brought together a vast cross section of Bermuda's political, social and religious communities.

Mr. Wade's body was escorted into the Hamilton Cathedral, which was packed beyond its 780 seat capacity, by a procession which was led by clergy from the Anglican, Catholic and AME churches.

The service also featured contributions from five of the Island's major religious denominations.

Canon James Francis, Canon residentry at the Cathedral, opened the service and was followed by the inspirational hymn, "Sing The Wondrous Love of Jesus''.

Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, the Presiding Elder of the AME Churches, offered a prayer of thanks for Mr. Wade's life, commitment, sacrifice and service to his family, political party and his country.

Rev. Eve prayed for Mr. Wade's widow, Ianthia, his children and the PLP party, asking the Lord to grant them strength.

"Especially for the one who is to take up the mantle of Mr. Wade, carry on the torch and continue the struggle,'' Rev. Eve said.

Major Lorraine Noble, represented the Salvation Army during the service by reading Psalm 46.

The Most Rev. Robert Kurtz, the Bishop of Hamilton, read I Thessalonians 4:13-18, while Pastor Eugene Virgil of the Bermuda Seventh Day Adventist Churches recited St. John 11:17-28.

The Ven. Dr. Rev. Arnold T. Hollis, Archdeacon of Bermuda, paid tribute to "a leader who fell in the line of duty'' on behalf of all the churches in Bermuda.

"His death sent shockwaves around Bermuda,'' Archdeacon Hollis said, "the like of which I have never witnessed.'' He said the reason why Mr. Wade's death had such an impact on the Island was because he "was a man of the highest ethical standard''.

Religious communities join hands in stirring send-off for Mr. Wade "When Freddie Wade said something was the truth, it was the truth,'' Archdeacon Hollis pointed out. "It may not have been the truth according to the dictionary of our corporate and political society, but it was the truth according to God's definition.

"His words, thoughts and actions embraced all races,'' Archdeacon Hollis said and added that Mr. Wade would be mourned by people of every colour, creed and ethnic origin.

He described Mr. Wade as a great humanitarian who was a shining example to his country and as a "visionary, a man of history, a politician par excellence.'' Archdeacon Hollis closed by saying Mr. Wade had earned a suit of armour from Jesus.

The St. Paul AME Church Inspirational Choir performed for the mourners a hand-clapping rendition of the hymn, "He'll Welcome Me''.

PLP MP and Mt. Zion AME Minister Rev. Trevor Woolridge delivered a stirring eulogy.

Rev. Woolridge, noting that Mr. Wade was preparing to travel to Malaysia for a conference at the time of his death, said God looked down and said: "You have finished this course. You've done all you need to do. The place I'm going to send you is better than Malaysia.'' And he reminded that mourners that they could honour Mr. Wade by making his dream -- the PLP forming the next government of Bermuda -- a reality.

"He can look down from heaven and see it wasn't in vain,'' Rev. Woolridge added.

He told the mourners not to worry about Mr. Wade since he was now in God's hands.

"He's living better now, he's in the best shape now, he's in heaven.'' Rev. Woolridge closed his eulogy by saluting Mr. Wade and pointing out that everyone would see him again one day.

"Mr. Wade, you fought a good fight and you kept the faith and now you can sleep thankfully in the place God has prepared for you. We salute you, we love you, we miss you and we'll meet again.'' The Bishop of Bermuda, Ewen Ratteray, performed the closing prayer thanking God for Mr. Wade who was "near and dear to us''.

Mr. Wade was led out of Cathedral to the strains of the hymn, "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory''.

In a scene reminiscent more of a New Orleans send off, rather than a sombre official funeral, Mr. Wade was escorted through the streets of the city of Hamilton to his final resting place in St. John's Church Cemetery.

Rev. Woolridge and Rev. Eve led a procession that included banners and marchers from the PLP and various branches of the Bermuda Industrial Union, bands and African drums.

It was the Police motorcycle escort leading the gun carriage carrying Mr.

Wade's casket, flanked by Bermuda Regimental officers, that reminded the crowd of the sombre occasion.