Eikerenkoetter II, Frederick I. (1935– )

Eikerenkoetter II, Frederick I. (1935– )
Popularly known as ‘‘Rev. Ike,’’ a metaphysical healing and
prosperity consciousness teacher in the African American community.
Rev. Ike was born June 1, 1935, in Ridgeland, South
Carolina, and as a young man became a Baptist minister. After
graduation from the American Bible College in Chicago in
1956 he served two years in the U.S. Army chaplain’s corps. In
1958 he founded the United Church of Christ for All People
but over the next few years came to the conclusion that the
over-emphasis on other worldly rewards was wrong and began
to search for a way to help parishioners, many of whom where
quite poor, in the present world.
The answer to Eikerenkoetter’s quest came from New
Thought and especially from their understanding that healing
and prosperity came from changing one’s mental attitude. He
moved to Boston in 1964 and open a Miracle Temple. Without
closing work in Boston, he moved to New York City in 1966,
and in 1969 he purchased a headquarters for his church, the
United Church and Science of Living Institute and its outreach
structure, the United Christian Evangelistic Association.
He developed a radio ministry and during the 1970s was on
more than 80 stations nationwide. Along with Johnnie Coleman
of Chicago, he became the leading voice of New Thought
within the African American community nationally and developed
strong support outside of the community. He became a
controversial figure for advocating that members of the Black
community spend their tie in changing their consciousness
rather than concentrating upon social reform. The preacher
was often a popular target of the press for his presentation of
metaphysical affirmations in highly quotable, phrases, which
his audience could easily remember.
EHE Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology • 5th Ed.
484
Sources
Eikerenkoetter, Frederick. Reverend Ike’s Secrets of Health,
Happiness, and Prosperity—For You. New York Reverend Ike
Prayer Tower, n.d.
Martin, William. ‘‘This Man Says He’s the Divine Sweetheart
of the Universe.’’ Esquire (June 1974) 76–78, 140–43.