More than 25 years ago, the late Philip Simmons posed for a special portrait.
The artwork, completed by local artist Rhett Thurman, is entitled “The Blacksmith”, and depicts Simmons inside his workshop. The room is dark, with the only source of light coming from a nearby forge fire that casts a glow on his face, looking directly at a viewer.
Flash forward to Aug. 4, the portrait has made its way to its new home at Philip Simmons Elementary.
Dr. Janie D. Wilson and associates gathered at the school last week to unveil the portrait to the school’s new principal and assistant principal, Dr. Creighton Eddings and LaToya Stephens, on behalf of the JDW Network and Peninsula Biblical Counseling Ministries (PBCM). VIEW PHOTOS.
Wilson said presenting this portrait is something she has had on her heart to do for a while. She is the president and founder of PBCM, located at Agape InnerCity Community Church in downtown Charleston. Wilson knew the late Philip Simmons as a friend and neighbor, and credited him as an advocate for education.
“Mr. Simmons believed that every child deserves a chance to succeed,” she said, adding that Simmons would call his associates to action, charging them to come up with ways to support students in the Charleston area. Wilson said that call to action led to the establishment of several organizations and ministries, including the JDW Network and the African American Family Center for Biblical Dialogue. “It all had to do with making children’s lives better in education…Each of these organizations was created with a clear purpose: to educate and uplift those who are often disenfranchised and voiceless.”
Rhett Thurman was commissioned to create the painting more than 25 years ago by Agape staff. Thurman said the request came as a huge honor, and she proceeded to set up a time to meet with Simmons in his forge to create sketches of him.
“That afternoon was one of the best afternoons of my life,” she said. “He was so warm and sharing, and he said… ‘I start every day of my life on my knees by my bed, but then I get up and get crackin’.’”
Thurman said she considered that message to be directed more so toward children to inspire them to be humble and work hard, and it resonated with her.
“It was an honor then, and it’s an honor now,” she said.
Philip Simmons was born on Daniel Island in 1912 and was raised by his grandparents before he was sent to Charleston in 1920 to live with his mother. He took an interest in the craftspeople in his neighborhood — particularly the work of Peter Simmons (no relation), who ran a smithy in downtown Charleston. After a five-year apprenticeship, Philip Simmons became a full blacksmith and started doing ornamental ironwork. His work is still highly recognized in Charleston. Throughout his career he created more than 500 separate pieces including iron balconies, window grilles, fences and gates.
Simmons retired at the age of 75 but continued to teach the craft to younger artisans. His work is featured around the world, and he received a number of awards and recognitions, including an honorary doctorate from South Carolina State University in 2006 for his contributions to the field of metalworking.
Simmons passed away in 2009 at the age of 97. Simmons’ local imprint and his impact beyond Charleston, and the legacy he created, is the reason Berkeley County School District named three schools after him. The high school, middle school and elementary school all have different items that reflect Simmons’ work. The hallways in all three schools have ornamental floor inlays at different intersections reflecting themes commonly found in his work. Both the high school and the middle school have hallway murals depicting Simmons and his work.
Simmons’s artwork is often incorporated in students’ classroom lessons; many school art projects displayed in the halls are a nod to the school’s namesake. The middle school students normally take a field trip to the Philip Simmons house in downtown Charleston each year to learn about his life.
Wilson said Simmons was a unique individual who worked very hard and diligently, and gave opportunities to children to help shape their futures.
“We’re proud to offer this portrait today, to this wonderful school, that is going to change many lives,” she said, adding, “I ask all of you today to be reminded of our responsibility to honor his legacy by continuing to advocate for education and empowerment.”
Wilson further encouraged everyone to be “blacksmiths” of their communities, “forging paths of hope and change for generations to come.”
Eddings thanked Wilson and Thurman for sharing their accounts on Simmons and for presenting the school with the portrait.
“We’re honored that you chose to share it with us, and very grateful,” he said.
The portrait is officially presented by the JDW Network and PCBM. A plaque is currently in the works to be displayed with the portrait; it will read: “This portrait celebrates the legacy of Mr. Philip Simmons, whose unwavering dedication to education and empowerment forged pathways for countless young lives. Just as a blacksmith shapes metal, Mr. Simmons shaped futures with his vision and compassion.”