CCM History

Cameron’s Growth Sparks a New Ministry

Cameron Campus Ministry began without a building but as an idea to befriend the growing campus of Cameron College. The leaders believed that searching for truth was valid whether within the life or faith or in the college classroom. A healthy dialogue would prosper both the church and the academic setting. The landscape of rapid cultural changes of the ‘60s reached the college generation. It was not the time to abandon the dialogue happening across America.

Beginnings: March 24, 1968

CCM’s first off-campus office/student center was located at 2614 SW B Avenue. Our first Campus Minister, Rev. Phil Jones, and his spouse and two children resided at that same address. Phil was an ordained United Methodist Pastor who had previously served three United Methodist congregations. He was on the Cameron campus each morning until noon and then continued to meet with students at the campus ministry office.

Early student gatherings took place in the pastor’s home and at the Cameron College student union. Programming consisted of biblical studies, spiritual and personal growth, and hearing students concerns about the troubling world events that surrounded their lives. The war in Vietnam was raging and students were fearful of what laid before them. One-on-one counseling between many students and our campus minister happened frequently.

Development: 1968-1973

Engaging the campus was the early focus of the ministry. Half the time was committed to getting to know the campus. The other half was spent in developing a strong Board to sustain the ministry. Though the churches were generous, the budget needed to sustain the ministry required the board and staff to develop the annual fundraising programs. One example was the "I was one of 71” annual campaign. In 1971 the board sought 71 individuals to help solicit and financially support the growing CCM program. Those who led and contributed were given bright pink T-shirts with the campaign slogan. Bright T-shirts were proudly worn and visible across the community and southwest Oklahoma. A number of Cameron faculty and students helped keep the ministry growing and financially healthy.

Between 1969 and 1970 CCM operated a coffee house on SW Cornell named “The IF”, a shortened version of Inter Faith. The menu at The IF consisted of poetry, music, popcorn, sodas, green limeade “Potion Green”, red lemonade “Passion Red”, coffee, and cappuccino. The décor was black interior walls and “black lights”.