Thousands to join in bicentenary celebrations in the heart of Sydney

Wesley Mission is celebrating 200 years of the Methodist faith in Australia with two major public events in Sydney on Sunday July 15.

Thousands are expected to attend the events on the streets of Sydney and at the State Theatre.

Mark Scott, a senior Officer of Wesley Mission and Managing Director of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, will join Wesley Mission Superintendent the Rev. Dr Keith Garner in hosting the event, with contributions by the Hon Barry O’Farrell, Premier of New South Wales, and the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Health.

The service, Celebrate 200, will also feature a multimedia presentation, drama and a performance by acclaimed Australian singer and entertainer Silvie Paladino, who has performed in senior roles in Miss Saigon, Cats and Les Miserables.

The service will be preceded by a procession — a March of Witness — from Martin Place to the State Theatre beginning at 2.15 pm.

Those taking part will include Wesley Mission staff, church and community leaders, volunteers and supporters. A re-enactment of one of the first meetings of Methodists will be conducted on stage at the Martin Place Amphitheatre prior to the march.

For media wishing to attend the event at Martin Place and the march from Martin Place to Market Street via Pitt Street, please assemble at the Martin Place Amphitheatre no later than 2 pm.

The event at the State Theatre begins at 2.40 pm.

The significant community work Wesley Mission is known for today has its roots in the pioneering care begun by the first Methodists in Sydney in 1812.

In the ensuing years they initiated many of the welfare services we know today in areas such as aged care, homelessness and family services.

Today Wesley Mission is one of Australia’s largest church charities with more than 2,000 staff and 3,000 volunteers, and over 150 programs of care.

It is also Australia’s largest Uniting Church parish with more than 2,000 worshippers.