Reverend James Sims

James Sims was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1812 and spent his early life farming there before immigrating to Canada with his wife Janet in 1837. They settled near Hawkesville in the Queen’s Bush, Wellesley Township.

A widely read, self-educated man, Sims taught himself Hebrew and Greek in order to better understand the scriptures. He became a significant religious and educational leader in Waterloo County in the 1800s.

After working a couple of summers in Doon, he joined the Baptist Church in Blair and became a Baptist Minister in 1842. He was pastor of that church for 20 years and was known as Elder Sims. Every other week from 1845 to 1860 he travelled by horseback from Wellesley Township to Blair where he preached twice on Sunday, returning home the next day. He was active in the temperance movement and was a student of prophecy. He later left the Baptist Church to join the Christadelphians.

Sims was perhaps best known for his significant leadership role in promoting public education. In 1853, when Waterloo County was established, he became the first Superintendent of Schools for the Townships of Woolwich and Wellesley. He also became the first Chairman of the Board of Public Instruction. In these roles he strongly encouraged new settlers to establish and support schools. He befriended teachers and many young people decided to become teachers based on his advice. He was frequently consulted by both trustees and teachers on educational matters.

In 1867, Sims sold the farm on which he had lived and apparently retired from his active community work. He died in Waterloo in 1880.

Image courtesy of the Waterloo Historical Society.