Pastor Brian and First Lady Rice

Pastor Brian Kelly Rice was born in New Castle, PA where he graduated from New Castle Senior High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy and honorably served for over twenty-four (24) years attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). During his tenure, he visited over 50 countries, 6 of the 7 continents, and lived in Japan, Alaska, Spain, Bahrain, and Italy.

Upon retirement, Brian returned to his hometown area and enrolled in Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Community Ministry. While at Geneva and at 43 years of age, he was chosen and played as a walk-on for the Geneva Golden Tornado basketball team for the   2012 - 2013 season.  During the season Brian’s passion for ministering to young adults was evident as he played an integral part in the mentoring of his teammates.

Brian has an Associates/Certificate in Biblical Studies from the International School of Ministry and a Master of Social Work degree from Youngstown State University. He also has a Certification in Social and Emotional Learning and Character Development (SECD) with a concentration in school leadership from St. Elizabeth/Rutgers University and a Certification in Diversity and Inclusion (DE&I) from Cornell University, and Certified Student Assistance Service Provider (SAP).

Brian currently holds several positions in the New Castle Area School District: School Social Worker, SECD Facilitator, DE&I Liaison, Behavior Intervention Liaison, Career Intervention Liaison, Mentor for at-risk students, SAP Team Member, Girls Junior High Basketball Coach, and Boy’s Junior Varsity Basketball Coach. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Advocacy Center in New Castle, PA.

Brian is the Chief Executive Officer of the non-profit “Son of the City” which is a social service agency that utilizes programs based on biblical principles to tackle the issues faced by today’s youth. Programs are designed and facilitated with a “demographic specific” focus to restore hope and steer youth and young adults toward self-sufficiency through non-traditional means (i.e., youth basketball camps that promote discipline through participation in sports drills and competition). Creator of “Stay the Course”, a program designed to engage, mentor, and assist young adults attending college, the military, or trade school. Creator of iDeclare Apparel.

Brian has been requested to speak and/or present in a plethora of settings, National Honor Society keynote speaker, Democratic Black History Month Program keynote speaker, Baccalaureate keynote speaker, Veteran’s Day Program keynote speaker, 911 Program keynote speaker, Dream Workshop presenter, Behavior Intervention presenter, Juneteenth presenter, Career Awareness Day presenter, and Teacher-in-Service Day presenter.

Brian is the pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in New Castle, PA. He has been married to Marquita Rice for 32 years. They have two daughters: Brittany Santiago of Virginia Beach, VA (PSU graduate) and Zoe Rice. He has resided in Boardman, Ohio for the past 12 years.