Courtesy photo

Pictured following the Mount Olive College dinner are Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, MOC president; Ricky Warren, dinner chairman; Sandra Hayes, chairwoman Haymount FWB Church; Stephen Prescott, pastor Shady Grove FWB Church; Carolyn Jernigan, joint-chairwoman Shady Grove FWB Church; Lee Morton Jernigan; joint-chairwoman Shady Grove FWB Church.

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MOUNT OLIVE — Members representing Free Will Baptist churches in Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland Counties generated $41,354 in gifts to Mount Olive College, the denomination’s private, Christian liberal arts institution.

One hundred thirty-four people attended the Annual College Dinner at Robert’s Grove FWB Church in Sampson County. Churches presented their gifts to the College at the dinner. Of those giving, 153 were designated as Bridge Builders for contributing a gift of $100 or more.

The Reverend Ricky Warren of Dunn, Chair, and Mrs. Verla P. Creech of Newton Grove formed the Steering Committee for the dinner.

Two churches received special recognition at the dinner. Shady Grove FWB Church, with Mr. and Mrs. Lee Jernigan as joint-chairs, was recognized for giving the largest contribution at the 2011 Dinner and for giving the most per capita. Haymont FWB Church, with Mrs. Sandra Hayes as chair, was recognized for having the most high school students in attendance.

Jean F. Ackiss, Director of Church Support, coordinated the event and presided over the program. “Every time you give to Mount Olive College, you are making an investment in the lives of the students we serve,” she said.

The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists established Mount Olive College in 1951 as one of its ministries and has given strong support throughout its history.

Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, president of Mount Olive College, said, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of Mount Olive College by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. The College clearly recognizes its commitment and responsibilities to its founding church, and I am gratified to see the way that the congregations understand the importance of educating students in a Christian faith-based, values-centered setting that is rooted in the liberal arts tradition. Because of their generosity to the College, we are able to continue to transform the lives of our students.”

Mount Olive College is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park and Washington. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.