Rev. Dr. Leslie G. Metcalf

On June 10, 2017 The Reverend Doctor Leslie Gordon Metcalf at the age of 80 entered the Gates of Heaven to be with his eternal Father. He passed away peacefully at Gilchrest Hospice Care in Towson Maryland. He is survived by his wife Katherine (nee Wolf) of 58 years, his sons William A, Metcalf and Les Jr. and his wife Susie, his daughters Karen Metcalf and Donna Metcalf. His grandchildren Mallory (nee Metcalf) Hill and her husband Jeremy Hill, Lauren Metcalf and Rebecca Metcalf and his great grandson Isaac Hill. His sisters Shirley Pfister and Nancy Cusic and his brother in law Willard Wolf Jr. and many nieces and nephews.

He was the youngest of nine children born to William and Norma (nee Bruce) Metcalf on July 18, 1936. He grew up in Baltimore City and attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore Junior College, Johns Hopkins University, He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1966 from U of B, Masters of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, and later his Doctors degree in Theology.

He served in The USMC and Marine Reserve from 1957-1963 obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was a mechanic on jets.

He started his Ministry in The Evangelical United Brethren Church which later became the United Methodist Church. He served St. Matthews Church in east Baltimore from 1964-1975, St. Luke’s UMC in Woodlawn from 1975-1986, Parkside UMC in Baltimore, Trinity UMC in Catonsville, Pasadena UMC in AA County where he retired for the first time, Eastport UMC in Annapolis where he retired for the second time. He then served at Rockland UMC in Ellicott City and Melville Chapel UMC in Elkridge where he was only to fill in for 2 weeks and retired 7 years later. He was very involved as a Minister at the churches he served and was always in the kitchen helping or preparing church meals. Everyone enjoyed his biscuits and rolls. He was chaplain at many hospitals in the Baltimore area. He served on many church related boards including boards at the Conference level.

As a minister he was very active in the church, the community and the youth. At his first Church in East Baltimore he helped organize the Ellwood Park Improvement Association and served as president from 1966-1973. He planned and coordinated a summer recreation program from 1967-1975. His efforts on this led him to many other community organizations within Baltimore. He served as chairman of the Community Relations Task Force under Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro’s Crime Commission 1968-1972, Appointed as a representative to Governor Mandel’s Planning Commission. He planned and developed many community related programs and received over 30 citations which include Baltimore City Police Department, Mayor D’Alesandro, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Mayor William Donald Schaefer, US Customs and just too many to list.

He was also involved in politics in Baltimore City. He was Co-chairman of the Committee to elect William Donald Schaefer as Mayor. He served as a Press Aide and special aide to Mayor Schaefer and later was a volunteer when he moved out of Baltimore County.

He was involved with the education of others. He developed and taught a special speech and communication course for the Baltimore City police Department, taught at Essex Community College, part time, taught college level courses in psychology at Jessup prison and Community College of Baltimore.

He joined Monumental Masonic Lodge in 1966 and served as Chaplain in his early years. He served as the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Maryland for 3 Grand Masters and assistant for several others. He received 33rd Degree Honors from the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction in Baltimore where he was very active as Chaplain and in the kitchen, did we mention his rolls. He served as Chaplain to many Potentates at the Boumi Temple Shrine. He also served as the Supreme Chaplain for the Supreme Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America. Both of his sons are Mason’s. He went to the Boumi Gun Club with his son Bill which he enjoyed the social aspects not so much the shooting.

He was an avid reader of westerns especially Louie L’Amour. He loved to cook, anything. For several years he challenged himself to bake 100 cakes of which the proceeds would benefit many charitable endeavors. He wrote many small books of prayer and poetry which he used throughout his ministry. He also loved to sing with the choir or solo if you heard him you are blessed. Baseball was another passion he loved them O’s.

He enjoyed vacationing with his family in Ocean City Maryland. Les and Kathy enjoyed many a trip to Williamsburg, VA, and several cruises. His friend and fellow minister Bill and Margie Miller enjoyed many trips together.

Quiet now as the little lamb sleeps, as we all morn and sometimes weep. No more pain and restless days, you are in his hands for your eternal rest. Be quiet now as your tools are laid down, for all your work on earth, you are heaven bound.