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The Fayette County Record
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Published 8 months ago
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The Spirit Is Alive and Well at Bethlehem AME in Cozy Corner

By Andy Behlen
  • Rev. Leo Vaughns Jr. of Fort Worth, who has deep family roots in Cozy Corner, leads the services at Bethlehem AME every fourth Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. Photos by Andy Behlen
    Rev. Leo Vaughns Jr. of Fort Worth, who has deep family roots in Cozy Corner, leads the services at Bethlehem AME every fourth Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. Photos by Andy Behlen
  • The wall behind the pulpit at Bethlehem AME features a mural depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River.
    The wall behind the pulpit at Bethlehem AME features a mural depicting John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River.
  • Rev. Leo Vaughns Jr. along with percussionist Dietrick Benson (pictured above) moved the congregation with their musical gifts.
    Rev. Leo Vaughns Jr. along with percussionist Dietrick Benson (pictured above) moved the congregation with their musical gifts.
  • Walter Culberson grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the congregation last Saturday afternoon.
    Walter Culberson grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the congregation last Saturday afternoon.
  • Tucked back in a grove of trees, the historic Bethlehem AME Church has ministered to the African American community of Cozy Corner for 151 years.
    Tucked back in a grove of trees, the historic Bethlehem AME Church has ministered to the African American community of Cozy Corner for 151 years.

Even 151 Years After the Church’s Founding ...

The program for the service at Bethlehem AME Church in Cozy Corner on Saturday, Sept. 20, said “Special Guest: The Holy Spirit.” They weren’t kidding.

The congregation at the little country church has shrunk in recent years as young people have moved away for opportunity elsewhere. But a group of dedicated members refuse to let this historic house of worship die. Lately, the church has held services on the fourth Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. under the direction of Rev. Leo Vaughns Jr. of Fort Worth.

Rev. Vaughns, an incredibly gifted musician, has strong local ties. His mother, the late Vivian Dobbins Vaughns, grew up in Cozy Corner. She’s buried in the cemetery just outside the church, and the service on Saturday celebrated her birthday. Vaughn’s grandmother was the Sunday school superintendent.

Rev. Vaughns on the keyboard, along with percussionist Dietrick Benson, led a moving service last Saturday. They had everyone on their feet, singing praise to the Lord. Afterwards, Walter Culberson grilled hamburgers for a picnic on the church grounds.

Evon Carter, one of the leaders of the small congregation, spoke about the Church’s long history in the Cozy Corner community. It started back in 1874, less than a decade after the end of the Civil War. Last year the church celebrated its 150th anniversary. Many veterans are buried in the Church cemetery.

Carter invites everyone to come out and worship at Bethlehem AME on the fourth Saturday of every month at 1 p.m.

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