The Legacy of
Apostle Eddie Vaughn
From Vision to Victory

“ . . . Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
On Monday, August 20, 2012 at 4:28 PM, God transitioned the Honorable Apostle Eddie Vaughn, a great man of God, spiritual strength and compassion - from his earthly home to his home in glory.
Emerging from an obscure and humble beginning in the small town of Palmers Crossing, Mississippi, Apostle Vaughn was born February 28, 1921. The third eldest of ten children, he was able to complete his education, shortly afterwards, in 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army. While serving his country and at home on leave he asked his childhood sweetheart, Beatrice Williams to become his bride. With her wholesome charm and loving heart she accepted his love and they were married August 31, 1940 - that lasted 71 years.

“ . . . whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
In 1945, a few years after marriage, Apostle Vaughn received an honorable discharge from the service and he and his wife moved to Columbia, South Carolina. There they met Deacon Thomas, a devoted member of the House of Prayer. Deacon Thomas proved to be a strong and supporting force in their spiritual and natural lives. So much so, that Apostle Vaughn and Missionary Vaughn joined the House of Prayer in 1946. They were blessed and felt honored to meet Daddy Grace in Columbia, South Carolina. There Daddy Grace asked Missionary Vaughn where her husband was and she stated he was in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Daddy Grace instructed her to go and get her husband. She was obedient and immediately went to Boston, upon her arrival; she phoned Apostle Vaughn letting him know that she was in Boston and wanted him to come to her. He too received the spirit of obedience and did go to her. They remained in Boston for approximately two weeks looking for a House of Prayer. But was not able to find one and discussed where they should go from there. With a choice between the cities of Cleveland, Ohio and Jamaica, New York., the decision prevailed for them to move to Jamaica, New York in 1947.

Their decision to start a second House of Prayer in 1955 came through the direction and with the blessings of Sweet Daddy Grace, appointing Apostle Vaughn as the Pastor. Advancing God’s word through teaching and kingdom building became their purposeful direction. 1955 was also a remarkable year as they began their business when they opened the “Town Café”; it grew to become the third largest restaurant in Jamaica, New York.

1958 they added and successfully operated three furniture stores and a moving business. They hired many persons inclusive of nephews and other relatives, one young man in particular by the name of Roy Witherspoon, a seventeen year old who worked for and with these Christian entrepreneurs, who were also the first Black Business Owners in Jamaica, New York. Over the next twenty years, Apostle Vaughn and Missionary Vaughn were truly kingdom builders as they built and financially supported House of Prayers in various cities across the states: Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati and Dustin, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; St. Louis, Missouri; Buffalo, Jamaica, Long Beach, and Rockaway, New York.

A man of integrity and wisdom, Apostle Vaughn continued to seek God for ways to help to build the kingdom. Apostle Vaughn has been a mentor, role model, example and father-figure for brothers, sisters, members, nieces, nephews and many others. An honorable and upright Man of God, his character was consistent with his life and living. Apostle Vaughn was so loved because of his biblical teaching: faithfulness to God, discipline in fasting, develop good work ethics, be diligent in business, and how to be a good husband. A devoted husband Apostle Vaughn loved his family. Over twenty years what he preached in the pulpit he also preached and practiced in his home. Apostle Vaughn encouraged his wife to follow her God given purpose.

Missionary Vaughn in 1962 became a national missionary. In 1964 she participated in the Mid-West States tour with Sweet Daddy McCollum. Missionary Beatrice Vaughn will continue her work in the communities of New York and with God with continue the works of kingdom building.
On Friday, August 31, 2012 would have marked the Seventy Second Wedding Anniversary of Apostle Eddie and Missionary Beatrice Vaughn; although, he is no longer of this earth, they will celebrate in a united spirit.

He is preceded in death by his parents—Mr. Lorenzo Sr. & Irene (Moody) Vaughn of Laurel, MS.; four brothers: Luther (Carrie) Vaughn of Laurel, MS., Early (Louise) Vaughn of Laurel, MS.; Lee (Evelyn) Vaughn of Jamaica, New York; and Lorenzo Vaughn Jr. of Jamaica, New York; three sisters Rosie Lee Vaughn of Palmers Crossing, MS.; Jessie Vaughn (Andrew)-Cotton of Joliet, IL.;, and Helen Vaughn-(Eddie L. )Clayton of Columbus, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his widow, Missionary Beatrice Williams-Vaughn; two sisters Bernice Vaughn-Clayton of Springfield, Illinois, and Marie Vaughn-Durr of Laurel, Mississippi. His sister-in-law, Brenda Vaughn-McIntosh, loving nephew, Victor (Yolanda) Vaughn, niece Monica (Jeffery) Vaughn-Moore all of New York; and sister-in-law Percy Q Williams all of New York. A host of cousins, nephews and nieces; grand and great grand nephews and nieces and other relatives through the world.

Lovingly Submitted
The Family

Affiliations

Army
Army
US Army
WWII Victory Medal