Applause filled Baugh Auditorium on Thursday as Campus Minister Scott Young interviewed Bud McFarland, who was amongst the first class of Central Christian College in 1950.
At the time of his enrollment, Oklahoma Christian University was known as Central Christian College, and it was located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. McFarland graduated from Will Rogers High School located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Although McFarland’s sister, Barabara, originally attended Florida Christian University, after just one year, she decided to transfer to Central Christian College. McFarland thought it best to follow his older sister to Bartlesville.
“Barbara McFarland, we called her Tika. So, I got sucked in: my sister Tika had been through Florida Christian, and because my sister was going to Bartlesville to be in college, I went with her,” McFarland said.
There, Barabara met a friend named Sarah. After Bud and Sarah met, they fell in love and became the first couple of Oklahoma Christian University.
Sarah went on to be a part of the first graduating class of Oklahoma Christian. She was one out of seven.
While in college, McFarland participated in many activities. He and three friends started a quartet called the “The Nosy Four.” With big glasses and fake noses, their friendship grew from the musical group to become one that would last a lifetime.
“‘The Nosy Four’ was the first group to ever sing “Hail to Oklahoma Christian” on a sheet of paper with handwritten notes,” Young said.
Harold Fletcher, the writer of the school’s alma mater, and his wife, Mary Helen, played a big role in McFarland’s life.
“Harold Fletcher had a great impact on my life. He was a Godly, great guy. He, as you all know, wrote the alma mater song. He and his wife, Mary Helen, took a great interest in me and helped me in lots of ways,” McFarland said.
Young asked McFarland what rules and restrictions were present during his college years.
“Well, of course, there were lots of rules. Of course, all the girls wore dresses, there were no slacks or anything. There was no touching, no holding hands. The campus in Bartlesville was several miles from the city of Bartlesville so dating was difficult. There were only two cars on campus, so we ran out of stuff there,” McFarland said.
McFarland shared some advice for current Oklahoma Christian students.
“Be passionate with your studies. Study hard. Get involved with the activities that are available to you here. Prove your faith in God while you are here. There will be many opportunities for attending classes and learning more about God’s word. Looking back on my life, the Holy Spirit has pushed me along and taken care of me all these years and will to you too, so grow your faith, get involved, make friends and love the Lord,” McFarland said.
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