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Show CLARENCE DICKSON RICH Years ago in front of the Morgan Stake Tabernacle, President Howard Randall placed his arms about the shoulders of a young man in his teens and said, 'Young man, you will some day be the president of this stake." The young man was Clarence Dickson Rich and he didn't pay much attention to President Randall at the time. But these prophetic words came clearly to his mind when in May 1947, at the age of thirty-six, he was sustained and set apart as president ofthe Morgan Stake. President Rich's life story begins in Richville, Morgan County, Utah, when he was bom to Clarence E. Rich and May Dickson Rich, 3 July 1911. He was the oldest of seven children, five brothers and two sisters. Being the oldest, he seemed to watch over the entire family with deep concern. He had a great love for his parents. He would often seek their counsel and advice and he respected their judgment and knowledge. He set a good example for his brothers and sisters to follow, trying to make others happy. He didn't want to do anything that might hurt or embarrass anyone. He disliked being in the presence of those using offensive or indecent language or actions. He did not reproach them publicly, but others knew how he felt and their actions were more acceptable in his presence. Clarence exhibited a maturity beyond his age. He had an upstairs bedroom on the front ofthe home. When his sisters arrived home from their dates, if they sat in the car too long, he would turn his light on and off to signal it was time to come in. As a guide to the family, he had a calm nature and expected the good. He received his early education in Morgan schools and graduated from Morgan High School. While in high school, he was active in student affairs and in drama, debate, and music. He sangwith the Richville quartet and later became a member of the Allegro Male Chorus of Morgan. Coming from a home of little means, he was determined to improve the condition ofthe family. Working to help pay for his education, he graduated from Brigham Young University in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Business with a minor in education. He also attended the University of Utah one year and one summer session at Oregon State University at Corvallis, Oregon, studying finance, banking, and accounting. He put his education to advantage as he headed the commercial department of Morgan High School for three years. He then became cashier ofthe First National Bank of Morgan where he was employed for twelve years. 259 |
