History

The History of the United Student Fellowship

The United Student Fellowship existed for nearly 30 years and has amassed hundreds of members/participants. It's history can be divided into 5 distinct periods.

Pre-Leadership Years

Prior to the mid-70s, Black North Carolina State University students, who were concerned about spiritual enrichment, attended church off-campus. During this time, almost every other major Christian denomination had a ministry representation on the campus yet there was nothing inclusive or comfortable for black students. They were going to several churches in the Raleigh area. Many students who didn’t have transportation to those churches decided to start gathering on campus in early 1976 at the cultural center on Dan Allen Drive. This was the center that housed the key activities that black students participated in such as fraternity and sorority meetings and gatherings, as well as black student board meetings and bible studies. The students went to the discos that were held in the cultural center on Saturday nights and then reset the center up for church on Sunday mornings. Out of several students’ desire for their own ministry, the Black Student Fellowship was formed in 1975 as a student organization with Larry Campbell as the Faculty Advisor. Some of the
original students that came together to start the Black Student Fellowship were Sheila Thigpen, Princess Thompson Hall, James Stowe, Lillian Horne, Gentry Smith, Paula Smith and Mickey Co􀆩on. Rev. Henry Pickett was one of the community ministers that agreed to assist the BSF and he made himself available for Sunday services. Rev. Delmar Harris followed Rev. Pickett in leading the worship services held on campus. A group of students, who liked to sing gospel music, got together and formed a choir to enhance the services. This choir eventually became the New Horizons Choir and a portion of New Horizons members would provide the music for the Black Student Fellowship Sunday services. A short time later the name was changed to United Students Fellowship (USF) to make it inclusive for people of all races.

The Reverend Herbert Sneed Years
Reverend Herbert Sneed had preached his ini􀆟al sermon in July of 1976. Shortly therea􀅌er he received a call from someone affiliated with the University’s administra􀆟on saying that a student/minister was needed to promote unity and Spread the Gospel to all who would listen. Reverend Sneed came to NCSU in September of 1976 to just plainly declare the Word
of God to the organization. Understanding the nature of the times, with our entire nation dealing with issues of civil rights, and black power movements, NCSU was a place where there was a challenge for unity. Being in the same city with two HBCUs, St. Augustine's College and Shaw University, misjudged stereotypes of being be􀆩er was in play against the black students of NCSU. It was suggested by Reverend Sneed that one way to promote unity and stop these misjudgments was to let students worship together. Initially there was a lot of inter-campus fellowshipping between NCSU, St. Augustine's, Shaw and UNC Chapel Hill. As the United Student Fellowship membership grew and individual campuses focused on the needs of their respective campuses and students, the inter-campus fellowshipping became less frequent while recognizing we are all part of the same belief in that we are ONE body of believers. Reverend Sneed led the fellowship for 5 years from 1976 to 1981.

The Reverend Dr. Shelton Murphy Years
Pastor Shelton Murphy served as Campus Pastor for the United Student Fellowship, NC State University, Raleigh, N.C. from 1981 – 1993. Under his leadership, USF flourished. The membership expanded beyond the walls of the Cultural Center and many opportuni􀆟es for those desiring a deeper rela􀆟onship with the Lord were offered. Pamela Banks-Lee was a graduate student who began working alongside “Pastor Shelton” in campus ministry when she returned to NCSU to pursue a doctoral degree in 1984. Under Pastor Murphy’s leadership, Dr. Pam Banks-Lee began teaching new believers Bible studies, then general Bible study, and delivering the Sunday morning message. She accepted her call to ministry in February 1984. Reginald Stepney served as a minister in the United Student Fellowship Campus Ministry at North Carolina State University assisting Pastor Murphy from 1981 to 1992 and was ordained as an Elder in 1992. Pastor Murphy received his Master and Doctoral Degrees in Divinity while serving as pastor of the United Student Fellowship. In addition to the Sunday morning worship service that used to be held in Price Music Center, Tract Fairs, Sunday School, Basic Studies for a Firm Foundation, dormitory Bible Studies, Women and Men Fellowships and the Discipleship Team were now a part of the USF Ministry.

The Reverend Dr. Reginald Stepney Years

Pastor Reginald Stepney, a native of New York City, New York, was licensed to minister the gospel on June 21, 1981. In 1993, Pastor Reginald Stepney became the new pastor of the United Student Fellowship. Pastor Stepney’s vision was for all to see USF as a training ground and a place of healing and deliverance. His mo􀆩o was, “Membership has its’ privileges - that is, membership in the body of Christ.” The established ministry outlets as well as service projects involving the students and communities continued under Pastor Stepney’s leadership, services were moved to the Witherspoon Center as membership continually increased. Pastor Stepney was also supported by assistant pastor, Dr. Pamela Banks-Lee, the Executive Board, ministries and a host of other auxiliary leaders. Pastor Stepney served as pastor of the USF for 7 years from 1993 to 2000.

 Post-Leadership Years

In the summer of 2001 after it was determined that a church was to be birthed, the Lord lead Pastor
Stepney and the current USF leader to hold a special Transitions Service and to anoint those who would form the new USF executive team. Among those who volunteered to take the reins of leadership were Toby Crandall (who served as president), Tasha Filinger (vice president), Tiffany Cogdell (secretary), Capers Johnson (treasurer), and Margaret Hargrett (historian).

With much prayer and courage, the new team quickly moved out on building a calendar of activities for    the NC State community and focused on developing strategies for growth. In keeping with the USF tradition, the organization maintained the yearly Back to School Bash, Fall Talent Show, Beach Retreats and the Spring Banquet.

The ministry was continuously supported spiritually and financially during those days by the Fulfilled Promise Tabernacle family. Tom Adkins, Todd Waldo, and Vigil Moore were appointed as spiritual leaders in succession. Along with these, many other ministers delivered powerful messages that turned lives around and challenged students to commit to a true walk with God. Only heaven can tell of the true impact that   was made through the tireless efforts of Dr. Pam Banks-Lee who remained on as the University Faculty   Advisor; Christopher Butler who developed the Choir and Praise Team; and Dempsey and Roselle Bond, spiritual god-parents to the newly reformed fellowship. In subsequent years, the organization was well served to have the following individuals as presidents Lorenzo A. Watson, Anesha Felton, and Rhonda Stalling.

Under new leadership the Sunday Morning service time changed to an evening event called Sunday Night Live! The change drew in a different student demographic and nontraditional Sunday worshipers, however the organization’s goal remained clear: Be a spiritual beacon on campus, while reaching souls for Jesus Christ. The final gathering of the United Student Fellowship occurred in the Spring of 2005 at the conclusion of Sunday fellowship dinner.

Several USF Reunions have been held prior to the July 17-19, 2015 date: 2005 at NCSU, 2008 at Mt. Gilead Bap􀆟st Church, Norfolk, VA and 2012 at Fulfilled Promise Tabernacle, Raleigh, NC.

This is the first time an alumni reunion for all the years, 1975 through 2005 has been planned.