The Reverend Leon E. Fanniel

IN RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE AND SERVICE

He was the very best—good, right, and true before his God. Everything he took up, whether it had to do with worship in God’s Temple or the carrying out of God’s Law and Commandments, he did well in a spirit of prayerful worship. He was a great success.   2 Chronicles 31:21 The Message (MSG)

“Leon was a faithful and caring servant in all seasons and among all people.  If the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) acknowledged Saints, he would be one of them.”

Dr. Charles Marks (SFTS DMin alumnus, and Chaplain at New Theological Seminary of the West)

God privileged Westminster Presbyterian Church by letting us see this “Man of God” at work.  By his nurturing presences and participation, also by the ways in which he served God, he improved the morals and behavior of the people. There is no question that God submerged us in His favor by earmarking the Rev. Dr. Leon E. Fanniel to affect our lives intellectually and emotionally. There can be no doubt – the influence of Leon Fanniel will leave a long lasting, spiritually positive impression.  No matter the length of the interaction, Rev. Fanniel’s distinctive style stood as a powerful symbol of faith and a bonded relationship – a sign of visible spiritual leadership. He was our rudder, our governor and our bishop.  We remain thankful.

WHEREAS: Rev. Leon E. Fanniel, served the Lord by edifying clergy and laypersons alike. With his gifts of leadership, musicianship, preaching, teaching, praying, with sincere passion for ministering, mentoring, and worshiping, he distinguished himself as a member of the highest order of called ministry. Dr. Fanniel really embodied the consummate spiritual supervisor.  He used words, wisdom and truth masterfully. Even his reprimands felt more like sagely advice than scolding. An individual could leave his presence, after saying, “thank you”, and not realize until later that a scolding just happened. His intentions were to encourage never to discourage or breakdown, and

WHEREAS: Rev. Fanniel, being secure in his personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ,

demonstrated Christian convictions, ethics, and guidance to all.  Void of arrogance but with all confidence, he offered genuine words of empathy, reassurance, and energy.  Rev. Fanniel lived the implicit understanding of Ephesians 4:11-12, “He (God) handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son . . .” (MSG), and

WHEREAS: Dr. Fanniel substantiated his affection and understanding for people within the Church.  He worked as a committed clergyman because Rev. Fanniel knew that Jesus Christ will reclaim His Church. On behalf of the people, he was dedicated to the service of Jesus Christ, praised God with flowing worship, meticulous ministry, and thorough-precise teaching, on every level within the Presbyterian denomination, from grassroots to way beyond, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that for being our rudder – keeping us from spinning in a recklessly vertical downward spiral –– steering us through the fluid medium called congregation; helping us control the directions of our spiritual walks, with sincere affection and genuine gratitude, the congregants of Westminster Presbyterian Church will remember Dr. Leon E. Fanniel, and be it

RESOLVED, that for being our governor – using highly evolved ethics, committed and diligent care,

meaningful appropriate concern for the people of God; for using  hopeful yet realistic attitudes, for seeing to it that the speed of our energetic and sometimes complacent engines stayed measured and regulated: not letting us move too slowly or too quickly and miss opportunities that Christ set in front of us, we will make effort to serve with compassion in manner and honor of the Rev. Dr. Leon E. Fanniel, be it further

RESOLVED, that for building up in communion the Body of Christ, guiding the flock of Christ and ensuring

the unity of Christians; for, without formalities, accepting the imposed title of wisdom conveyer to direct, and strongly influence the actions and conduct of clergy persons and laypersons alike: for being a spiritual superintendent in praise of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we declare with love and respect to remember, and appreciate – the only one in the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. who holds the title –

The Bishop Rev. Dr. Leon E. Fanniel

When his time of service was completed, he returned home. Luke 1:23

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles

The Rev. Carlton A. Rhoden, Pastor

Session and Members

January 9, 2019