Restoration is underway at Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church in Edenton.
Kadesh was constructed in 1897 by Hannibal Badham Jr., a church member and member of a family of skilled African American craftsmen in the Edenton community. Since that time, the building has served as a place of rest and refuge for travelers as well as a beacon for faith and education in the community. In 2003 the building was heavily damaged and rendered unusable from the wrath of Hurricane Isabel. Over time the Kadesh congregation rallied the Edenton community to restore the beloved building, and was awarded a matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Spaces to stabilize the structure. In 2020 we partnered with the congregation, the Kadesh Restoration Committee and the Edenton Historical Commission to kick off the project.
Phase 1 of the restoration plan will provide permanent stabilization for the structure and repair the building envelope with a new roof. A later phase of work will focus on interior restoration of the building to include new plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems. Recent work includes repairs made to the choir wing, mezzanine and balcony, new footings and infill wall around the perimeter, and new steel channel installation on the interior of the building. One particularly exciting update - restoration on the original stained and colored glass windows will soon begin!
A quote from the Kadesh Church Restoration website highlighting the importance of this Edenton neighborhood as well as the church specifically:
“The East Gale Neighborhood contains a collection of incredibly significant African American architecture and has been a cornerstone of the African American community since the Town’s colonial beginnings. This wealth of architecture and cultural history is most reflected in Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church. The Town of Edenton is hopeful that by being a part of its North Oakum Neighborhood Redevelopment Zone, East Gale Street will once again be a vibrant neighborhood with its historic church and homes rehabilitated and occupied by families and community leaders.”
Swipe to see some of the restoration progress as well as a few pre-restoration photos.
