When King Charles III addressed Congress last month in a historic speech marking America’s 250th anniversary, lawmakers, dignitaries, and invited guests filled the chamber.
Among them stood an unexpected but fitting figure, George Washington. Or rather, Mark Collins of Yorktown, Texas, a pastor, actor, and “living historian” who has spent more than two decades por- traying the nation’s first president.
Collins has served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Yorktown for 16 years. For nearly as long, he has also portrayed the country’s first president, something he’s been doing since July 4, 2001.
“It was a memorable moment to be there for such a historic event,” Collins said.
His invitation to the address on April 28 came through Congressman Michael Cloud, someone Collins has known since before Cloud was elected to office. The two reconnected last August when Collins was invited by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to speak at the Great American Farmers Market in Washington. That visit helped open the door for this one.
Inside the Capitol, Collins attended in full uniform. During the speech, King Charles made reference to George Washington and the nation’s founders.
“When he mentioned George Washington and the founders, I tipped my hat,” Collins said. “He nodded back.”
It was a small moment, but one Collins said he won’t forget. Watching the speech as Washington, hearing a British monarch address Congress, wasn’t lost on him either.
“I thought King Charles did an exceptional job of walking a tightrope,” he said. “It was a unifying message, and he even added a few light moments that were handled well.”
Collins added with a bit of humor, “I found this king of England much more amicable than King George of the past.”
King Charles also acknowledged the history between the two nations, joking at one point, “Please rest assured, ladies and gentlemen, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action.”
While the trip to Washington was a major moment, Collins’ work as a “living historian” has taken him to a variety of places over the years. He has appeared in several film and documentary projects, including the History Channel’s The Revolution and the movie National Treasure: Book of Secrets. He also regularly speaks to students and community groups about early American history and the Constitution.
Even with a busy schedule of national appearances, Collins continues to serve his local community. On May 17, he delivered the message, in full character as George Washington, at the Yorktown High School Class of 2026’s Baccalaureate ceremony, bringing his unique blend of history and faith to local graduates.
Collins said the visit to the Capitol still stands out.
“I had the opportunity to meet dozens of senators and representatives,” he said. “It was truly unforgettable.”
For a pastor from a small South Texas town, it was a rare chance to witness history up close, while representing a figure who helped shape it in the first place.
