John R. Rice

John R. Rice (1895–1980) was an American Independent Baptist evangelist and fundamentalist preacher known for his wide-reaching revival ministry and prolific religious writing. He founded and edited *The Sword of the Lord*, a newspaper that became influential in conservative Baptist and fundamentalist circles. Rice promoted evangelism, personal conversion, and strict biblical authority, and he traveled extensively to preach in churches and revival meetings across the United States. Through his preaching, publications, and leadership, he helped shape mid-20th-century Independent Baptist life. Rice remained closely identified with fundamentalist Christianity throughout his career and is remembered chiefly for his role in building *The Sword of the Lord* into a prominent platform.