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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-02-01, Page 88 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, February 1, 2006 Facts which readers are entitled to know My name is Bob Sims. Edna Sims, one of the co-executors of Mildred Grimes' estate, is my mother. I am a resident of Exeter and I have lived in this area my whole life. My mother's name has appeared in this publication a number of times over the past few months. There are some facts that I believe you the readers are enti- tled to know. First of all let me state that 99 per cent of the congregation at Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church are truly wonderful people. These people have been great support to my mother over the years and especially over the past 25 months. The decision the church made to take the Grimes executors to court was not made by the majority I have just mentioned, but rather by a group of five parishioners known as the "finance committee." It should be noted that two of the people on this committee are husband and wife and another member was behind wanting to sell the church a number of years ago when the church was in financial dire straits. It is important to remem- ber that Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church was built by Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt back in 1872 and was generously given to the Anglican diocese. It appears to me this parish has benefitted greatly over the years from the generosity of people in this community. I'm sure there are other churches that are quite envi- ous. After the "finance committee" made the decision to go to court they then presented this to Trivitt's board of management. The motion passed and the process began. Lawyers on both sides were hired and the case went to trial Jan. 20. As Mr. Nixon stated in his story last week Edna Sims has been a member of this church the last 53 years and has served on the board for over 30 of those years. She would always excuse herself whenever issues and decisions of the Grimes estate came up at board meetings. She was always told that it was noth- ing personal against her. I beg to differ. On Jan. 20, my mother stood in the witness box in Goderich court, held the Holy Bible in her right hand, and swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I was very proud of her as she explained to the court how she and Mildred were great friends and how she influenced Mildred to leave the bulk of her estate to Trivitt and not to the Anglican diocese. My mother never dreamed she would ever have to go through a proceeding like this. Before Mildred died, I would dare say that the majority of Trivitt's congregation could not have picked her out in a police lineup. To outsiders she was just another old lady in the Villa. How popular she became upon her death. As some of you may know my ette.rs L front of that church. I was bap- tized and confirmed at Trivitt Memorial. Sadly enough though, Sundays for me now, like for many people, have just become another day in the week to go grocery shopping or do yard work. It was- n't always that way. There is noth- ing this church can do to entice me to become a member again. To the congregation at Trivitt it is now time for the healing process to begin. Mildred Grimes left you an amazing gift. You are truly blessed. Most sane thinking people would be extremely appreciative. This has been a very dark period in the history of this parish when in real- ity it should have been a very joy- ful time. Ultimately a church usu- ally looks for leadership from its minister. Clearly leadership was lacking at a pastoral and a diocese level on this matter (this is nothing personal against you, Rev. Ward). Unfortunately this congregation is forced to look within themselves for guidance. I want to personally thank everyone in this congrega- tion who has supported my mother through this ordeal. As I stat- ed before, you are wonderful. I want to end my letter with two pieces of advice to the read- ers: • State exactly in your will what compensation you want your executors to receive. Generally executors receive five per cent, but be specific; • Do not leave your money to a church, especially an Anglican church. There are many charities out there that would be more than grateful of a gift like Trivitt received from Mildred Grimes. These people proved otherwise by their treatment of a 53 -year mem- ber. Apparently $5 million simply wasn't enough for this Church of Greed, I mean Church of God. Sincerely, Bos Sirs, Exeter father passed . tO the away Oct. Editor 14, 2005. My dad was a life- long member of Trivitt and at one time served as war- den. Dad's health had been failing over the past years, but I and those who knew him can tell you that the treatment of his wife by this church infuriated him. Since he died we have had peo- ple come to us saying that they believe his death came as a result of this court date. I have no way of proving this but I do know it didn't do his health any good. As far as how I personally feel about the treatment of my mother, I suggest you talk to someone who was at my father's funeral. Those who were there will tell you that I expressed my views very clearly that day while standing at the Should have expressed deep indebtedness Scott Nixon is to be commended for his accu- rate, informative, objective reporting on the sorry saga of the repercussions of Mildred Grimes' multi- million -dollar bequest to Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church after her death Dec. 13, 2004. I cannot be so objective. As a friend since high school days of Edna Sims, and by extension her hus- band Evan and their children, I have watched with growing disbelief what has happened, and the effect on the Sims family. As Scott so ably reported, Mildred Grimes, a Presbyterian, bequeathed $5.6 million to Trivitt only because she had been introduced to that church by her first cousin Gladys Sims, Gladys' daughter Audrey Bentley, her son Evan and his wife Edna, when she retired to Exeter. Mrs. Grimes developed an especially warm and trusting relation- ship with Edna, giving that person of impeccable integrity and honesty power of attorney over her personal care, and naming her as co-executor of her will. Instead of being profusely grateful to receive 95 per cent of such an astounding bounty, the board initiated a court case to reduce the normal executor fee of five per cent. Their decision to