n to his friend
Bishop Touret: "The heart of all its worth (Nelson's own forty years'
ministry) has been that I was carrying on for Alexis. I've first been
his assistant in my own mind always, and that has made it possible for
me to dare to undertake it." If Stein's work was finished, and a prophet
needs no great length of time, then it was brought to fruition through
the resolute efforts of this devoted servant who with great humility and
genuine searchings of heart took up the reins so tragically
relinquished.

Frank H. Nelson was elected Rector of Christ Church on May 5, 1900. In
the light of subsequent events his letter of acceptance is of interest:

May 16, 1900

Gentlemen:

In a letter from your Secretary, I have been informed of your
action of last Saturday, in electing me to succeed the Rev.
Alexis Stein, as Rector of Christ Church. That I appreciate very
deeply the honor that you have conferred upon me, I do not need
to say. I have considered the subject very carefully, and painful
to us all though the circumstances are that have led to this, I
feel strangely that it is God's work we have undertaken, and that
He has led us in it all. I therefore accept the call you have
given me, and I believe that working together we can, with God's
help, do a real work for Him in this city. For the success of the
work I regard two things as essential: the first that the Church
shall remain absolutely free, and the second that the lines of
work represented by the Parish House shall be continued. I ask
your cooperation and support in them both. I am writing the Rev.
J. H. Melish to ask him to be my associate. I hope to have him
begin his work with us in June. I feel deeply the burden of
responsibility, and the great opportunity that your call
involves. I can but say that I shall do all in my power to be
faithful to both.

Frank Nelson distrusted his own ability. Stein's preaching had packed
the church, and the numbers drastically declined when his eloquent voice
was stilled. The Bishop, conscious of the difficult problem confronting
a downtown church, advised Rev. Mr. Melish not to become associated,
saying "Stein could have solved it, but Frank Nelson never will." The
Bishop, however, had not sufficient evidence to gauge the young rector's
talents, nor could he foresee the capacity of the parish to respond to
the man's magnetic appeal.

There was at this time not only a brea