Rich's concerts were always more like family reunions than performances. Happily, we will one day share the ultimate family reunion tour with Jesus. Rich and I go way back. We played together in Cincinnati while he was at CBC and I was at UC. This was in 1976-1977, before he formed Zion Ministries. We did a concert of original stuff together with 4 or 5 other musicians at Grad Hall for the Revival Hour. Something about Rich that bothered me was that he didn't write down much of anything. I asked him about it and he remarked that if it was worth remembering he would, otherwise... I have the words to the songs we did that night only because a friend put together a program. One song, "Isaiah 40," was not in the program because Rich felt it was so close to the Scripture that there was no need to take up program space. The music still lingers in my brain (there was one cassette tape of the concert, but I don't have it). I have the words to another song "Harmony" written in Rich's own scrawl. There's a funny story that goes with it, if you're interested... Rich and I wrote one of the songs, "Come, Lord," together. As far as I know, it has never been done outside of that concert (and church), unless Rich pulled it out in his travels with Zion. I am a computer science teacher professionally, but also a worship leader/singer/songwriter. Much of what I write that is good reflects Rich's influence, and I wanted to testify to that. Rich was something like a comet -- every few years or so our orbits would intersect. But he was still Rich! He never lost that "ordinary guy hangin' around the dorm" quality, something that came through on stage and in his music. I'll miss him. Rick Nohle - Elder High School ------- [More fellow CBC student's comments:] I am so sorry to hear about Rich. I went to high school and Cincinnati Bible College with Rich. I loved his music. I don't why God decided to take him now, but we are not to question. I am praying for your family. When Rich was in college, he did a concert one night. They sold tapes of the concert and I still have mine. I have played it so many times. He will be missed by many. Cindy Jurgens Metzger Bedford, IN ------- He touched so many lives here in central Kentucky. From former classmates at Cincinnati Bible College to staff here at Southland Christian Church as well as our Southland CIY kids, we send our sympathy. What an incredible life he led and what a legacy in music he leaves! We thank God for every remembrance of him. Cindy Willison ------- To the Mullins family, I do not know how to express in words what Rich and his music meant to me. We roomed together one summer in Cincinnati. I went to your house in Richmond and he came to mine in Wilmington. Of the hand full of memories I carry with me today, Rich has a part in them. Patched up jeans, a ready laugh, a song sung to break your heart and change your life. Parking lot attendants, the no soap phase, after all these years and faces he still knew me. Seminary girls, songs in the practice room, living in the projects. If there can be any comfort at this time please know his life, his work and his music will run down the years and decades touching others for Christ. And when we join him in heaven and God enjoins all to stand who are there by Rich's hand, certainly a sea of souls will roll. My life and the lives of thousands and thousands are better, richer and nobler from knowing and being touched by him. We will pray for you. Rich Griffith Myrtle Beach, SC ------- I first learned about Rich in 1982 when I was a freshman at Cincinnati Bible College. Amy Grant's "Age to Age" had just been released. As a backward freshman, I was in awe one morning to find myself playing Boggle with Rich on a friend's living room floor. I was spending the night and Rich had shown up sometime in the night looking for a place to sleep. I remember going out to eat pizza with him (he forgot to bring money!) and even watching "A Man Called Horse" on television at his house on W. 8th St. in Cincinnati. He was the most Christlike person I ever knew, simple, profound. We've lost a true poet. I remember when I heard Amy Grant's version of Sing "Your Praise to the Lord" on "Age to Age". I was disappointed because they left out the "from the rising of the sun" part. I'm so glad he recorded it the way he wrote it. What a loss for us all! What a gain for Rich! Marty Andry -------