Our History

Cragmont Assembly’s story is one of faith, unity, and God’s steady work on the mountain. What began in 1945 as a bold dream has grown into a place where generations have found worship, fellowship, and life‑changing encounters with Christ.

Cragmont Assembly began with a clear and prayerful vision: to create a place where the Original Free Will Baptists of North Carolina could gather for Christian camping, spiritual retreats, and denominational fellowship. Though Christian camping among Free Will Baptists existed as early as the late 1930s, the denomination longed for a permanent home, a mountain setting where youth and adults alike could grow in faith. As the historic record notes, leaders recognized “the validity of an Assembly which is suitable for utilization as a place for Spiritual retreats” and saw Christian camping as “an inestimable tool in instilling higher spiritual values into the lives of our youth.”

(1930s-1945)

The Search for a Mountain Home

Before Cragmont existed, youth camps were held at rented facilities such as Camp Leech on the Pamlico River. When those facilities became unavailable, leaders began searching for a permanent site. In 1945, the Assembly Grounds Committee rented space at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain for 125 campers — the first time Free Will Baptists camped in the mountains. This experience confirmed the desire for a mountain‑based ministry.

Soon after, a property known as Cragmont Sanitorium was offered for sale. Committee members inspected the land, 115 acres on the slopes of Mount Allen, and deemed it suitable for camping and retreats. The historic document records that the buildings alone were valued at more than $15,000, yet the purchase price was set at $10,000, a providential opportunity for the denomination.

(1945-1946)

A Unified Effort & Miraculous Purchase

On August 16, 1945, the Assembly Grounds Committee voted unanimously to purchase the property. What followed was a remarkable fundraising effort. Dime banks were distributed across churches, and ten captains were appointed to raise $1,000 each. The campaign succeeded, raising nearly the full amount within three months. As the document records, “We raised the ten thousand dollars within the three month period.”

The deed was officially transferred on January 3, 1946, marking the beginning of Cragmont Assembly’s ministry.

(1946-1972)

Early Ministry & Rapid Growth

During its first 25 years, Cragmont expanded steadily. Improvements included fresh paint, new plumbing, furnishings, and kitchen equipment. Additional buildings were added over time, including the motel units in the mid‑1950s and cottages in the 1960s. Cragmont also played a historic role in the founding of Mount Allen Junior College (later Mount Olive College, now the University of Mount Olive) in 1952, serving as the birthplace of the denomination’s renewed commitment to Christian higher education.

Cragmont’s first summer of operation in 1946 included encampments for youth, women, ministers, and Sunday School leaders. The testimonies from that first year reveal the spiritual impact immediately felt by campers:

“I wonder if because Cragmont is on a mountain and nearer heaven was why I felt so near my Christ.” — John Barrow
“My spiritual vision has been broadened at Cragmont.” — Mrs. Leone S. Mercer

The motto “Instruction, Inspiration, and Recreation,” coined by Rev. Raymond T. Sasser, became the guiding purpose of Cragmont’s ministry.

A Ministry That Shapes Lives

From the beginning, Cragmont has been a place where lives are changed. The historic record notes that many young men surrendered to God’s call to ministry, and others felt called to missionary service. Countless campers recommitted their lives to Christ, strengthened their faith, and returned home inspired to serve their churches and communities. As the document beautifully states, “Cragmont’s greatest historical and future value is to be found in the lives that are changed, inspired and enriched by this Mountain Top Ministry.”

Modern Expansion and Today’s Ministry

Since those early decades, Cragmont has continued to grow while honoring its founding mission. The original sanitorium building was eventually replaced with a new Main Building and Chapel, and the campus expanded to include: Dining Hall, Motel, Boys’ and Girls’ Dorms, Lassiter Family Center (gym), Lodge, and two residential homes (one for guest lodging and one serving as the Executive Director’s residence).

Today, Cragmont hosts seven youth summer camp weeks, three woman's retreats, a Minister’s Conference, three men’s retreats, church retreats, and many other gatherings throughout the year. Cragmont also welcomes families and individuals seeking rest and renewal in the mountains.