Local churches give $73,000 to Mount Olive College
By From staff reports
Published in News on November 13, 2013 1:46 PM
During a dinner held recently at Mount Olive College, more than 192 people from across Wayne County -- all members of the Free Will Baptist denomination -- gave $100 or more to further the goal of secondary education.
Altogether, members from 16 churches gave a total of $73,010 to the college through donations.
"It's a good year. It's not the most they've ever given, but it's close," said Jean F. Ackiss, director of church support.
"Mount Olive College is very blessed to have a relationship with the Original Free Will Baptist churches that extends for more than 60 years," she said.
Over that time period, the local churches have given more than $13 million to Mount Olive College.
The college honors individuals every year through an annual county dinner, and anyone who gives more than $100 is given a special designation -- bridge builders.
"We are thankful for the many people who serve as volunteers and all those who support this ministry," Mrs. Ackiss said.
The $73,010 given to the college will not be earmarked for a specific purpose and will be lumped into the college's general fund.
"Since its founding more than six decades ago. Mount Olive College has been blessed to have the continual support of the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. These dinners allow us to show our appreciation for the generosity of the church in support of its college, and it is a pleasure spending time with the wonderful people of this remarkable denomination," said MOC President Dr. Philip Kerstetter.
Mount Olive College was originally established by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists back in 1951. The college first began as Mount Allen Junior College at the grounds of the Free Will Baptist summer retreat near Black Mountain. It has since evolved after moving to Mount Olive, eventually becoming a four-year institution and now has plans to offer online graduate degrees. The college is currently considering a name change to incorporate "university" in its title.
"We're very thankful for the people who choose to help us improve the educational lives of our students," Mrs. Ackiss said.