Presentation Video…65 Years and Counting
This video presents FCA’s history and culture, since its inception in 1954 until now. And, while FCA was first incorporated in 1954, that date came seven…
-
-
"For some time, I have had the idea of forming an organization of athletes and coaches in this hero-worshiping nation of ours. If athletes can endorse shaving cream, razor blades and cigarettes, surely they can endorse the Lord, too. So my idea is to form an organization that would project you as Christian men before the youth and athletes of our nation."
Don McClanenDon McClanen invitation letter quote
In a letter to 19 athletes, Don McClanen laid out his desire to form an organization that would eventually become the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The letters…
-
The name 'Fellowship of Christian Athletes' just came naturally. This was a Christian movement totally. We would not be ashamed of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. So we decided on 'Fellowship of Christian Athletes.' At last, this idea and dream had a name."
FCA founder Don McClanenThe Dream Gets a Name
FCA founder Don McClanen shares how FCA’s official name was decided upon. “One of the first names considered was Athletes for Christ. This was so close…
-
FCA Founded
The official chartering date of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was November 10, 1954. On that day, in Norman, Okla., the organization’s first set of bylaws…
-
Founding Fathers
Four of the founding fathers of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From left to right: Dr. Louis R. Evans, Dr. Roe Johnston, Don McClanen and Branch…
-
FCA Gains Solid Footing, Thanks to Branch Rickey
On June 7, 1955, Pittsburgh Pirates executive Branch Rickey (at podium) hosted a banquet in Pittsburgh to introduce FCA to the region and help gain financial…
-
Hero Worship Harnessed
Sports Illustrated featured the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in its Feb. 6, 1956 issue. Less than 15 months after its founding, FCA hit the pages of…
-
Camp Theme 1956: I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1956 was “I Am The Way, The Truth, And The Life.”
-
-
First National Conference (Camp) at Estes Park, Colo.
FCA’s first National Conference in 1956 has been called by many the most important event in FCA’s history. However, there was some doubt as to whether…
-
"This Fellowship of Christian Athletes is not a namby-pamby thing; it is a courageous organization."
Branch RickeyClick “View Post” to hear Branch Rickey’s address at the first FCA National Conference. (Two parts) Click the arrows below to start the clips. …
-
FCA Relocates Headquarters to Kansas City
FCA moves its offices from Norman, Oklahoma to Kansas City, Missouri.
-
The Founder, the Football Legend and the Preacher
FCA founder Don McClanen (left), football legend Otto Graham (center) and Dr. Robert “Jack” Robinson (right), a former basketball star at Baylor University and the pastor…
-
-
Batting Champ George Kell at Estes Park, 1958
George Kell, who won a batting title in 1949 as a member of the Detroit Tigers and would go on to be enshrined in baseball’s Hall…
-
The Christian Athlete debuts
The Christian Athlete, the precursor to Sharing the Victory and FCA Magazine, debuts as a one-page, one-fold publication in March, 1959.
-
Here and There…With F.C.A.
The following roundup column appeared in the inaugural issue of The Christian Athlete, which was delivered in March, 1959. That first issue was a four-page, digest…
-
“For Christ and His Church” Shall Ever Be Our Central Theme
From the very beginning, FCA has emphasized its role in calling athletes and coaches into the Church, including the phrase “…in the fellowship of the Church”…
-
1959: Let Us Run The Race
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1959 was “Let Us Run The Race.”
-
Hoops Legend Bob Pettit an FCA Legend, Too
In this 1959 photo, NBA legend Bob Pettit teaches basketball skills at FCA’s National Convention at Estes Park, Colo. Over the years, Pettit was a part…
-
A Yankee Looks at Life
The following article, written by Gary Demarest, appeared in the April, 1960 issue of The Christian Athlete, FCA’s flagship publication at the time. Although the snow…
-
1960: You Shall Be My Witnesses
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1960 was “You Shall Be My Witnesses.”
-
1961: Your Body Is A Temple
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1961 was “Your Body Is A Temple.”
-
Lessons from “Boo”
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Dave “Boo” Ferriss has been a part of FCA from the very beginning. In this photo, Boo is showing student-athletes at…
-
-
1962: A Faith That Works
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1962 was “A Faith That Works.”
-
Training to Win
by Rafer Johnson It is sometimes said that winning is not important, that the important thing is competing. But when we have to go to a…
-
-
Deacon Dan Towler
“Deacon” Dan Towler, a running back with the Los Angeles Rams from 1950-55, was a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from its inception until…
-
Rapid Robert’s Biggest Victory?
Bob Feller showed off his Hall of Fame arm to participants of FCA’s National Conference in Estes Park, Colo., in 1963. The former Cleveland Indians flamethrower…
-
Three Summer Conferences Climax FCA Year
The following article appeared in the September, 1963 issue of The Christian Athlete, then the flagship publication of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. THREE SUMMER CONFERENCES…
-
FCA Footprint in Land of Tar Heels
North Carolina basketball legend Dean Smith was in his third year as the Tar Heels’ head coach when this photo was snapped in November, 1963. Smith…
-
-
The Wizard and His Protege
John Wooden would go down as one of the greatest coaches in the history of basketball, or any other sport, leading his UCLA Bruins to 10…
-
-
1965: The Goal And The Glory
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1965 was “The Goal And The Glory.”
-
-
1966: A Still More Excellent Way
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1966 was “A Still More Excellent Way.”
-
First Weekend of Champions held
In February, 1967, the first Weekend of Champions was held in Kansas City. The FCA staff teamed up with college and professional athletes and coaches and…
-
1967: Courage To Conquer
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1967 was “Courage To Conquer.”
-
“Influence” photo taken in 1967
David Dean was an adorable child and quite an athlete, even at three-and-a-half years old. He had a charming demeanor about him and easily won your…
-
1968: The Life That Wins
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1968 was “The Life That Wins.”
-
1969: Run The Great Race…Of Faith
The FCA Camp theme for the year of 1969 was “Run The Great Race…Of Faith.”
