Nelson's Guest Book

Recently, I received in the mail a package containing a few old letters, along with a treasure—Nelson's guest book, with entries from 1985 to 1993. It contains many names I have known, have heard of or have never seen before. Want to know if you are in there? Email me, and I will tell you!

Nelson received the guest book on May 2, 1985 from the Coastal Missions crew, who would have tied up at Nelson's dock in the original Coastal Messenger on its annual West Coast missionary voyage. Debbie, Tom, Brian and Anne were aboard. In the new guest book, they commented in green ink, "We always look forward to seeing you. This was a very special visit. God bless you!" Debbie wrote the word "look" as:

Debbie decorated the book and wrote the headings "date" and "name" on the left pages, and "comments" on the right. Visitors followed this regimen until about halfway through the book, where they began writing anywhere they liked.

Here are some highlights from entries, with only first names given:

• Bill P (May 85) – a great place here for hermits to gather!

• Gary (May 85) – Ahhh… woodstoves and candles. The thoughts of this world grow strangely dim.

• Wynn (Jun 85) – Back by popular demand.

• Bill I (Jul 85) – If you start charging wharfinger rates, we won’t be able to come as often!

• Family from Friend Island (directly across Copper Island just off the north shore) (Jul 85) – Wonderful! Heard about you for years. Glad to finally meet you.

• Bill of Olympia, WA (Jul 85) – After 55 years I met my school chum. Lots of changes in the world since we attended Olympic High. Enjoying this retreat immensely.

• Berna of Lake Cowichan (Jul 85) – A precious time of rest and relaxation in Jesus’ love. (About 40 years after this entry, we took Berna back to Copper Island to visit for a few days, shortly before she lost her eyesight.)

• Francis, Georgia, Larry and Peg (Aug 85) – Our friendly stopping place between Port Alberni and Bamfield.

• Visits by the RCMP vessel Manyberries

• Steve (Apr 86) – To a friend and brother in Jesus. We all love you, Nelson.

• Coastal Missions Crew (Brian, Anne, Debbie and Tom) (May 86) – Our yearly visit was such a blessing—as always. Thanks for sharing it together! We sure feel at home here, Nelson! Thank you for your love for the Lord and us.

• Ardis (July 86) – Your favorite niece?!?! To my favorite uncle the Hermit, God bless.

• Brian (July 86) – To Grandpa. I hope you have some nice weather this summer.

• Ben (Aug 86) – Thanks so much for your good hospitality. Can’t blame you for the lack of fish!

• Dave and Arlene of Kildonan (Aug 86) – Two more satisfied customers.

• Bernd & Sylvia of Tofino (Sep 86) – At last the Lord has granted us the opportunity to meet this wonderful old gentleman about whom we have heard so many good things… May God bless your desire to see your land used for his glory, dear Nelson.

• Neil, Kathy and Joshua (Mar 87) – Here to get away from it all. Thankful for a warm and cozy home in the midst of a stormy and wet few days.

• Brigitte of Germany (Apr 87) – I think I will never forget you and your way of life.

• Leona (Aug 87) – Grandpa, I am very glad I got to see you again. I love coming down here. Hope you have lots more people to keep you company. I will try to make it down more often. Love, Leona

Rich Parlee wrote a poem as his guest book entry in July 1987:

When I look out across the sea

And see the sunrise glowing

The eagle sitting in the tree

The westerly a-blowing

My thoughts stray way across the Sound

To a cabin on the shore

Where a welcome smile is always found

Where I have come oft times before

Copper Island! Restful haven

Honouring the Saviour’s name

Praise and worship always given!

Some things always stay the same!

After Nelson left Copper Island in 1989, many people still wrote in the guest book, mostly thanking him for making the property available to become a summer camp for children, youth and families. They wrote about their new perspectives and changed lives because of their time there. Inger also recorded a number of visits, and I assume she took the book to show Nelson at some point. 

Mary Scholey, faithful friend and regular visitor of Nelson and Mina for many years, has two precious entries in the guest book, written after Nelson had moved to the Mainland:

March 1990 – Came for a quick check since the big North winds. Everything seems divinely protected and serene—just waiting for another opportunity to serve its Creator and Master. God bless Nelson and Mina for keeping this lovely place for the Lord’s work.

 

March 1993 – After all these years—the peace of God lingers in this lovely place. I praise him for the privilege of weekly visits to Sunrise Cove, first to pray with Mina & Nelson about their dream for the future of this place, then to see the unfolding of this dream—a haven of rest for weary souls, a Bible camp where children and youth can learn of God’s peace in a setting of nature’s peace. Mina has entered into her reward in heaven. We pray a measure of this Copper Island peace will bless Nelson in Coquitlam as he serves God there.

Photo: Bamfield Archive and Museum