Rev. George H. Sims
Rev. George H. Sims, or the "marrying pastor," as he is familiarly called in Lima, is the pastor of the South Side Church of Christ. He is the youngest child of Capt. John H. Sims, late of Cleveland, Ohio, and his wife, formerly Sophronia O. Gillette, of Newburg, Ohio. For many years Captain Sims sailed out of Cleveland as a lake navigator. His interests were connected with this city from the time it numbered a few hundred inhabitants until it was consolidated with what was then Forest City. At this time he removed to Royalton, Ohio, and later to Spencer, Medina County, Ohio. Here on January 9, 1860, on a farm in the Black River Bottoms, was born the subject of our sketch. His early education was received in the district school. He graduated later from the Hinckley High School and then attended the Ohio Normal University at Ada to prepare himself for the work of teaching. He taught school for several years until at the age of 28 he entered upon his life work of the ministry. At this time also he was married to Cora E. Updike, daughter of the great evangelist, Rev. J. V. Updike. Mrs. Sims traveled with her husband for several years as musical director. She is a very efficient helpmeet for Mr Sims. Two boys, Fay Updike and Kenneth J., are their only living children, a little daughter, Iva Belle, having died in infancy.
Mr. Sims' first meeting was held at Bluffton. He then held a pastorate at Edgerton, Ohio, for two years, enlarging the pastorate and refitting the church. From this place he was called to minister for the First Church, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The membership was doubled at this place, the debts paid off and a parsonage built, which was afterward sold for $3,200 to help build the new church. His ministry here was very successful, but on account of ill health he resigned and accepted a Western pastorate in Wichita, Kansas, remaining there four years. During his ministry at this place over 500 members were added to his congregation and the church became the largest in numbers of this denomination west of the Mississippi River. He was called to be State evangelist and later became general evangelist under the national board, with headquarters at Cincinnati, Ohio. Although very successful, he left this field and located at Tiffin, Ohio where he became pastor of a small but wealthy congregation.
On October 1, 1901, Mr. Sims came to Lima and has improved the property of the South Side Church of Christ in many ways. He is still young and in the midst of usefulness. He is now working to send a missionary to foreign lands to be supported by his congregation.