In 1953 the fine building which had been occupied by Alderson Junior College was purchased for $40,000.00 by a group of Independent Baptists to operate a Christian High School. These Baptists were not affiliated with any Baptist denomination; they had no organized widespread support and had few members of any substantial wealth. None were local people, and the school has never enjoyed much local encouragement or assistance.

Mountain State Christian High School was incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock West Virginia corporation. The school opened August 29, 1955, with the Reverend Owen P. Lilly, Beckley, a former high school principal, as principal. The school has had a rough time but it has survived, and it has every prospect of growing. From the first, the school has had three obstacles: finances, failure to be accredited by the State Department of Education, and poor publicity. The first school year, 1955/1956 produced one graduate, Grace Annette Holliday, Richwood, West Virginia, May 17, 1956.

The school is supported by gifts from churches and individuals from several states and by the very low tuition paid by students. But about one half of the large building is in use, and the large acreage of the junior college is not owned by the school. Unlike most public high schools, more than half of the graduates go on to college. The cost of board, room and tuition per year is but $$432.00, and all other fees for books, insurance and entrance are but $18.00 per year, an amazingly low cost. Every student works about one hour per day in the maintenance of the school, and all are required to take Bible study. Discipline is strict. Gambling, drinking, smoking, attending movies, and dancing are forbidden.

The present principal is Charles D. Horn, a personable young man who was a minister in Russell, Iowa. He came to the school in 1963. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cedarville College, Cedarville, Ohio. The school has at present 27 students, two full time, and three part-time teachers. The students come from six states and one foreign country. There is a 2350-volume library. The greatest obstacle this school has had, has been lack of accreditation. This has been accomplished this year. Principal Horn expects enrollment to double in 1964-1965 school year. He says that the communication between Mountain State Christian High School and the Alderson Community is improving, and well it should. One gets the feeling that this small Baptist school with its high ideals would find favor in the minds of such good Baptists as Elder John Alderson and Miss Emma Alderson, were they here now.