Eleanor Richards Simes

She helped lead the church for 47 years,
established a Sewing School for children, 
And popular Men’s Bible Study classes, too!

By Amy Grant

A large plaque prominently displayed in Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church honors the life of Eleanor Richards Simes. With good reason. For 47 years, Eleanor was a leader of this church and taught some of its notable Bible classes. 

Eleanor was born in Philadelphia in 1842. Her father was a prominent Philadelphia druggist. Her family attended the Church of the Covenant, and, for many years, she taught a large infant class in its Sunday School.

Eleanor was known for having remarkable judgment and tact as a young woman. Possibly these qualities captured Snyder Binns Simes’ heart, because they married in 1868. Five days later, they moved into the Gloria Dei Church rectory, and Snyder assumed the pulpit. The congregation received them with great enthusiasm.

Many of her students became dressmakers

Eleanor could have quietly supported her husband in his church duties. Instead, she became a trailblazer –  whose programs helped the congregation grow by leaps and bounds. The Children’s Sewing School she established brought lower-income neighbors to the church. It offered materials and instructions for free, and many of the Sewing School children became skilled dressmakers.

Young men became lifelong congregants

Eleanor was also revered for her work in the men’s ministry. Her “Men’s Bible Study” classes were so popular they were offered twice every Sunday. Eleanor was solely responsible for organizing these classes, which featured bible readings, lectures and live music. Young men, who had not attended church before, became lifelong congregants of Gloria Dei.

Unfortunately, her husband Snyder became ill in 1915 and died suddenly. He was buried in a plot south of the Church door.

Eleanor remained at the Rectory for several months, faithfully helping keep the congregation together. Sadly, her health gave way, and her death came quietly in 1918.

Eleanor was buried alongside her husband in the Gloria Dei Church graveyard. One stone cross marks their common grave; it bears witness that – in death, as in life – they are as one.

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Conservation Assessment

Rev. Snyder Binns Simes
Nov. 17, 1842 - July 18, 1915
Rector of Gloria Dei Church
1868-1915

Eleanor Richard Simes
June 24, 1842 - Feb. 21, 1912
Wife Of
Rev. Snyder B. Simes

In Quietness and Confidence
Shall Be Your Strength

Always Abounding in
The Work of the Lord

Note: inventory details pertain to the marker in the churchyard only.

Type of Marker: Other
Date of Marker (estimate): 1915
Material: Granite
Issues: Biogrowth, soiling
Recommended Treatment: Cleaning w/biocide

Evaluation
Historic Integrity: Intact
Structural Integrity: Excellent
Material Integrity: Excellent
Legible Inscription: Excellent

Marker Details
Inventory Number: 137
Plot Number: 337
Historic Number: 345
Cemetery Section: 5
Orientation: East
Marker Height /Length (in): 72
Marker Width (in): 33
Marker Thickness/Depth (in): 33

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