go to court was unanimous. The case seemed jinxed. It was rescheduled four times, and finally went ahead Jan. 20. The jinx seemed still in effect. Although Edna acquitted her- self very well on the witness stand, other factors resulted in halting the proceedings halfway through, and a settlement reached for a total fee of approxi- mately two and one-half percent, to be divided between Edna and her co-executor. This matter has seriously and adversely affect- ed this family. Edna has shown remarkable strength and incredible restraint while enduring many sleepless nights over the last two years. Evan, whose health was already compromised by serious heart and chest conditions, dropped dead in a friend's driveway in October. All who knew him believe the stress of this situation likely shortened his life. Friends came from miles around to pack Trivitt's pews for Evan's funeral, in a grand display of support for the Sims. In my opinion, rather than resorting to law, the Trivitt board should have expressed their deep indebtedness to Edna for her part in the church's miraculous good fortune, and promptly paid the executors the relatively modest fees they requested. Coincidentally, my devotional today (Jan. 29) in "Our Daily Bread" concerns Jesus healing 10 lepers, and only one returning to thank him. He expected more. An attitude of gratitude is scriptural. Trivitt had a chance to express theirs last Oct. 2, when Trivitt held a Community Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of the Mildred Grimes endowment. Instead of using this occasion to pub- licly thank the Sims family, nothing was done. Nor was any mention or memento of Mrs. Grimes to be found in the church or in the large tent outside. This whole matter is enough to make Thomas and Elizabeth Trivitt, the founders and original endowers of Trivitt, "roll over in their graves" in their crypt beneath the church. And what about Mildred Grimes? Does the Trivitt board think she would be pleased with what has happened? Do they think God is pleased? I rest my case. YVONNE REYNOLDS, Exeter Education Matters Randy Wagler, TRUSTEE, HURON AREA 4 - SOUTH AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD "Which way should I go?" This is the question that many students are asking themselves at this time of year, and the answer to that question is extremely important. For grade 8 students, as they prepare to enter grade 9 next September, they need to choose between applied courses and academic courses, between various arts options, and various technology options. Students who are hoping to attend college or university are deciding what universities and programs to apply to Finally, high school students will soon be choosing their courses for next September. The answer about which path stu- dents should take is a complex one. Over the past 15-20 years there has been a general trend to directing stu- dents toward a university education as the best option; however, this trend seems to be slowing down. Educators, parents and politicians are realizing that although a university education can definitely lead to a very rewarding career, it is only one option among many possible paths that will result in a fulfilling vocation. For example, skilled trades are becoming increasingly emphasized as a pathway for students. Our aging pop- ulation is resulting in a severe shortage of the skilled workers we all depend on carpenters, plumbers, elec- tricians, mechanics, and so on. There is a growing recognition that these skilled jobs provide excellent wages, job security and meet a vital need in our society. In addition, community college programs are also being promoted more and more. Employers are often looking for the specific skills gained through college programs, and these skills are not typically gained through a university education. Also, a viable career path is still the one that leads directly to workplace employment after high school. I think our schools are providing excellent support to help our students choose the right pathway for them. Elementary school teachers are encouraging students to look at their strengths, desires, and interests when choosing high school courses to ensure that they are successful in whatever path they choose. At the high school level, our schools have a tremendous diversity of courses and programs that support students no matter what pathway they choose. Guidance counselors help students learn about their own unique abilities as well as potential career options. At the Board level, a new web -site is being launched in the next few weeks www.successforlife.ca. This interactive site will help young people find out more about their own skills and interests, provide career options and also give information about work experi- ence opportunities, so they can find the path that best suits them. In addition, governments are helping our students find the right pathway. With programs like OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) and the Ministry of Education's Student Success Initiative, stu- dents are able to sample and experience a vocation that they might choose to follow. Community colleges are also working in partnership with communities and gov- ernment agencies to deliver training that will meet the needs of local communities. I believe also, that each of us can play a part as well in helping students who are making these important deci- sions. We can encourage young people we know to try to understand themselves first what they enjoy, their goals in life, and their unique skills and abilities. We can also help them by showing our support for whatev- er path they choose and resisting the temptation to think of one pathway being better than another. If we take these steps, I'm sure our young people will make decisions that will benefit themselves as well as our society as a whole. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 235-4445, or e-mail me at rwagler@fc.amdsb.ca. RANDY WAGLER EDUCATION MATTERS POLICE BRIEF Mailbox theft LUCAN BIDDULPH — On Jan. 23 a mailbox was reported stolen from a residence on Coursey Line in Lucan Biddulph. The mailbox was recovered. Stolen vehicle EXETER — On Jan. 23 a 2006 silver Dodge Caravan was stolen. The vehicle was located at a residence on Mill Street in Exeter. Keys, ownership and insurance were left in the vehicle. Huron OPP wish to remind the public to lock their unattended vehicles. While this alone cannot stop a determined thief, locked vehicles are rarely broken into.