E. L. Simmons collection

E.L. (Ernest Lesley) Simmons (July 2, 1893 – June 28, 1965) Ministerial File # 86

Ernest Lesley Simmons was born July 2, 1893 near Tampa, Florida to his parents Henry Byrd and Florence (Pringle) Simmons. He was married to Mayme Caruthers January 18, 1914 in Hillsborough, Florida. Together, they had eight children; two sons, Ernest Lesley Jr., and James Orten; six daughters, Esta Burnice Reno, Myrtle Marie Pharr, Sammie Ernestine Dansby, Thomazine Childress, Amalfi Lou Cato, and Peggy Rowena Roberts.

He was educated in the public school system. He was saved at the age of fourteen, received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost at age seventeen, and with it received his call to ministry. He preached his first sermon in 1913 and received his evangelist’s credential in 1914. He received his ordained minister’s credential in 1919. From 1915 to 1954, Simmons was the pastor of churches in Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, and North Carolina. He served the denomination as district overseer in Manatee, Florida, state overseer to West Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Utah/Colorado, Georgia, and Florida, Editor and Publisher of the Church of God Publishing House, Assistant General Overseer, and President of Bible Training School. He retired to the Church of God Campground in Wimauma, Florida.

Simmons deceased on June 28, 1965 and is buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Durant, Florida.