Frank Nelson (priest)

Frank Derek Nelson (born 9 January 1955) is a South African-born Anglican priest who served as the Dean of Adelaide from 12 October 2012 to 4 April 2021, and previously served as Dean of Wellington from 2004 to 2012.^[3]

The Very Reverend Frank Nelson
Dean of St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide
Nelson (second from right) after a multi-faith service at St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide (2021)
Church	Anglican Church of Australia
Province	South Australia
Diocese	Adelaide
In office	12 October 2012 – 4 April 2021[1]
Predecessor	Sarah Macneil
Successor	Chris McLeod
Other post(s)	Dean of Wellington (2004–2012)[2]
Orders
Ordination	1978 (as priest)[2]
Personal details
Born	Frank Derek Nelson (1955-01-09) January 9, 1955 (age 70) Union of South Africa
Nationality	New Zealand
Spouse	Christine
Children	3

Nelson was born in what was then the Union of South Africa and grew up in East London.^[4] He was ordained in 1978,^[5] and moved to New Zealand in 1991 in response to apartheid.^[4] He worked in churches and cathedrals in South Africa, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Australia, before being invited by Archbishop Jeffrey Driver to become Dean of St Peter's Cathedral, Adelaide.^[5]

From 2004 to 2012, he was Dean of Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. His Master of Ministry (2010) was entitled "Benedict, Balance and the Deans: The Benedictine concept of balance offers a way for a dean to survive and thrive in an Anglican cathedral today".^[6]

Nelson retired from his role in Adelaide on 4 April 2021 to return to New Zealand and serve as vicar of the parish of North Wairoa (based out of Dargaville).^[1][7]

Nelson retired from active parish ministry in February 2024.

Nelson is married to Christine and has 3 children.^[3]