The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin

The Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr., began his tenure at the Cathedral in 2018, and oversees the Cathedral’s outreach and social justice initiatives, including gun violence prevention and racial justice and reconciliation.  

In particular, Dr. Hamlin assists in the building of partnerships and the equipping of the Cathedral community and the congregation to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. In 2020, he assumed the additional title of Minister of Equity & Inclusion, where he works closely with the Dean and the Cathedral staff to ensure that all activities reflect the diversity of God’s creation. He serves as the Cathedral’s primary liaison to the interfaith community and local government agencies.

Prior to his arrival at the Cathedral, Dr. Hamlin served as the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington, Va. for 22 years. Under his leadership, the congregation was strengthened numerically and spiritually while numerous ministries, discipleship classes and mission efforts were organized to meet the needs of the congregation and the community locally, regionally and nationally. Dr. Hamlin received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the Howard University School of Business, Master of Divinity Degree, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from the Howard University School of Divinity (1996). He has served and been appointed to numerous community, faith based and governmental boards, commissions and agencies.

Dr. Hamlin is married to Machell Nicholson Hamlin, Esq., Vice President/Head of Staff Counsel for the GEICO Corporation. They are the proud parents of an adult son and the grandparents of two grandsons. When not at the Cathedral, you will often find Dr. Hamlin enjoying a good book, attempting to find time for a round of golf or enjoying the blessings of being a grandfather.