About Appalachian Bible College
ABI Established
Appalachian Bible Institute was founded in September, 1950 at the Independent Baptist Church in Pettus, West Virginia, by Rev. & Mrs. Lester Pipkin (from Minnesota) and Pastor & Mrs. Robert Guelich (from Pettus). The school started as a Bible training institute for the youth of the Appalachian Mountains.
1950Officially Incorporated
1954A Faith Mission
Organized as a faith mission under the auspices of Appalachian Bible Fellowship, ABI identified itself with the National Home Missions Fellowship, an organization of independent, fundamental mission agencies, which is today known as the Fellowship of Missions.
1955Move to Beckley
The school moved to a 95-acre tract of land near Beckley, West Virginia. This was considered a special act of God, since the land was retained without indebtedness.
19561960s Alpine & Accreditation
The Kennedy Presidential Campaign brought positive changes to the area, which helped place the school on the map. This was a decade of tremendous expansion as a school to train servants for God's service, summer camps for children and Bible conferences for adults were all put into place.
Alpine is Born
Beginning with Bible camps, Alpine Ministries has flourished to serve thousands each year through Adventures, Bible Camps, Retreats, and Outdoor Education.
1960Des Plaines Hall (Women's Residence) Completed
1964Accreditation
ABI became an associate member of the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges, which is today known as The Association for Biblical Higher Education.
1967Bachelor of Theology
The Board of Education of the State of West Virginia approved the granting of the Bachelor of Theology (Th.B.) degree.
19681970s From Institute to College
The school's mission remained the same but as more and more students chose the four-year degree program, the new name provided a more accurate description of the school.
McCarrell Hall (Men's Residence) Completed
1972Beukema Hall Completed, The First Classroom Building
1975Name Change
The school changed its name to Appalachian Bible College, a more accurate reflection of the expanded curriculum and academic programs.
1978State Approval
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 becomes West Virginia's first and only Bible College approved by the State.
19781980s A Season of Transition
The founder retired, a new president was inaugurated, new staff members were hired and the students were offered new opportunities.
Presidential Inauguration
Founder and first President Dr. Lester Pipkin retired after 33 years, and Dr. Daniel Anderson became President of Appalachian Bible College.
1983Academic Additions
New academic programs were introduced: 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.
1980sAround the World
The Jubilate Handbell Choir enjoyed their first foreign venture traveling throughout the mission fields of Europe.
19861990s Continued Growth
The school was blessed with many financial gifts during this decade, which funded numerous campus improvements.
Gilmore Gymnasium & Conference Center Completed
1990Appalachian Village Completed
The Village is a 24-unit married student housing development on campus.
1993Alpine Lodge Completed
1994Anderson Hall Completed
1997Additional Residence Halls
Kennedy and Van Puffelen residence halls were built in 1998 and the expansion of the main campus entrance happened the following year.
19982000s Campus Renovations
Ongoing renovations continued to change the look of the campus yet the founding purpose remains our passion …Because Life is for Service.
Regional Accreditation
The college received accreditation status with The Higher Learning Commission.
2000Servant Center Completed
The hub of student activity, this building includes kitchen, dining room, classrooms, student lounge, snack shop, campus post office, bookstore, clinic and Student Services offices.
2002El Ed Program State Approval
The Elementary Education program was granted Approved Program Status by the West Virginia Department of Education.
200350 Years in Beckley
2006
Pipkin Hall Renovation
Renovations to Pipkin Hall doubled the size of the Van Puffelen Library and made additional resources available to students.
200625 Year Celebration
The Board of ABC recognized Dr. and Mrs. Anderson's 25 years of faithful service as President and President's Wife.
2008Hoops Hall Completed
20092010s Blessings
Barker Hall Completed
2010New Furniture in Residence Halls
2011
Welker Pavilion Completed
2014ABC Coffee Shop
Replacing the bookstore in the first floor of the Servant Center, the ABC Coffee Shop began serving hot and iced beverages to the public in November. The cozy atmosphere, games, merchandise, and occasional entertainment made this spot quickly become a favorite on campus. 2016