History

Appalachian Bible College was founded in September of 1950 at the Independent Baptist Church in Pettus, West Virginia, by Rev. & Mrs. Lester Pipkin (from Minnesota) and Pastor & Mrs. Robert Guelich (from Pettus), to begin a Bible training institute for the youth of the Appalachian Mountains. The Pipkins had earlier been involved in initiating a Bible institute in Kentucky and the Guelichs had experienced a productive pastoral ministry among the mountain people of West Virginia.

The founding couples shared a vision to train Christian workers and provide additional services that would encourage and enhance the planting and growth of dynamic New Testament churches in the region. Official incorporation occurred in 1954.

During the presidency of Dr. Lester Pipkin, the College was organized as a faith mission, under the auspices of Appalachian Bible Fellowship. In addition to providing college classes, ABC offered children's Bible classes for local public schools, held Bible camps, conducted area youth rallies and provided Bible conferences for the community.

Financial policies conformed to the mission concept of ministry, that of raising support from churches and individuals to help fund the personnel and ministries of the College. Identifying itself in 1955 with the National Home Missions Fellowship, the College today continues that identification through the Fellowship of Missions (FOM), an organization of independent, fundamental mission agencies.

The need for a larger and more strategic location prompted the move to Bradley in 1956. Provision of the 95-acre tract of land near Beckley was considered a special act of God, having been retained without indebtedness. At this new campus, academic programs began to diversify. Area churches welcomed students needing practical training, enabling ABC to broaden Christian service opportunities. An evening school for the community was also initiated at that time.

Important changes came to southern Appalachia in the 1960’s as the Kennedy Presidential Campaign came to West Virginia, resulting in extensive regional studies, increased media penetration, large investments of federal dollars into local social programs and construction of new highways. These changes were instrumental in placing Appalachian Bible College "on the map ".

Capitalizing on Appalachian's strategic location in south central West Virginia, Alpine Bible Camp, was formed in 1960, located on the interior section of campus. This small camping ministry has developed over the past 40 years to become Alpine Ministries, which now includes Alpine Bible Camp, Alpine Adventures and Alpine Retreats and Conferences.

Alpine campus facilities have enlarged to include a conference center/dining hall, guest lodge, four Swiss-style mountain chalets, an outdoor picnic pavilion, small lake, an outdoor chapel, certified ropes courses, outdoor pool, initiatives and climbing walls. Alpine Ministries annually hosts over 10,000 guests utilizing its location near the "Grand Canyon of the East", the New River Gorge, providing whitewater rafting, climbing and rappelling, caving and more.

Also in 1960, ABC became an associate member of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges (AABC) and was granted membership status in 1967. In 1968, the Board of Education of the State of West Virginia approved the granting of the Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree.

Eight years later in 1976, ABI added a fourth year to the academic program, becoming Appalachian Bible College, in 1978, a more accurate reflection of expanded curriculum and academic programs. Subsequently, the State College and University System of West Virginia authorized the awarding of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Bible/Theology. Appalachian Bible College then acquired the distinction of being West Virginia's first and only Bible college approved by the State.

Facilities have been constructed as need has demanded. Pipkin Hall, the original campus building, is now the administrative center of campus. DesPlaines Hall women's dormitory was completed in 1964 and McCarrell Hall men's residence was dedicated in 1972. Beukema Hall, the first classroom building, was completed in 1975.

Upon the retirement of Founder and first President, Dr. Lester Pipkin in 1983, Dr. Daniel Anderson was inaugurated as President of Appalachian Bible College. Under Dr. Anderson's presidency, the college has steadily expanded it's academic programs to include a Bible Certificate program, Associate of Arts degree, Family Counseling, Camping, and Youth Ministries programs, in addition to Pastoral Studies, Elementary Education, Missions and Music.

Campus facilities have expanded to include Gilmore Gymnasium/Conference Center in 1990; Appalachian Village (a 24-unit married student housing development) in 1992-93; Alpine Lodge (an Extension Ministry guest housing and conference facility) in 1994; a chapel/music complex, Anderson Hall, in 1997; Kennedy and VanPuffelen resident halls in 1998; and the expansion of the main campus entrance in 1999.

It was also during 1998 that Appalachian Bible College earned candidacy status for accreditation with The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), membership status being granted in 2000.

Dedicated in the Fall of 2002, the Servant Center, a student center that includes kitchen and dining room, classrooms, student lounge and snack shop, campus post office and bookstore, and clinic and Student Services offices, was occupied and became the hub of student activity. In 2003, the Elementary Education program was granted certification by the West Virginia Department of Education.

Plans are in place for the restoration of Pipkin Hall to provide for the doubling of Van Puffelen Library. These plans include addition of learning resource components, such as a student computer lab, along with administrative office redesign.