130 years of bermuda ceremony. people and dignitaries on steps of city hall

130 Years of Faith, Service and Hope

Posted on

September 29, 2026

by Bermuda

Categories:

The Salvation Army in Bermuda is celebrating 130 years of faith, service and hope (1896-2026) in the city of Hamilton, Bermuda—honouring a remarkable legacy while looking ahead to the next chapter.

At a special gathering at Hamilton City Hall, Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, Territorial Leaders, reflected on the courage and “holy endurance” of the early Salvationists who began the Army’s ministry in Bermuda in 1896, often in the face of opposition.

Today, that legacy continues. During the anniversary celebrations, Commissioner Lee Graves visited the Harbour Light and West End Community Church (visiting Jamel Bean, the first Envoy appointed there), connecting with mission partners and seeing firsthand how The Salvation Army continues to share the love of Jesus and serve people across Bermuda. Leading the tour of Harbour Light was 28-year employee Chandra-Lee Bascome Assistant Executive Director for Social Missions and Major Mervyn Halvorsen newly appointed Executive Director of Community Services, which oversees the Harbour Light program, the emergency and transitional housing shelter and emergency disaster services.

The City Hall proclamation on Friday, September 25, 2026 brought together community leaders and dignitaries, including Town Crier Ed Christopher, Mayor Michael Branco, His Excellency the Governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, MP Tinee Furbert, former Mayor Charles Gosling, The Salvation Army Bermuda Area Commander Captain Alfred Esdaille, Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, and music from The Salvation Army 130^th Anniversary Band, who recognised The Salvation Army’s longstanding contribution to Bermuda’s social and spiritual life.

The anniversary is more than a look back—it is a celebration of the people who have carried the mission forward and a reminder of the work that continues today. Looking to the future, Commissioner Graves shared a message of hope: “We look forward to the next chapter, the next 130 years, serving the island of Bermuda with that same underlying encouraging and holy endurance.” With gratitude for those who have gone before us and faith for what lies ahead, The Salvation Army in Bermuda celebrates 130 years—and looks forward to all that God will continue to do.