Purpose
- Enhance the appearance of the College through various projects that help make campus life more comfortable for students, staff, and guests.
- Encourage students through such activities as prayer, scholarships, recital receptions, Senior Wives Graduation Banquet, and the Heart-to-Heart program.
- Exhort women through the ministry of the Ladies Conference (June) and the Fall Luncheon (October).
History
In 1963, a group of ladies at the Appalachian Bible Institute saw opportunities to offer a woman’s touch to the campus. "Auxiliary Fills Hopes" was the title given to the Charleston Gazette newspaper article that year. The article continued, "The 49 charter members, who represent 16 churches, plan to assist the school's program through special prayer in times of need, delivery of information to churches and communities which are of importance to ABI, promote projects that will aid the school, and organize and sponsor women's conferences." The first organizational meeting held on September 10, 1963 was to organize "an all-women's conference" to be held for the first time in June, 1964.
The first president of the Ladies Auxiliary was June Fisher, who led the Auxiliary through its formation until 1965. In 1970, Gretchen Pipkin, wife of then President Lester Pipkin, became Advisor to the committee. In 1983, Rosalie Anderson, wife of current President Daniel L. Anderson, became the Auxiliary Advisor. The Executive Committee which guides the Auxiliary has expanded to include College staff members, board members’ wives, and area church members.
The Ladies Auxiliary continues to support Appalachian Bible College's mission to "edify the church of today" by hosting the annual Ladies June Conference and Ladies Fall Luncheon. The Auxiliary assists in "educating and equipping the church of tomorrow" through various projects, scholarships, yearly prayer calendar, and the Heart-to-Heart program. Although the calendar and Heart-to-Heart provide some income, the majority of funding for scholarships and student projects comes from member dues and donations.
