Brew News: Reverend Ike Dies

If you're of a certain age, then your earliest memories of televised preachers probably begins and ends with Reverend Ike (and maybe Rev. Fred Price too). Sadly, the good reverend went on to glory this week. Frederick Joseph Eikerenkoetter II (now I see why he went by "Rev. Ike") died July 29th in Los Angeles. He was 74.

Rev. Ike was one of the first preachers to use television and radio to reach out to the masses. His unique and sometimes controversial message of prosperity drew in millions of faithful followers. Ike proclaimed that "Jesus was a capitalist," often telling his congregation that putting change in the collection plate was offensive to God's ears.


In keeping with Ike's shall we say, hand-out policy, his website is asking for donations or an online memorial gift in lieu of flowers.

Here's a glimpse of Ike in his heyday.






I guess the best we've got to offer today is this dude.




Jesus, take the wheel!