Minister: Hollywood Presbyterian Church won’t be the same after presbytery meeting
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, May 2, 2005
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – The Rev. Dr. David Manock, who faces the possibility that his ministry at Hollywood Presbyterian Church may be ended Tuesday by the Presbytery of the Pacific, preached at the church’s four worship services Sunday. Then he had more to say.
“I am deeply saddened about Tuesday night,’ he said, his voice cracking. “I love this place. I believe in my heart that after Tuesday night, Hollywood Presbyterian Church – no matter what the decision – will not be the same.”
Manock is one of the associate ministers of the 2,700-member congregation. He is the right hand of the senior minister, the Rev. Dr. Allen J. Meenan, who was expected to return today from a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand.
The presbytery’s Committee on Ministry has recommended that the presbytery dissolve the calls of both men and place the congregation under the governance of a presbytery administrative commission.
Manock urged members of the congregation to attend the presbytery meeting at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where the ministers will face anonymous charges that they had failed to monitor spending and meet the demands of a minority.
“I believe your presence will speak volumes,” Manock said, but he also apologized if, by his appeal, he was further hurting those who disagreed with him and Meenan. After preaching on the 23rd Psalm, Manock urged the members and attendees to “most of all trust in the Lord.” He called it “the most awesome privilege” to preach at Hollywood – a duty most often handled by Meenan. “Thanks for giving me those moments,” Manock said.
Manock’s post-sermon appeal prompted thunderous applause and a standing ovation during the congregation’s “classic” service, a high church event with a 100-member robed choir accompanied by an organ featuring huge pipes.
About 1,500 people attended Sunday’s four services, which included a meditative worship in Wylie Chapel, a contemporary service in the sanctuary and a hard rock-sounding “Contemporary Urban Experience” in a warehouse. The “Q,” as they call it, is designed for people who normally would not attend any church. Many of the traditionalists oppose it.
Meanwhile, supporters of Meenan and Manock were working tables outside the church signing up people for bus transportation ($8 charge) to Covenant Presbyterian Church, which will have limited seating that will accommodate only a few people more than the number of commissioners expected to attend the presbytery meeting. An overflow room will be set up so that observers can watch the meeting on video.
Manock and the session had tried unsuccessfully to have the meeting moved to a larger venue which Bel Air Presbyterian Church volunteered, but the presbytery rejected that offer.
Today, Manock was looking forward to Meenan’s return. Meenan will have one day to prepare for the presbytery meeting.