BECKLEY, W.Va. — The Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center was full Monday evening for the annual Spirit of Beckley reception.
The award, currently in its 31st year, is an initiative of the YMCA of Southern West Virginia. The program aims to honor an individual who has “selflessly worked to enrich our area and positively affect the lives of people that reside here”. That person then becomes the cornerstone for which YMCA members and the community can contribute in their honor.
Previous Spirit of Beckley recipients include now-Governor Jim Justice in 1998 and Leslie C. Gates in 1989. Gates is known for helping to bring the Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building to Beckley, among other accomplishments.
This year, Bishop Dr. Fred T. Simms was awarded the honor. It was a historic night for the award and the City of Beckley. Simms is the first African American recipient of the Spirit of Beckley. He told MetroNews affiliate WJLS he feels honored to be recognized.
“Overwhelmed, humbled…everything is so surreal. What an honor, what a joy it is to be recognized in this way. It blows my mind.”
Simms is a Raleigh County native who was one of eight children. In 1977, he was ordained as a deacon and began serving as Assistant Pastor at New Jerusalem Holiness Church in Lester. Simms created his own church in 1993 known as Heart of God Ministries in Beckley.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, he has hosted programs on Living Faith Television and radio ministries through WJLS AM.
Since 2001, Simms has led an annual back-to-school picnic aimed at providing school supplies to children in need. He has helped coordinate numerous community outreach programs such as the Food for Body and Soul Food Pantry, Project Hope Addiction’s Ministry, Nursing Home Ministry and several youth programs.
In addition to receiving the Spirit of Beckley, Simms was presented the Distinguished West Virginian Award from Governor Justice’s office. Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold also gave him a key to the city. Both were a surprise for Simms, who spoke in front of the packed arena.
“In a thousand years or a million years, I’d never have seen this coming. To see this turnout, to see the love that’s in this place. Concern that we have for our fellow man, this is awesome. This is what it’s all about.”
Some submitted video messages for Simms including Congressman Evan Jenkins and Higher Ground AAA Church Bishop Sherman Watkins from Columbus, Ohio.
Spirit of Beckley Co-chair Cedric Robertson described Simms while presenting the award and pinning him as a “present day visionary” who “teaches his congregation by example” and “serves with a spirit of humility”.
“One of the things that we want to do is make God smile,” Simms said after accepting the Spirit of Beckley. “As I scan around this room tonight, I can see all of us at the table together as one people. I believe God is looking down and smiling.”
For more information about the Spirit of Beckley, YMCA of Southern West Virginia or to donate, click here.