FWB Churches in Beaufort County Donate to University of Mount Olive
MOUNT OLIVE – Members representing Free Will Baptist churches in Beaufort County generated $8,047 in gifts to University of Mount Olive, the denomination’s private, Christian liberal arts institution.
Churches presented their gifts to the College at a dinner held at Southside High School. Of those giving, 36 were designated as Bridge Builders for contributing a gift of $100 or more. Mr. Billy Gurkin served as the county dinner chair. University of Mount Olive faculty and staff provided music for the event.
Jean F. Ackiss, director of Church Support, said, “The annual fund program with the Free Will Baptist Church, known as the fall dinners began in 1963, and has been the main source of building and maintaining the College’s relationship with its sponsoring church. The dinners provide wonderful relationship with the people and allow them to bring their gifts and see some of the students they are supporting. Even in times of distress and an unstable economy, the Original Free Will Baptist Church has been loyal in its support to University of Mount Olive. Through the dinner program, the people feel that they are sharing in a meaningful way to help support the students we serve. We anticipate contributions totaling one-half million dollars from 16 area dinners held in eastern North Carolina this fall.”
The Convention of Original Free Will Baptists established University of Mount Olive in 1951 as one of its ministries and has given strong support throughout its history.
Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter, president of University of Mount Olive, said, “It is always a pleasure to visit the various counties and spend time with the people who make up the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. Since its founding more than 60 years ago, University of Mount Olive has been blessed to have the continual support of the denomination. We remain committed to being of service to our founding church and to our communities, transforming the lives of our students through an education that is Christian faith-based and values-centered in the liberal arts tradition. We are exceedingly grateful for the generosity of the Church to the College.”
University of Mount Olive 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, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.