St. Ann Church in Edenton has taken a significant step in preserving its rich history with the restoration of its original wooden doors, which date back to the mid-1850s. Thanks to the leadership of local councilman and parishioner Bob Kirby, along with the craftsmanship of Down East Preservation, the doors have been carefully returned to their original splendor.
The wooden doors, constructed using the mortise and tenon technique, have stood as a gateway to worship for over 165 years. Down East Preservation, a local restoration specialist, emphasized the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of the structure.
“Anything other than restoring them would have been a grave disservice,” said representatives from the company when they were orginally approached about the project.
As part of the recent refurbishing effort, years of paint and plaster were removed from both the original doors and original bricks of the church entranceway. Down East Preservation also sourced and installed a period-appropriate light fixture to replace the more modern motion-sensor lights that had been added in recent years. This new addition further enhances the historical authenticity of the church’s entryway.
Inside the entryway, original field-fired clay bricks, another relic from the mid-19th century, were also restored and preserved. Unlike modern bricks, these softer, hand-fired bricks require careful maintenance to avoid damage. Experts warn that plastering or painting over them can trap moisture and lead to structural issues. Unfortunately, very well-intended but misguided painting and plastering over the years had the unintended effect of redirecting moisture, eventually causing more significant water damage around the base of the church’s foundation.
During the blessing ceremony for the newly restored doors, St. Ann’s pastor Father Jairo Maldonado reflected on the deeper meaning of the doors to the church.
“These are more than physical doors. What they mean is that you are entering God’s house. We’re invited to come here and receive the gift of Jesus, who came to love you, to die for you, and to save you,” he explained.
Father Jairo reflected that the meaning of “doors” is especially poignant in this Jubilee Year, during which passing through Holy Doors is such a significant symbol of faith, sanctuary, and divine invitation. While “Holy Doors” during this Jubilee Year cannot be officially designated anywhere outside of Rome, the idea of doors representing spiritual welcoming and refuge has important, global symbolism. Father Jairo referenced an example from his native Colombia in which a monastery bears an inscription above its chapel doors that reads: ‘Go through these doors and let yourself be loved.’
The restoration of the St. Ann Church doors not only preserves an important piece of local history but also reaffirms the church’s role as a place of worship and community. Thanks to the dedication of local leaders and skilled artisans, these doors will continue to welcome generations of parishioners for years to come.
Photos
