The North Alabama Bible School in Athens, Alabama, was first conceived in the mind of Bennie Lee Fudge.  Fudge, who had grown up in Limestone County, worked his way through college at David Lipscomb Junior College and Abilene Christian College, and was named Valedictorian of his class at Lipscomb.  In his valedictory address at Lipscomb, his subject was the need for agricultural Bible schools across the country in every community.  He promoted the idea that each child in such a Bible school should attend from first grade through high school, attending chapel each day and having a daily Bible class in the curriculum.  After graduation that day in June of 1939, Fudge returned to Athens and set about to make his dream a reality.

Three men are recognized as the founders of this school.  In addition to Bennie Lee Fudge, they are Jack Rollings and Irven Lee. They became acquainted at Lipscomb, where Lee taught and Fudge and Rollings were students.  Fudge and Rollings were in Limestone County and were able to talk to people to arouse their interest in such a Bible school.  When Lee came to the county to preach, the talk among the three men became more detailed.  The groundwork had been laid during the years 1939-42, while Fudge was in and out of Abilene as he kept up a steady stream of correspondence with key people in the county. As a result, definite plans were in place in 1942.

The First ABS Faculty 
Front Row - L to R - Bennie Lee Fudge, A.J. Rollings, Irven Lee. Back Row - L to R - George Williams, Wayne Mickey, George Hook, Foy Short, Charles Chumley

North Alabama Bible School opened for classes on September 6, 1943, with grades 7 - 12.  The new school was approved for accreditation in February, 1944.  The elementary grades were added gradually in the ensuing years.  Lee left Athens in 1947 to go to Florence and begin a similar school at Mars Hill. As other schools were soon to be started in that general area, the name of the school was changed from "North Alabama Bible School" to "Athens Bible School" in November, 1947.
 
The principles and goals of Athens Bible School are still the same as in the beginning.  We are still working to instill Christian values in these children who are sent to us.  We still operate totally on tuition, fundraisers and donations from individuals and corporations.  We do  not accept donations from congregations.  We have a strong Board of Directors who are doing an excellent work.  Athens Bible School is still the same loving, caring "family" as in the beginning, only it is larger now.  We need the help of interested alumni and friends to help make it easier to keep the doors of this grand old school open for those who desire to come.  We enjoy meeting anyone who was once a part of the school and anyone interested in our school for the future.  You are welcome to visit our campus at any time.

Presidents of Athens Bible School