A celebratory banquet was held last night at Cambridge Beaches to mark the 400th anniversary of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the oldest parish on Bermuda. The event brought together parishioners, local residents and special guests for a night of food, music and reflection on the church’s long‑standing role in the island’s spiritual and cultural life.

The ceremony opened with a procession of clergy and lay leaders who recited passages from the church’s founding charter, written in 1626. A series of speeches highlighted St. Mary’s contributions to community outreach, education and disaster relief over the centuries, while acknowledging the continued work of its current ministry.

Guests enjoyed a menu featuring local seafood and Bermudian delicacies, served under the clear night sky with the ocean as a backdrop. Special performances by the St. Mary’s choir and a local dance troupe added to the festive atmosphere.

The banquet was part of a wider celebrations program that also included a historical walking tour of the church grounds and a donation drive to fund the restoration of the parish’s historic bell tower. The event underscored the parish’s enduring presence in Bermuda’s history and its ongoing commitment to the island’s social fabric.