My Re-enacting Story

I originally joined the 2nd Battalion of DeLancey’s Brigade Re-enactment unit (est. ca. 1974 in Connecticut) in 1983, portraying a merchant. At the Saint John Tattoo 200 event in July 1983, I was recruited by Serjeant-Major Jim McGowan of 2nd DeLancey’s (CT). He suggested I align myself with DeLancey's in Saint John (they were Brigaded Musick only). So I did, first as a researcher, then as a soldier under arms, becoming a Corporal and later the Serjeant Commanding in the Field. In 1989, I left DeLancey's and joined Captain Barent Frey's Company of Butler's Rangers (operating out of upper State New York). After recruiting about 6 others, Frey's Co. suggested that we form our own company. So in 1990, the members formed Capt. George Dame's Company of the Rangers. In the summer of 1991, we passed our preliminary inspection of the BAR. I left the unit officially in 1995 while at the University of Toronto. The unit existed until about 1997. I was ordained in the Anglican Church in 1995, and not long after, an old re-enacting friend reminded me I was an inactive member of the 20th Maine Volunteers of the American Civil War. I got active, portraying the Methodist clergyman who served as the regimental Chaplain! I also rejoined DeLancey's Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Allyson's Co., in 2023. They are members of the British Brigade. I am a member of the BAR (Civilian Class Member as a Church of England clergyman). In DeLancey's, I portray a Royal Provincial Chaplain with a Commission with the 3rd/2nd Battalion and a clergyman working for British Command in New York City.

The great thing about re-enacting is sharing the stories of the past. In DeLancey's, the 20th Maine and as a villager at Kings Landing, I get to do that.

I find that as I get older and my bones become stiffer, I am beginning to really enjoy giving the presentations. I estimate I research 3 -4 hours a day, 5 days a week. I am not bored!

The four pictures above are, from left to right:

1. From a City of Saint John tourist brochure. Members of 1st and 2nd DeLancey's from Connecticut/New York and 2nd from Saint John. Taken in a park in 1987.

2. The late (and truly great) Sgt. Harold Steele of DeLancey's and I, as Chaplain of the 20th, at a Kings Landing Military time-line, presenting to the visitors in 2013.

3. Members of the 20th at the Monument, which we erected in 2005 at the birthplace of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who served in a regiment during the Civil War. 

4. Assisting Corporal Troy Middleton at the opening of the "Atlantic Canadians in the American Civil War" Exhibit at the New Brunswick Military History Museum in 2025-26. Troy was the guest curator of the exhibit. BTW: I am currently the Vice-President, and Troy is the President of the 20th Maine, Co. I Living History Association.