A spirit of brotherhood with all men, a methodical way in which you conduct your life, and a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ: these are the ingredients that have sustained the members at the recently re-named Centenary United Methodist Church.

Although she has only been ministering there for three years, the Rev. Laurie Pierce Tingley and her congregation are excited to celebrate the 170th anniversary of their church. "Methodism has been at the forefront of correcting social ills in Bermuda," she says, and indeed, the church has a long history of reaching out to all races and social classes.

When Methodism first reached Bermuda in 1748, the earliest preacher found himself ministering in open fields as well as the homes of prominent citizens, rather than a pulpit. In 1799, another minister was jailed for preaching to slaves, but continued to do so out of his jail cell window.

The true founder of the Methodist Church in Bermuda was Rev. Joshua Marsden, who arrived in 1808.

Throughout his four-year stay, he spearheaded the removal of many social barriers and injustices. It was his growing popularity that led to the construction of Zion Church in Hamilton, completed in 1810.

It was the first Methodist Church built in the city, and the only one for the next 35 years. When he left Bermuda in 1812, there were active Methodist Classes in St. George's, Bailey's Bay, Brackish Pond, Heron's Bay and Somerset.

In 1834, when slavery was abolished in Bermuda, many of the former slaves flocked to these preaching places conducted by Methodists.

Today the church at the corner of Collector's Hill has a small worship attendance (only 40 members,) but this doesn't seem to bother Rev. Laurie in the slightest.

"The Lord had 12," she laughs, but then adds, "These people are so in love with God and so gracious. They are excited to be in this community and proud of their heritage, so 40's great!"

Formerly known as the Wesleyan Centenary Chapel, they were officially welcomed into the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church in June of 2008. Now they are one of two churches that are officially members of the United Methodist Church. The guest speaker for the celebratory service will be District Superintendent of the Baltimore Conference, the Rev. David Argo.

In addition to celebrating their history, the church will be dedicating their new organ as well as a carillon system.

Rev. Laurie notes that were it not for the many generous community and church members that donated to the cause, these items would not be possible. Now they are one of only four churches in Bermuda with a carillon system.

To fully appreciate the new bell system, the service will start at 11 a.m. outside on the corner of Collector's Hill and South Shore Road. Well-known organist Adrian Ridgway will be playing with Allastair Johnson on piano.

In addition, the celebration singers and children's choir will be performing. Lunch will be served after the service.

In the words of Rev. Laurie, "This is an amazing celebration, but really every Sunday in a celebration. We should always acknowledge God as the source of all gifts."