Eric C. B. Nelson

The Rev. Eric Charles Bertil Nelson, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and Minister Emeritus of the Washington Street Baptist Church in Lynn, MA, completed his earthly journey and met his Savior in the early hours of the day on August 16, 2025, at his home in Beverly, MA, with his wife of nearly 39 years, Priscilla, by his side.  He was born on November 15, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA, to the Rev. Dr. Samuel and Mary Nelson. He was the second of five children. When Eric was 11, the family moved to Mexico City where his father worked for the American Bible Society. He attended the American School and the Union Evangelical Church in Mexico City. Eric was a dedicated Boy Scout, earning the God and Country and Eagle Scout awards. He also won third place in an oratory contest for “Humorous Declamation.” His family moved to Walnut Creek, CA, in 1962 and he graduated from Las Lomas High School. He graduated from the University of California, Berkley, in 1966 with a degree in philosophy and discerned his call to ministry. He attended seminary at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School where his uncle was a professor and inspiring preacher. In 1971, following a year of intensive study at the New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, Eric was awarded the Diploma in Pastoral Studies with distinction. His thesis focused on pastoral care. A third-generation Baptist minister, Eric was a lifelong learner, even continuing coursework at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary into his late 70s.  Eric’s first position at a church was at the White Street Baptist Church in East Boston. He was later called to First Baptist Church, Pittsfield, MA, where he served as Associate Minister. During that time, he purchased “Teremok,” which serves as his family’s summer getaway and also a constant repair project of love. In 1982, he was called to be the pastor of Washington Street Baptist Church where he served for 34 years. While there, he met his loving wife, Priscilla, and they had two children. Eric served on several denominational committees, wrote articles for “The Vine” regional newsletter, served as Moderator of the Judson Association, and Chairman of the Judson Grant Committee.  He especially enjoyed awarding grants to churches seeking to do outreach. In retirement, Eric and Priscilla moved to Beverly where they could enjoy the next season of their lives and spend time with their new grandchildren.  Eric loved spending time with his wife and family, harassing his four sisters, spending weeks at a time at Teremok, gardening, celebrating his Swedish heritage, attending Nelson family reunions on the West Coast, spending time with Priscilla’s family on the East Coast, and being with the people of his congregation in Lynn. He loved many more things, but most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who was everything in his life and beyond. Eric is survived by his wife, Priscilla; son, Sam Nelson (Thea); daughter, Abigail Downing (Chuck); sisters, Carol Eklund, Christine Nelson, Mary Hunt, and Kathleen King; and grandchildren, Mina Lobo-Nelson, Gus Downing, Cecilia Lobo-Nelson, and Max Downing; 16 nieces and nephews; and 30 grandnieces and grandnephews. Eric will have a private family burial at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, MA. A Celebration of Life will be held at Washington Street Baptist Church on August 23, at 11 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to come and celebrate his life.  https://facebook.com/lynnWSBC    In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kavanagh Camp Fund online at the General Fund website and send an email to [email protected] noting your online gift to the Kavanagh Camp Fund in Eric Nelson’s memory. You can also mail a check to Washington Street Baptist Church at 256 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01902, with “Eric Nelson” in the memo line.