If I start naming specific people that helped us as we got started, I will surely leave someone out. But please allow me to name a few "firsts" for which we are grateful....
The first indoor, 18th c. trade fair we attended was The Early Ky Market Fair held at that time in Perryville and hosted by The Salt River Long Rifles. As we shyly walked along looking at the tables filled with merchandise - and feeling a bit overwhelmed, we met and were instantly put at ease by the friendly greeting of Jack Droesch. After learning of our desire to enter the hobby of reenacting, Jack asked if I had thought of a personae I'd like to portray? "A frontier minister" I answered - to which Jack responded without missing a beat (or loosing his smile)...."Wonderful!" Being put further at ease, we were able to discuss our ideas with Jack and Jude - and gain some much needed advise along with contacts to make for more information about our chosen area of historical study. Jack and Jude were the ambassadors that helped us begin this wonderful journey of historical reenacting for which we are forever grateful! (We did make a purchase from Heritage Products that day... a black linen cravat.) As I visited with Jack and Jude this past weekend at The Faire at New Boston, I was again reminded of the special place they hold in my heart.
Other firsts for the Parson & Maggie...
November, '05 - Nathan Logsdon was first person to ask Parson John to "preach" at an event was - the event was the Indiana Territory Festival, July, '06. Other firsts Nathan was responsible for was the first wedding I performed for he and Andrea, and Nathan was also the first event coordinator to hire Maggie to do her laundry demonstration.
April, '06 - Parson John's first sermon at an event - Locust Grove
November, '06 - Parson John's first DVD by That's Just Muggs Productions
May, '07 - Maggie Delaney's first event - Mansker's Station
October, '07 - Interviewed for BBC Documentary - The History of Christianity
July, '08 - Colleen "Hester Purefinder" Gilbert's funeral - my first.... (it would have been ok to miss this)
.... all these years = Many great experiences and lots of new friends!!!
Thanking God for all of you, I remain your servant,
Parson John
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith… 2 Thessalonians 1:2-4a
