MOUNT OLIVE—Members representing Free Will Baptist churches in Sampson, Harnett, and Cumberland Counties generated $50,522 in gifts to Mount Olive College, the denomination’s private, Christian liberal arts institution.

One hundred sixty-five 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, 168 were designated as Bridge Builders for contributing a gift of $100 or more.

The Rev. Ricky Warren of Dunn, chairman, Bobby Johnson of Fayetteville and 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 was recognized for giving the largest contribution at the 2009 Dinner and for giving the most per capita. Hillsberry FWB Church 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 58-year history.

“As I visit with the members of the Original Free Will Baptist congregations, I am overwhelmed by the love, pride, and commitments that the College receives from the Church,” said Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, president of the College. Dr. Kerstetter became the fourth president of Mount Olive College on July 1, 2009.

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.