His Story…

Woodrow Sims, Sr. was born in Tutwiler, MS on December 19, 1932 to the union of Cosmo Sims and Alice Williams. He was the youngest of six children: Heck Sims, Mary Milton, Celia Lark, Roe Higgins Sims and Douglas Sims. His parents and siblings preceded him in death. Woodrow was educated through the Mississippi Public School System. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Smith of Tutwiler, MS. As a child, he was often described as very peculiar; a trait we now identify as the Holy Spirit having marked him early for the great exploits he would attain throughout his lifetime. On November 6, 1955, Woodrow was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Fannie Mae Walker and together they relocated to Chicago, IL. To this union, four children were born: Dorothy, Woodrow Jr., Pearlie and Anthony. Theirs was a union rooted in faith and based on love with the commitment to make it succeed. 65 years together and 62 years married has proven God’s Word to be true, “What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”

Woodrow was a committed workman and employee in the poultry industry; and later, for Inmont Corporation, the company from which he retired. A dedicated and exceptional quartet singer, Woodrow was a member of the Harmonizing Four in Mississippi. He later became a charter member of the Universal Jubilaires. Woodrow had a sincere love for God. He was a faithful servant and member of the 2nd Paradise Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Isaac Bowen, Sr. for over 30 years. In July of 1973, Woodrow was licensed as Min. Woodrow Sims, Sr. He was later appointed Assistant Pastor of 2nd Paradise where he served diligently until he answered the call to Pastor. In March of 1985, Woodrow became Pastor Woodrow Sims, Sr., having established the New Philadelphia Pentecostal House of Prayer Church in his home. After a short tenure of service in his home, Pastor Sims planted the New Philadelphia P.H.O.P. Church at the infamous and widely remembered 642 N. Cicero Ave location. At this location were many sermons preached, revivals and musicals held and souls saved! In 1994, Pastor Sims and the N.P.P.H.O.P. Church relocated to their expanded location at 5122 W. North Ave.

A father and mentor to many, Pastor Woodrow Sims, Sr. was elevated to the office of the Bishop. Bishop Sims was widely sought after for his wisdom and spiritual oversight by pastors, elders, ministers and congregants both locally and abroad. Throughout his ministry, Bishop Sims was known for his charismatic delivery and unparalleled revelation of the Word of God, including one most memorable sermon, “I Am”. A dedicated husband and father, Bishop Sims was often accounted for swinging his children and grandchildren on his arm, eating Jays Potato Chip fries, calling family bible class amidst holiday dinners, watching Jimmy Swaggart in the bedroom and driving his grandchildren around in the purple Cadillac. Continuing on in this life, he leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 62 years, Fannie Mae; his children Dorothy Milton (Charles), Woodrow “Jim” Sims, Jr. (Terry), Pearlie Randolph (Jessie) and Anthony “Terrell” Sims (Connie); his grandchildren Anthony, Stephanie (Earnest), Jennifer (Tyree), Lameccia (Rodney), Takaira “Kiki”, Brittney, Terralynn, Micah, Victory, Anthony “Red” (Samantha), Brandon, Marzilla, Daniel, Yolondte, Christian, Anthony Jr.; 21 great-grandchildren; one uncle, Johnson Montgomery and a special cousin, Pastor Emeritus Louis Montgomery, Sr.; his Pastor, Pastor Hattie Louden of Chicago, IL and his Bishop, Bishop William T. Smith of Lexington, MS; the New Philadelphia Pentecostal House of Prayer Church and a host of loving nieces (especially the Sims Girls!), nephews, relatives and friends.

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