King congratulates church on 400th anniversary
King Charles III gave his well wishes to a Bermudian church as it celebrated its 400th anniversary this week.
The Reverend Carl Williams, with St Mary the Virgin Anglican Church in Warwick, received the royal appreciation in a letter dated October 2.
Joshua Puls, an assistant private secretary to the King, noted in the correspondence His Majesty’s admiration for the “remarkable milestone, marking four centuries of faith, service and community in Bermuda”.
He further wrote: “The church’s enduring presence is a tribute to the generations of clergy and parishioners whose dedication and commitment have sustained its ministry and strengthened its place at the heart of the community.
“As St Mary's marks this significant anniversary, The King recognises all those who have contributed to the life of the parish over the centuries and helped shape its rich history.
“His Majesty sends his very best wishes for the celebrations and hopes they will be a source of pride and joy for the entire parish community.”
Celebrations for the quadricentennial anniversary were spread out across several weeks.
The Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, led a dedication service on September 13 that recognised the freed and enslaved Black people buried near the Rubber Tree, across from the Middle Road church.
The midafternoon service drew attention to segregated burial practices.
Musicians led by Robert Edwards later performed during a jazz service at the church on September 27.
The Most Reverend Philip Wright, Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies and Bishop of Belize, was invited to preach at the church’s rededication service.
• To read the full letter, see Related Media
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