In 1963, a group of ladies at the Appalachian Bible Institute looked around with a woman’s eye and saw
opportunities to offer a woman’s touch to the campus. "Auxiliary Fills Hopes" was the title given to
the 1963 Charleston Gazette newspaper article. 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 on
June 23-24, 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 continued to expand to include both staff
members, board member's 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. We assist in "educating and
equipping the church of tomorrow" through our various projects, scholarships, yearly prayer calendar, and
the Heart-to-Heart program.
