On Saturday, 13 August, the historic St. Mary’s Parish Hall in St. George’s hosted a banquet to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the island’s oldest Anglican church. The event brought together parishioners, local dignitaries, and the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Bermuda for a night of remembrance and celebration.

The program began with a procession through the church grounds, followed by a keynote address from Reverend Dr. Michael Hughes, who reflected on the church’s role in Bermuda’s early history and its ongoing mission. A multimedia presentation showcased archival photographs, artifacts, and stories from the church’s first two centuries. Guests enjoyed a banquet featuring traditional Bermudian fare – including smoked fish, Bermuda pie, and locally brewed ginger beer – while a live band performed hymns and popular tunes.

In addition to the feast, the congregation planted a row of cedar saplings outside the nave as a living reminder of the island’s resilience. Proceeds from the event were earmarked for the restoration of the church’s stained‑glass windows, a project that will preserve the building’s historic character for future generations. The banquet, part of a week‑long series of celebrations across Bermuda, underscored the community’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s heritage while looking forward to a vibrant future.