A special performance will be held at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall in Hamilton on Sunday to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Methodism in Bermuda.

'Mosaic 65', performed by Ruth Thomas, Leo Mills, Gary Phillips and Grace Rawlins will start at the church at 4 p.m.

Mosaic 65 is written by local historian Ruth Thomas and choreographed by Conchita Ming.

"I have been involved with the Ruth Thomas and Company group for over ten years," said Mr. Mills. "The show itself is twice that in age. It is 25 years old."

Mosaic performances usually include dramatic monologues and readings about various facets of local history, folklore, folk habits, customs and traditions.

"Although it is scripted, it can be fairly spontaneous," Mr. Mills said. "If we spot members in the audience who have a connection with a particular personality or had something to do with that organisation, such as the son of the former Head of Harrington Sound School, we will mention it."

The little acting company has appeared in the Bermuda Festival on several occasions to rave reviews.

"It was very gratifying that members of the local community came out to support us," said Mr. Mills."

He said the Mosaic performances have grown popular enough to amass a following. "There are a group of people who generally follow us around from one performance to another. A lot of them are attracted to the aspects of local history."

He said special Mosaic performances are often commissioned for particular events. "Last year we did a particular presentation for the Anglican Church," said Mr. Mills. "Bermuda was celebrating its 400th anniversary.

"This coming Sunday is a celebration of Methodism in Bermuda and an acknowledgement of the creation of Zion Chapel."

The Zion Chapel was built in 1810 under the direction of Rev. Joshua Marsden. It was located on what is now the City Hall Car Park.

Recently, a small corner of the car park was made into a recreational park, to remember the Zion Chapel, and recognise its 200th anniversary.

"It was the first church where blacks and whites could worship together," said Mr. Mills. "There were a number of firsts like that. It was obviously the first Methodist Church in the City of Hamilton."

Mr. Mills said he hadn't yet seen the script, but he expected that the show would talk about families who were prominent in the Wesley Methodist Church including the Halletts, Campbells, Dyers and Careys, among others.

"They would be some of the individual families who have been a part of the history of Wesley in various ways," she said. "Some have served in the choir, some have been trustees, some have been involved in raising funds for the church.

The performance will be free, although there will be a freewill offering. The proceeds will go towards the work of the church.