Nationally the United Campus Christian Fellowship (UCCF) resulted from a merger of the college student programs of four protestant denominations: The United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., the International Convention of Christian Churches, the United Church of Christ, and the Evangelical United Brethren. At New Mexico State University, the University Westminister Fellowship and the Disciple Student Fellowship cooperated in carrying out the work of the UCCF.
In 1966, the UCCF at New Mexico State formed a United Campus Ministry (UCM) and as part of its joint mission established "The Hut." "The Hut" served as a gathering place for poetry readings, open forums, cultural programs, folk festivals, play reading, and art shows. Faculty members used "The Hut" as a place for discussions not normally acceptable in class rooms. Issues including the war in Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, and the anti-establishment feelings of the time were discussed at "The Hut." These activities and the involvement of UCM minister Jim Neilsen in the protest against compulsory R.O.T.C. at NMSU caused ill feeling between the university administration and "The Hut."
Eventually, the administration with local church support succeeded in closing "The Hut." Although there was an angry reaction and a vigorous campaign to save "The Hut" waged by the underground press and campus activists, the various organizations involved in the venture gradually withdrew support and the UCCF ceased to be a vocal part of the NMSU community.
From the guide to the United Campus Christian Fellowship at New Mexico State University Records, 1966-1972, (Archives and Special Collections, New Mexico State University Library)
