BEL-AIR : Presbyterians Name Likely Successor to Moomaw

The Rev. Michael H. Wenning, pastor of a 1,400-member church in Laguna Hills for nine years, has been named as the likely successor to Rev. Donn Moomaw at Bel Air Presbyterian Church.

The pastor nominating committee of the church on Mulholland Drive in Encino said that Wenning (pronounced Venning ) was its unanimous choice to succeed Moomaw, who resigned two years ago.

In keeping with Presbyterian custom, Wenning will preach June 4 at Bel Air Presbyterian’s 9:30 and 11 a.m. services and await the results of a congregational vote immediately following. But a church announcement, in signaling that Wenning was highly favored for the post, said, “Assuming the vote is affirmative, we will greet Michael and his wife Freda at a light reception.”

In early 1993, Moomaw shocked the 2,000-member congregation, which includes former President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy, when he quit for unspecified moral lapses. Last March, the regional body of the denomination announced that Moomaw had admitted to sexual contact with five women during a 10-year period; his ministerial privileges were suspended until at least Jan. 1, 1997.

Wenning, who grew up in South Africa and spent his early ministry years in that country, moved from Pittsburgh to Southern California in 1986 to accept the pastorate at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Hills.

“He stepped into a difficult situation there, following a pastor who had to resign under uncomfortable circumstances,” said Jonna Bollenbacher, who chaired the pastor nominating committee. “Under Michael’s leadership, however, Geneva grew steadily. The congregation has become known . . . for its warmth, as well as for its remarkable success in evangelism.”