The Life and Times of a Civil War Reenactor

Spiritual Healing on the Battlefield

I have found ministry in a war that took place 142 years ago. Who would ever have thought that possible, other than God? I say this because there is still much healing that our Nation has to do as the results of this war. — Dr. Clifford Pierce

After retiring from a career with the U.S. military, Clifford Pierce returned to school, was awarded a doctorate in theology at the Jacksonville Theological Seminary, in Florida. He has found his calling in ministering to the spiritual needs of the Civil War reenacting community. His is a three-fold vocation: he is a re-enactor, a living-history teacher, and a minister of God.

As reenactor, Clifford portrays Samuel Harrison, chaplain of the 54th Massachusetts volunteer infantry (the African-American regiment depicted in the film Glory). In this role, he tends to wounded and dying soldiers amid clouds of gun smoke on re-created battlefields. He carries the wounded to safety as a stretcher-bearer. He consoles the dying with prayer.

As a living-history teacher with his wife Jacqueline, he explains the issues of the Civil War to thousands of schoolchildren every year, while entertaining them with anecdotes and artifacts of the time.

Finally, Dr. Pierce's unique gift is his real-life ministry. Like any other large society, the reenacting community has its share of life stresses and challenges, and its members sometimes seek counsel. Among the quiet of the campfires, Dr. Pierce provides guidance to individuals. But where his gift from God shines forth is in his Sunday morning services. They are attended by Yankees and Rebels both, by men portraying soldiers as well as families depicting civilians, and by visitors as well as reenactors, all united in Jesus Christ.

Dr. Pierce's gift is inspirational. This is his story.

After retiring from a career with the U.S. military, Pierce obtains a doctorate in theology and is ordained. He has found his calling in ministering to the spiritual needs of the Civil War reenacting community in his portrayal of Samuel Harrison, chaplain of the 54th Massachusetts volunteer infantry.