Deacon Symonds was born in upper Hammonds Plains, he was the son of the late Frank and Anne Symonds. Deacon Symonds was very active in the church. He was the founding member of the Laymen’s Council of the African United Baptist Church. He served as the treasurer of the Men’s Brotherhood of Cornwallis Street Baptist Church for over 40 years.

Deacon Symonds was a veteran of the First World War, he was very involved in the community as well, serving as the president of the NSAACP, president of the William Hall V.C. Canadian Legion and a member of Equity Lodge AF and AM.