Wesley Mission celebrates bicentenary of Methodism in Australia Special

Sydney - At Martin Place a Salvation Army band played and there was a theatrical production reenacting the first Methodists in Sydney, Australia some 200 years prior, before a march through the centre of Sydney to the State Theatre where a service was held.

In Martin Place before the start of the procession, three actors told the story of Edward Eagar, Thomas Bowden and John Hosking, who held the first Methodist meeting in Australia in 1812. The service was attended by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, Federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek MP, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney Councillor Robert Kok. During the service Rev Dr Keith V Garner, who is the Superintendent and CEO of Wesley Mission spoke about the importance to the organisation of its Christian foundations. He expressed concern at the ‘buy now, pay later’ society and spoke about mental health, how it could affect any of us and the stigma attached it. He highlighted the problems of the abuse of alcohol such as that witnessed in the Kings Cross area of Sydney. There was a celebratory cake to mark the bicentenary. Singer Silvie Paladino gave a moving rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’. More images of the event can be seen here.

Richard Milnes

A theatrical reenactment of the first Methodists in Sydney, Australia in 1812.

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Richard Milnes

The Sydney town crier at Martin Place announcing the procedings.

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Richard Milnes

The march from Martin Place to the State Theatre is about to leave.

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Richard Milnes

Rev Dr Keith V Garner Superintendent/CEO of Wesley Mission leading the march from Martin Place to the State Theatre along Pitt Street.

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Richard Milnes

Service in the State Theatre

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Richard Milnes

Rev Dr Keith V Garner Superintendent/CEO of Wesley Mission.

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Richard Milnes

There was a celebratory cake to mark the bicentenary.

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