THE FAMED KADESH STEEPLE RISES TALL

Many have contributed to Edenton’s founding foundation and it’s rich history includes a significant contribution by the African American community. One of the most beloved architectural structures in town is the Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church on Grace Street.  

It is one of Edenton’s most prized architectural buildings not only for its structural design, but for its provenance. Its endurance and resilience to overcoming mother nature’s challenges are symbolic to all those who realize Kadesh is more than a house of worship, it is sacred ground.  

Built in 1897 by enslaved carpenter, Hannibal Badham, it’s roots are deeply planted. The Badham family of carpenters were considered some of the most prominent builders in 19th century Edenton.  

However, not even Badham’s expert craftsmanship which stood for over 100 years could withstand the devastation caused by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The destruction was so monumental, the building was rendered unusable. Considered more of a‘sacred place’ than ever by its 300 congregants they joined together and rallied to raise the funds to restore their beautiful spiritual home.

Unable to raise enough funds from local events and donations, the Kadesh Church extended their net and received funds from the Sacred Place Foundation. A partnership  with the Historical Commission in 2019 proved monumental. In 2022 NC State Rep. Ed Goodwin championed the project and brought the largest influx of funds to complete the preservation project.  

“Ed Goodwin brought in so much money from the state, he saved the project,” said local historian Sam Dixon. “ When Ed Goodwin was able to secure funding from the North Carolina Legislature for the Kadesh project the resourceswere then available to begin and now complete the restoration to Kadesh church and to the parish house”.   

Sadie Riddick has been a parishioner since she was a little girl attending church with her grandmother. Riddick’s commitment to the church has led her to chair the restoration committee because it hurt her “to not see something being done.”  

“I’ll just be glad when we get back into Kadesh. I often say that I pray that God will allow me to live long enough to see that happen. I want to be able to walk down that aisle and into that choir box and sing one more time. I believe that if I can do that, I’ll be happy, and if God wants to take me that day, I’ll be satisfied,” said Riddick.

“This profound space is not only what some Kadesh members have expressed to be their true home, but it also stands as the most fundamental symbol of the success of Edenton’s community of freedmen. These individuals who were born into slavery built the Church as their oasis of rest and refuge on the road to the Promised Land, and we look forward to the day when the bell can be heard throughout town once more,” shared the Edenton Historical Commission.

Stabilization of the building was done by Edenton Construction Company and Down East Preservation is taking the lead on mechanicals and also recreating much of the interior woodwork.  

The cherished, irreplaceable Tiffany windows have now been restored, the outside scaffolding removed and the outer wall stands firm again. Work has begun to bring back the original handcrafted interior. Outstanding details hover inside as ceiling rafters reflect boat building ribbings showcasing Badham’s coastal experience. The designer also sloped the congregation’s floor so everyone has a clear view of the altar.   

Current activities have been focused on the 32 ft. spiral spire currently being construction. Once placed Kadesh will have a fitting place as the highest architectural point in Edenton.

It’s sweeping bucolic lawns slope from the crest of a knoll gracing the shore of Albemarle sound, Hayes Farm, is a 194 acre Farm with an expansive manor stepsacross Edenton’s Queen Anne Creek.  

Historical riches dot the countryside, however, Hayes Farm is an in towngem , the crown jewel of the town’s many historical treasure. Hayes is asignificant part of North Carolina's heritage and its lineage in American history.

In the late 18th centurythe property was settledby Samuel Johnston, who went on to become the fourth governor of North Carolina and a United States Senator.  

The main manor house is considered by architectural scholars to be “one of the South’s most accomplished examples of a five-part Palladian villa,”. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on November 7, 1973 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 26, 1974. Currently the property is owned by the State of North Carolina and is maintained and supported by the Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation with assistance from the Edenton Historical Commission and the Town of Edenton. The property has breathtaking views of the Albemarle Sound and also includes 28 structures throughout the property including six enslaved worker’s cottages which remain standing. Preservation is in progress on a number of structures and work activities are supported by local volunteers.   

“Having a place like Hayes that will provide recreational opportunities for the people of Edenton will add so much to life in this small town”. states preservationist Samual Dixon, “The Elizabeth VanMoore Foundation is grateful to those who stewarded Hayes in the past and those individuals who are helping make this project a success today.”

