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Archbishop Brooks was briefly succeeded as Primate of the AEC
upon his death by Bishop W.D. Maxey, who continued to emphasize
the AEC’s ecumenical mission throughout his short tenure of
service. Upon +Maxey’s resignation in 1951, the Church entered
an interregnum period wherein Provinces of the East and West
were established.

In the West, Bishop Robert R. Ramm was named Primate by the
then retired +Maxey. He would serve in this capacity from 1976
until his resignation in 1986. In the East, Reverend Harold F.A.
Jarvis was elevated to the Office of Second AEC Provincial.

The selection of Reverend Jarvis as Bishop of the AEC effectively demonstrated the church’s
commitment to diversity within the ranks of its clergy, and validated +Brooks’ idea of a fully
integrated, ecumenical ministry.

Bishop Jarvis’ ministry focused less upon the liturgical experience and more upon a hands-
on mission outreach to the disenfranchised, infirmed, and unchurched.

Establishing an active Church Mission Headquarters on Shelter Island, New York, +Jarvis,
other clergy, and lay leaders endeavored to visit homes, hospitals and places of business in
order to address the needs of the sick and discouraged. Prayer, guidance, and consolation
were offered abundantly to all in need. AEC archives indicate that +Jarvis and his staff were
responsible for visiting thousands of individuals in an effort to enrich their lives through a
better understanding of the Christian experience.

Bishop Jarvis conducted regular and well attended services throughout his administrative
tenure with the AEC at The Little Church on the Heights, Shelter Island, New York.

Under the far-sighted direction of Bishop Jarvis, the mission of the AEC expanded to include
assisting individuals with an understanding of the inner message of scripture, and to invite
them back into the flock of Christ with new insight and a peace-centered life. He retired as
Bishop of the AEC in 1976.