June 11, 1935
Father William Rice
Father Rice was born on September 11, 1877 in Rochester, NY where he also attended grade and high school. After attending St. Francis College, Quincy, IL and St. Bernard’s Seminary, Rochester, NY Bishop McQuaid ordained him for the Diocese of Wichita on June 14, 1902 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Rochester, NY. After his ordination Father Rice was secretary for Bishop Hennessy for two years and then was assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Florence for four years. After serving as pastor in Galena and Claflin, he went to his last assignment at Mary Queen of Angels in Fort Scott for seven years. He died on June 11, 1935 in Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott at 58 years of age. During his priesthood Father Rice served on the Diocesan School Board. Msgr. Morrell celebrated his funeral in the cathedral with Bishops Schwertner and Tihen in attendance. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Wichita.