As preservation activities continue, this past September, Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation Board member Chris Bean oversaw the kitchen renewal which is an addition to the main house that John and Lelia Wood constructed in the 1950’s. Down East Preservation and Bean preserved and restored the existing cabinets and add beautiful soapstone countertops. The floors were refinished with wax after removing the old linoleum covering.

“The Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation is so grateful to be restoring Hayes for the nation,” Dixon continues. “Part of our stewardship includes caring for and acquiring those objects that help tell the fascinating story of Hayes and it's part in the birth of this nation.”  

The importance of the preservation movement in Edenton is rooted in the Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation.  Their mission is to maintain and preserve historical sites and buildings in Edenton, NC.  

The National Wreaths Across America Day, (NWAAD) is held the second Saturday in December. More than two million volunteers and supporters across the country, gather together to honor the fallen and those who served to protect our freedom. 

The goal of the the NWAAD is to remember, honor and teach others about those who put country before self.

The Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) commemorated the day by placing a wreath on the Edenton Veteran memorial on Saturday, December 14. The ceremony included a welcome message from Bonnie Henn, Regent; opening prayer and laying of the wreath by Brenda Kremser, retired Air Force; patriotic song selection by Rae Ohlert, retired Navy; benediction by Clara King, Chaplain and closing by Bonnie Henn, Regent. The commemorative service was also given at the Hertford Veteran Memorial following the Edenton ceremony.

The muralization of Edenton over the past two summers and the quality of the work turning brick into historic canvas has been one of town’s most applauded artistic accomplishments. The murals and artists creating them proved to be the highlight of local sidewalk chatter from visitors and locals. Afternoon walks were suddenly filled with daily artistic surprises around a few corners.  

This March, Edenton and the stunning murals may well be the talk of the state thanks to the recent efforts of the  GFWC Edenton’s Women’s Club.  

Earlier in the month you may have noticed a group of women dressed in ruffled gowns, hand knitted shawls, and delightful dresses signifying Edenton’s rich history.  

The women’s club group proceeded to stroll down Broad St. on their way to the mural gracing Surf, Wind and Fire’s King St. wall and then proceeded to the Chowan Arts Council building to pose in front of the Tea Pot mural and finally, to the Creswell building for the third photo shoot of the day under the Resolute mural.  

The staged photo shoots are part of the local women’s club initiative to participate in the NC GFWC  Annual State Arts Fair mural contest, which is held in March.  

Murals that highlight the local culture and display pride in their town’s history and traditions, as well as showcase local celebrities or figures prominent in the historical legacy of the community could be submitted in the contest. The Edenton’s Women’s Club has submitted the three accompanying photos for consideration in the contest. The winners will be announced on March 22, 2025.  

Matt Lively designed and created Edenton’s first public mural located on the side of the Chowan Arts Council building. The famed tea pot took center stage along with Lively’s personal touch of his renowned Beecycles. Lively then went on to create the interactive Bass catching mural, depicting Edenton’s waterfront on the Surf, Wind and fire building The larger than life mural project was designed to highlight local flora and fauna, and includes an interactive photo for anglers to “catch” a nine foot tall bass.  

Max Dowdle was commissioned to create Edenton’s third mural celebrating the historic 250 Year Tea Party Celebration. The mural was created on the side wall of the Creswell Furniture store building on Broad Street.  

“The Town of Edenton and Chowan Arts Council is thrilled to have had yet more amazing talent to complete Edenton’s third mural project. Max brought a huge part of Edenton’s history alive through his skill, brilliant colors, and the message of remembering the 51 brave women who signed legislature in 1774, creating the Edenton Tea Party. We are grateful to add him to the public art family here in Edenton,” said  Chowan Art Council Director Meredith Timberlake,  

Dowdle worked closely with community leaders in interpreting the 250 year Tea Party messaging. The goal of the mural was to remind both locals and visitors of the important significance this historic event created in Edenton 250 years ago.

“I am passionate about creative placemaking, which involves using art and design to revitalize public spaces and create more vibrant and inclusive communities. I believe that public art has the power to transform ordinary spaces into something extraordinary, to spark conversation and encourage reflection, and to bring people together in new and unexpected ways,” said the artist.

The murals will be judged at the State Arts Fair in March.