Five years of solid toil by an army of volunteers have finally come to fruition with the arrival of the Bermuda National Trust?s latest publication: ?Smith?s Parish? ? the fifth in its series of ?parish? books ? just in time for Christmas giving.

Since the series has been sponsored by Bacardi Limited the Trust has dedicated its newest edition to the group to honour the 40th year of its presence here.

The book features more than 40 buildings within Smith?s Parish, as well as the people who lived, worshipped or studied within them. It answers such questions as when the Folly or Peak Tower on Town Hill was built and why. It names the Bermudian architect of the tower at Whitney Institute. It reveals that the foot bridge and attached boat house on Harrington Sound Road were designed by well-known American architect Thomas Hastings.

The parish itself was named after Sir Thomas Smythe, a leading figure in British trading and colonial history, while John Smith?s Bay, which is featured on the cover, was named after John Thomas Smith, a Bermudian who owned the adjacent land.

Although the book concentrates on the stories of the houses and people of Smith?s Parish, it also tells a tale of interest to the whole Island. Each book reveals new and interesting aspects of Bermuda?s architecture and social history.

New in this edition is the contribution of a number of local architects and draftsmen who drew floor plans. An entire chapter is devoted to ?Verdmont?, the Trust?s important early 18th century house museum.

The main text has been written by Diana Chudleigh, while Edward A. Chappell, director of architectural research of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation of Virginia, wrote the introduction and a number of sidebars. Others involved in the production of ?Smith?s Parish? include photographer Robin Judah, artist Barbara Finsness, and Dace Ground (layout and design), with editing by David L. White.

?Smith?s Parish? will be available at ?Waterville?, the Trust headquarters in Paget; Trustworthy, its gift shop in Hamilton; and at bookstores island wide this week. The price is $30. The $100 limited collector?s edition has already sold out. For further information ( 236-6483.