THE MIRACLE AT CONCORD
In Northampton County, north of Seaboard, NC., and very near the Virginia state line, stands a little white country church. The deed for this church is dated November 6, 1794 and registered December 10, 1795. We are not sure exactly when our building was built as the deed states that there was a building for public worship already standing on the grounds. 
There are many unanswered questions -we have no records of the first hundred years. When was the church organized? How was the name CONCORD selected? Is this the original building? We have been told that the construction underneath is of that time period. Were the altar, pulpit and chairs here from the beginning? 
The generation that has now passed on used to tell of the crowds that came to the all day meetings with dinner on the grounds under the large oaks. The older generation now remember Children’s Day when all the children were dressed in white and marched into the church to say their "pieces". And the Christmas programs, with a tall Christmas tree that reached the ceiling, and Santa coming in with gifts for all the children; the Easter Egg hunt and the week of revival every August. 
As we entered the 20th Century the old building remained just the same, with a large pot-belly stove, kerosene lamps by the windows and unpainted wood trim and floor. The floor is made of wide pine boards with no sub-flooring. There were places where the wood knots had fallen out and the earth below could be seen: And an old out-house stood out back. 
During the 3O's the old organ was replaced by a piano. The choir floor was raised and chairs purchased for that area. In the fifties, electric lights replaced the oil lamps and gas replaced the wood burning stove. In 1984, with the help of good friends, we carpeted the floor and covered those holes where the cold air came in: We also recovered the pulpit chairs and made new curtains. In October of 1994 there was a great 200th Anniversary celebration. Our pastor, Rev. Hunter Preston, and District Superintendent Thomas Loftis came dressed as Circuit Riders and riding on horses.  A band played hymns outside and after the service, din the grounds under the old oak trees. 
Around that time, with about $15,000 saved, the idea of building a classroom for the children and indoor restrooms was discussed.  Perhaps we could get a small mobile home or build a small building.  Pastor Hunter had a vision! When he brought in the 30 by 60 foot floor plan, which even included a kitchen, we were skeptical. How could we build that with our small savings?  Well, we decided to build what we could and not go in debt; then finish as we could get the money. A friend of the pastor had drawn up the blueprints without charge. A friend of the church offered to do the foundation. Others sent money when they heard of our plans or volunteered to come and work. An electrician volunteered all the electrical work. And our pastor worked constantly, day and night. One night he was working alone and locked his keys in the building as he came out to go home near midnight. So he had to walk home, around three miles!
As we planned for our Homecoming in October of 1997, things were indeed going well. We purchased tables and expected to borrow chairs for our dinner, when on the day before the occasion 60 chairs were delivered to us, free! Since that time cabinets have been installed in the kitchen. 
Our building has been insured for nearly $90,000, and we have no debt. This is truly a miracle. 
On May 3rd, there was a Dedication Service and the building was named Asbury Hall, as Asbury was a guest here sometime around 1800. At this service we were again honored by the presence of our Bishop, Marion Edwards, along with Dist. Superintendent Thomas Loftis, former Pastor Hunter Preston, Retired Ministers Hank Wilkinson, C.M. Mitchel and Daniel Bowman, and Lay Speaker Lee Taylor. 
We invite you to come and visit our 1790's building and our 1990's building as they stand side by side on this historic spot.