Miami Quarterly

Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Feature

The Worship Place

Lights On Campus is a non-profit organization funded by the various local religious denominations who make use of the multi-purpose building and are associated with progressive Christianity-an ecumenical faith. Although religiously-based, Lights On Campus is based upon inclusiveness and discovery, dedicated to bringing people of all faiths and backgrounds together.

"Our ministry is to be here where people can come and practice their ministry," says Reverend Harry Bolen, advisor and executive director of Lights On Campus.

It seems they're meeting this goal, as at least 250 people pass through the building every week. The roster of organizations and faiths that use the building include, but is not limited to: Alcoholics Anonymous, a Quaker circle, Muslims, Kappa Phi, Gamma Epsilon Lambda, Spectrum Bible Study, Oxford People for Ecology and Miami Grads Bible Study.

Historical Significance

Lights On Campus' home was built in 1830. Since then, it has remained literally grounded in Miami's history. The building's original joists (i.e. support beams) remain, still covered with bark. The basement stairwell is tagged with 1960s era graffiti.

Atop one basement wall is a small crawl space. According to Director Bolen, the house was a stop point on the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves would use the basement as a hideout and use the crawl space to get further out of sight. However, while Miami assistant archivist Valerie Elliot says that while many of Oxford's older homes have been part of the Underground Railroad, few have actually been proven to be stop points. Even so, imagining their courageous escapes makes the basement a kind of hallowed ground.

Events

At Lights On Campus, everyone is welcome. Those involved in Lights On Campus meet at the building for weekly get-togethers, holiday festivities, trip and special events (like last November's spa night, for example). This is made possible by the work of two Miami student interns - fifth-year senior Roy Eikleberry and junior Kate Mathers. Director Bolen, along with a student leadership board, are available for guidance and support, but the interns are responsible for getting the job done. Though they spend numerous hours cooking, cleaning, preparing and planning events, Lights on Campus has been an enlightening escape from the greater Miami campus for both Eikleberry and Mathers.

For Mathers, it is her home away from home. "I consider it a special place," says Mathers. "Everyone can just be themselves. Different groups often combine to do things together. Jewish, Christian, Muslim religions all preach the same things. People think we are so different when we are really so similar," says Mathers.

As a gay person of faith, Eikleberry has found direction and purpose from his experiences at Lights on Campus.

"This organization helped me figure out who I was," says Eikleberry. "For years I've been really distraught about my sexuality and faith. Talking with the people here helped me see that I can be a Christian and I can be gay. I feel a calling to be someone to spread that message. My mission is to help people figure out their own faith. We can't let others determine what we do in life, but we have to allow God to help us determine what is right."

Organic Food and Word
Every Friday afternoon at Lights On Campus is "Food for Thought." During the lunch, Mathers, Eikleberry and a motley crew of helpers make lunch for anyone who wants it. A mixture of up to 20 students, faculty and Oxford residents come for the free meal and good conversation. The food is always totally organic, and gluten free. Frequently, a speaker comes in to talk to the group. A favorite item is the potato soup.

One frequent Food for Thought attendant is Oxford resident Jane Strippel, who has been an active part of many of the organizations that have used the building over the years. She has attended Lights On Campus events since it began in the 70s - back then simply known as the Campus Ministry Center.

"[Lights on Campus] is a place that is very inclusive and progressive in terms of allowing people to explore different ideas," says Strippel, who emphasizes the importance of exploring truths that exist outside of textbooks. "A large part of a university education should be asking questions and seeking the truth," says Strippel.

Miami Office of Student Affairs employee Judy Wadron has also been a part of many service organizations and "think tanks" held in the building. She agrees with Strippel, and considers Lights On Campus to be one of the few opportunities for Miami students to interact with Oxford citizens in a positive way.

"[Students] can explore the breadth of it all here. Everything moves and changes," Wadron says.

Miami senior Tim Leslie, a member of the student leadership board, values the chance to be in a different crowd.

"[Lights On Campus] is a good way to relax and unwind. I really don't get to interact with the people in the community other than here," says Leslie.

As for the lunch itself, Wadron's husband and university employee, Warrant Wadron, sums up his lunching experience: "I get the best meals at the best price in town."

So go ahead, let Lights On Campus brighten your day.

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