Eric Rich

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Eric John Rich (1894–1972) was an Anglican bishop in New Zealand. He was born 8 February 1894 in Vila Rica, Paraguay, South America to John Rich (1862–1939) and Esther Maria Barrett (1868–1948).

Rich was educated at the University of New Zealand and ordained in 1920.^[1] After a curacy in Wellington he held incumbencies at Berhampore, Taihape and Masterton.^[2] He was Archdeacon of Wairarapa from 1940 to 1945, Archdeacon of Wellington from 1945 to 1961; Vicar general of the Diocese of Wellington from 1947 to 1961; and Assistant Bishop to the Primate of New Zealand^[3] from his consecration, 28 October 1952,^[4] to his retirement, 31 March 1961.^[5]

In 1953, Rich was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal.^[6]

Rich married Ivy Anne Charles (1906–2001) on 4 August 1934. He died 9 April 1972 in Wellington, New Zealand.

References

1. Crockford's Clerical Directory 1963-64 p1017: London, OUP, 1963
2. Masterton Anglican
3. "The Living Church". 1952.
4. "Proceedings of the General Synod: 33rd General Synod, 1955".
5. "Proceedings of the General Synod: 35th General Synod, 1961".
6. Taylor, Alister; Coddington, Deborah (1994). Honoured by the Queen – New Zealand. Auckland: New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa. p. 420. ISBN 0-908578-34-2.