- Irven Lee was the school's first president. Other presidents include Paul Simon, Ralph Snell, Jack Wilhelm, Milton Sewell and David Vester.
- Rees Bryant was the first graduate (1948). He also served as class president and was elected the first Mr. Mars Hill. Empress McGee was the first Miss Mars Hill.
- MHBS has been fully accredited since its opening--first by the Alabama State Department of Education, starting in 1947, then by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools beginning in 1971.
- Members of the school's initial Board of Directors were: Dr. W. W. Alexander, Vernon Freeman, W. B. Kidd, M. S. Killen, Charles P. McMeans, Charlie Morris and Grady R. Williams. At least one descendant of Charlie and Frances Morris has been enrolled at MHBS every year since the school opened.
- Larimore's first proposed name for the school was "The University of Mercy, Love, Peace and Truth."
- Thanks to the work of the Associated Women's Organization led by Mrs. Alma Biggs, the Larimore House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
- Mars Hill Bible School has earned the United States Department of Education's School of Excellence Award three times.
- The 28 acres on which Mars Hill Academy existed included the site of a Civil War Munitions (Canon Ball) Factory. The building was moved from the banks of Cox Creek to the top of the hill where it served as a classroom building. It later was turned into a barn, then reconverted for classroom and auditorium use in 1947.
HISTORICAL NOTES
MARS HILL'S STORIED HISTORY
Six years after the conclusion of the Civil War (1871), T. B. and Esther Gresham Larimore opened Mars Hill Academy, in part because they were convinced that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Christian education offered the best way to teach people to live together in peace. Built on land belonging to Esther's family, the school quickly gained a reputation for providing a quality education in a deeply spiritual environment. Local newspapers stated that many people from Florence and the surrounding communities would drive to the campus in order to listen to the students sing during chapel. Larimore's school closed in 1888 in order that he could devote full time to the ministry.
Reopened in 1947 as Mars Hill Bible School, the mission and goals were much the same as those for its predecessor. Its goal of a quality Christian education continues.
Each year, the opening chapel focuses on the theme in Luke 2:52 where Jesus is said to have grown "in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man" and current students are encouraged to do the same. Students still attend daily Bible and chapel and visitors to the assemblies are still common. The high school chorus visits over a dozen local churches each year. While there, MHBS students conduct the worship and, following the worship, the 100-member group shares the message of Christianity in song (Col. 3:16).
Academically, the school continues its history of excellence. Test scores are among the highest in the state. National Merit Scholars are common. Large numbers of athletes qualify for All-State Academic Honors and members of the school's forensic team regularly achieve Academic All-American status. Each year, the approximately 50 graduates will earn an average of $1.5 million in scholarships.
The school's athletic programs have competed in the AHSAA since 1959 and have either been in the state championship game or earned a state title 34 times. Both band and chorus have earned 16 consecutive superior ratings at district competition. The forensic team has established a national reputation for excellence and the 100-member Show Choir plays to sold-out venues. The drama and scouting programs are exemplary and MHBS service clubs and organizations offer tremendous opportunities for service.
THE HISTORIC LARIMORE HOME
Used as classes during the days of Mars Hill Academy (1871-1888) and during Mars Hill Bible School's first two decades, the 12-room house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.