The Rev. Rich was born in 1880, near Providence, Ky. He was converted and joined the General Baptist church at Pleasant Grove, where he preached his first sermon, and it was there that he held his first revival. He was licensed to preach, and in 1910 was ordained to the full work of the ministry at Star Hope General Baptist church. He has been preaching for 49 years; and has pastored 25 churches, as follows: Providence, Star Hope, Mt. Gilead, New Macedonia, Sebree, Mt. Lebanon, Claysville, Pleasant Grove, Ditney, Freedom, Beech Grove, Curlew, Collier's Springs, Green's Chapel, Lone Star in Muhlenberg county. Long Star in Ohio county, Cumberland Valley, Brierfield, Cedar Grove, Enon, Frederick's Chapel, Free Union, Pleasant Union, Beulah, and Rosiclaire, Ill.

he estimated that he has preached 3525 sermons; held 175 revivals; witnessed 875 professions; received 600 into the churches; baptized 400 candidates; conducted many funerals and married many couples.