The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) was founded in 1857 in Hartford, Connecticut, by five diocesan clergymen as well as three Trinity College employees–President Daniel Raynes Goodwin, and then-professors Thomas Ruggles Pynchon and Samuel Eliot–for the purpose of raising money to provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing Holy Orders.

In its beginnings, SIM funding came primarily from Connecticut, but was distributed to students from all over the nation. One of the Society's funds in particular was designated specifically for students at Trinity College or Berkeley Divinity School, and provided around $10,000 in assistance. The Society placed ads for its services in The Trinity Tablet and its scholarships were listed in the Catalogue of Trinity College as well.

The Society continues to provide both merit- and need-based scholarships to help bridge the gap in funding to those students seeking a theological Episcopal education and ordained ministry. Since its inception, SIM has provided financial assistance to over 5,000 seminarians, striving toward fulfilling its founding belief that “the world needs an increase, not a decrease, in ministries that promote justice, compassion, reconciliation and peace.”

Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM)

History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver, p. 124.

The Story of the Diocese of Connecticut (1962) by Nelson R. Burr.

Catalogue of Trinity College (Officers and Students), 1880-1881.

Catalogue of Trinity College (Officers and Students), 1875-1876.

Trinity Tablet, July 1871 (Commencement Special).