|
Rich graduated from the University of Kansas in 1966 with a degree in Government/Political Science. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1971 from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA, and was ordained into the priesthood in 1972. Rich went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, MO, in 1996.
Rich worked as a curate and then assistant priest at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio, and as rector at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Williston, North Dakota. In 1989, he accepted a call to become the rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Florissant, MO, and served there until 2008.
Rich went on to teach at the Episcopal School for Ministry in Webster Groves for several years and served as a supply priest at St. Vincent's-in-the-Vineyard Episcopal Church in Ste. Genevieve and at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Lake St. Louis.
In 2014, Rich became an associate priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Charles. He led Vestry retreats, organized youth activities, wrote weekly reflections for Trinity's staff and congregation, preached regularly, and was a part of many other vital ministries in the life of the parish.
Rich also served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves and with the National Guard and Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed studying German and he loved 19th Century literature.
In a 2001 letter congratulating Rich on his 30th anniversary as a priest, Bishop Hays Rockwell wrote, "Yours is a work of serving, marked by authentic piety, deep thoughtfulness, a gentle pastoral sensibility, and an unwillingness to take yourself too seriously."
Well done, good and faithful servant.
| 
