Essex-Kent Scottish celebrates history

By Adam El-Baba

One of Canada’s oldest infantry regiments celebrated its historical ties to All Saints Church in Windsor Sept. 22.

Following the morning service the Essex and Kent Scottish, which dates back to 1749, gathered outside to dedicate a stone monument symbolizing their connection to the church.

Col. Benjamin Reavely said he thinks any day spent with the unit in the community can activate past, present and future relationships with the E&K Scottish.

Starting as two separate regiments- one in Windsor, the other in Chatham- the units combined in 1956 and are the only regiment with two churches to practice religion in.

“It happened post Second World War when there was a mentality change and a shift in culture,” said Reavely. “Today is a little more sacred, a little more special in the fact that we are dedicating a stone and rekindling the relationship with Essex regiment, the Essex Scottish back with the All Saints church.”

Last year the E&K Scottish practiced religion at Christ Church Chatham, which is their second church of worship.

The morning service was conducted by the Venerable Kim Van Allen, who is also the arch deccan of Essex.

She said she was surprised at the ages of the soldiers more than anything else.

“We haven’t done this before, this is renewing of a relationship that kind of was put aside for some reason like 30 or 40 years ago,” said Van Allen. “This is bringing something new back into the life of the parish and making that connection with the men and women of the Essex-Kent Scottish.”

This is Lt. Eric Willson’s fourth year in the unit and he said joining the army was the best decision he’s made.

“Now that we are one unit we a have church in Windsor and a church in Chatham- Which is kind of unique to our unit,” said Willson. “So every other year we switch between the Windsor church and the Chatham church”

“These events are important is because it shows the community that we are active in their lives and look towards helping one another,” said Willson.

The Essex and Kent Scottish gather outside of the All Saints Church in celebration of their historical ties during the morning service in Windsor, Sept. 22, 2013. Photo by Adam El-Baba