Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Bladenboro was recognized at the Annual College Dinner for giving the largest single gift of all congregations in the Pee Dee Association in the drive to raise funds for Mount Olive College. The college is the denomination's private, Christian liberal arts institution.

Seventy people attended the event, which was held at Mt. Calvary FWB Church. All 70 were designated as Bridge Builders for contributing a gift of $100 or more. The association generated $13,110.01 in gifts to the college, which the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists established in 1951 as one of its ministries.

In addition to Oak Grove, two other churches were given special recognition at the event. They were Thomasboro FWB, for giving the most per capita, and Beaverdam FWB, for having the most high school students in attendance.

Dr. Danny McPherson of Chadbourn, Van Davis of Whiteville, Linda Gore of Clarendon, Faye Bryant of Nakina, Al Nobles of Clarkton, and Peggy Pope of Bladenboro formed the steering committee for the dinner.

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," said Ackiss.

Dr. J. William Byrd, president of Mount Olive College, praised the work of the churches in generating funds for the institution.

"Free Will Baptists are an extremely important part of Mount Olive College. These donors have the power to build futures for students who attend our institution. We salute each person," Byrd said.

Mount Olive College is a private, liberal arts institution dedicated to the total development of its students in an environment nurtured by Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, and Research Triangle Park.

The Pee Dee Association makes up one of the major divisions of the Original Free Will Baptist Church.

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