1897 Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church

1897 Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church. . , A Gothic Revival style church built by Hannibal Badham Jr. a member of the famous Edenton Badham family of carpenters. , Notable contributors to Edenton's architectural heritage, revere such famous names as Joe Welcome (1774-1859) and three generations of the Badham Family of carpenters 1770-1930's. Their skill is evidenced in many historic buildings: such as Hayes Plantation House, St. Paul's Church, the Edenton Academy, John R. Page Masonic Lodge, and the Normal and Industrial School. Other examples include the 100 block of East Gale Street including the 1890 Badham House (above) and the craftsmen's most important landmarks: Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church and Parsonage. , A Brief History of the Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church , 1857 , The first African American congregation was established as part of the Methodist Sycamore Chapel, corner of Oakum and Church Sts. , 1870 , The congregation built their first church on E. Gale Street , a small wooden structure. , 1895 , Kadesh Church forefathers built The Edenton Normal and Industrial School. The school, a true center of learning, merged with Dinwiddie Institute in 1932. , 1897 , The dreams shared by this historic congregation came together when they reverently entered their new church, beautifully appointed with spacious seating for 400. , 2003 , Hurricane Isabel struck the stately Kadesh A.M.E. Church leaving it unsafe for use. Efforts to save and restore continue to this day. , Today , The Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church provided a vision of hope for its congregation and its community for nearly 150 years. This incredibly historic church must be saved and that vision kept alive., This self-guided museum trail is numbered for convenience. However participants can begin or end where desired., The Museum Trail Signs are presented by the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Edenton Woman’s Club. Special Thanks to Kip Shaw Photography and William Ahearn Arts.