📷 Photo Album: A Heartfelt Thank You for Supporting the Third Annual Soup Supper Benefiting the Mt. Olive Cemetery

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Mars Hill community gathered together for a meaningful and heartwarming evening at the Third Annual Black History Month Fundraiser hosted by the Madison County Racial Justice Coalition at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The event, a Soup Supper, was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of community, history and the deep-rooted legacy of those who helped shape the foundation of Mars Hill, N.C.

The Historic Mount Olive Cemetery is a place of great significance. It is the final resting place of many figures who helped pave the way for progress in our community, including Joseph Anderson, co-founder of Mars Hill University, and Viola King Barnette, an advocate for secondary education. As we honored these individuals, we also recognized the importance of preserving the cemetery itself as a living history book for generations to come.

Thanks to the generosity and support of those who attended, volunteered, and contributed, the event raised over $2,000 for the preservation and beautification of Mount Olive Cemetery. This brings the total amount raised over the last three years to over $9,000. These funds will go directly toward ensuring that the cemetery remains a place of reflection and remembrance for all who visit.

A special thank you to all the bakers, volunteers and all of our members who helped make this event possible. Your hard work, dedication, and support mean so much to us and to the history we are all working together to preserve.

By supporting this event, you have helped ensure that the legacy of those buried at Mount Olive Cemetery continues to be honored and remembered. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one that celebrates its history and is committed to preserving it for future generations.

If you were unable to attend but would still like to contribute, please consider contributing to our February Mission of the Month. Every bit of support helps us continue our efforts to maintain this historic site and keep these important stories alive.

Once again, thank you for your support, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Photos from the 2024 Soup Supper

Community members gathered at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church on February 18, 2025, for the Third Annual Black History Month Fundraiser. The Soup Supper raised over $2,000 to support the preservation of Historic Mount Olive Cemetery, honoring the legacy of key figures like Joseph Anderson and Viola King Barnette.