Hundreds of Bermudians gathered in the town of St. George's last night to celebrate the emancipation of slavery in Bermuda and the 375th anniversary of Parliament.

In a special service at St. Peter's Church presided by the Rev. Don Moore the Governor Lord Waddington, the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, speaker of the House the Hon. Earnest DeCouto, and many other politicians took part in a brief ceremony before being led to the State House by Town Crier Mr. Richard Elsom for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

Mr. DeCouto said: "The celebrations of our 375th Parliamentary anniversary have brought us here today in front of the old State House, where Bermuda's parliamentarians met for several years during the early part of our history.

"It was here in the ancient town of St. George's, at the site of St. Peter's church, that Bermuda's first lawmakers assembled on August 1, 1620.

"At the time they launched a system of Government which, over the span of 375 years, has evolved into a democratic institution of which we as Bermudians are justifiably proud.'' He added: "We are meeting here on this occasion to pay tribute to those parliamentarians, past and present who have served this Island with courage, dedication, diligence, sacrifice, wisdom, and loyalty throughout this period.

"They have provided us with a framework of legislation which has guided us through difficult and changing times. Under their stewardship, Bermuda has grown and developed from modest beginnings into the very successful and sophisticated society for which we have the deepest affection today.'' The gathering then took their seats in the Square for the Emancipation service organised by the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs.

In a message to the community and politicians Sir John said: "May we all resolve to let things that happened in the past stay in the past and let us build a Country based on character and not the colour of our skin.'' The audience was treated to dances by the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda -- one of which depicted the life of Bermudian slave Mary Prince.

A segment of the Emancipation Act, a Proclamation by the Premier and excerpts from the period of slavery were read and the audience was entertained by an instrumental solo by saxophonist Mr. Jack Kripl and two songs by The Chorale Dynamics.

SPECIAL DAY -- Parliamentarians and other invited guests poured out of the St.

Peter's Church yesterday after taking part in a service to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the Bermuda Parliament. Pictured in front left greeting the guests is Rev. Don Moore and leading the procession is Mayor of St. George's, the Wor. Henry Hayward.