the lack of money is the root of all evil". Raised in Ridgeland, in the Low Country of South Carolina, he was the child of a Baptist minister and a teacher. Apparently drawn to the pulpit early (observing that he was often called upon to help solve other kids' problems), he became associate pastor of his father's church at 14. After obtaining a degree from Chicago's American Bible College in 1956, he served two years in the Air Force, then returned to Ridgeland to found the United Church of Jesus Christ for All People. Moving on to Boston in 1964, he was a faith-healer for two years, then went to New York, where he set up a church in an old Harlem movie theatre. (It was at this time that he styled himself "Reverend Ike", due simply to the small size of the theater's marquee). In 1969, he bought and restored a Loews movie palace on 175th. Street, calling it Christ Church United ("Palace Cathedral"). From there he ran United Church Schools (which awarded Reverend Ike his doctorate), the Business Living Institute, and a large multi-media enterprise. He preached a "God in me" theology, openly telling his congregation that they were paying for his Rolls Royce and his mansion, and advising them that they, too, could get rich. At his peak in the 1970s, Reverend Ike preached to a crowd of around 5,000 every Sunday, and had a large radio and television following. Investigated several times by the Internal Revenue Service, no wrongdoing was ever shown, as the ministry retains tax-exempt status, and Reverend Ike was completely candid about his use of the income. He retired to Los Angeles in 2007 after suffering a stroke; the ministry in New York continues, with his son Xavier as senior pastor. Reverend Ike often pointed out that he "used to be Black before he was Green", and would tell his congregation "If it's difficult for a rich man to get into heaven, think how terrible it must be for a poor man to get in. He doesn't even have a bribe for the gatekeeper".