After years in OKC, it was off to Kansas City for Ken, Betty and family to work at Nazarene World Headquarters in the Department of Church Schools.  In 1958, when Reverend RT Williams resigned as pastor, OKC First Church called Ken Rice to be senior pastor.  It was a call he accepted and the Rice family returned to OKC for a successful pastorate.  Daughters, Linda and Ronda, were 15 and 8, respectively.  Joining Ken on the pastoral team were Rev. Harper Cole and Rev. Dean Galloway.

With an intense love for Sunday school and the belief that a vibrant Sunday school was the way to build a strong church, Ken Rice is known world wide in the Church of the Nazarene as “Mr. Sunday School.”  Ken also felt that Sunday School was a great way to become grounded in the scriptures therefore providing an early firm foundation for people trying to follow Christ’s teachings. 

Betty Rice’s creativity and many talents made her an integral part of the ministry of the church. After a four year pastorate at OKC First Church, Ken Rice returned to World Headquarters in Kansas City to be the Director of the Department of Church Schools. Ken and Betty continue to have wonderful memories of OKC First Church and a deep love for its members. Of course, Linda chose to stay in Oklahoma City and is happily married to Leigh Nichols. The Rice family recently returned to Oklahoma City from San Diego, CA. We appreciate any time they are able to attend our services.