Nelson Somerville Rulison (April 24, 1842 – September 1, 1897) was second bishop of Central Pennsylvania.

He studied at the General Theological Seminary in New York City and graduated in 1866 after which he was ordained deacon.

He served as assistant minister of the Church of the Annunciation in New York City.

In 1876 he transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, to become rector of St Paul's Church.

Rulison was elected Assistant Bishop of Central Pennsylvania (present day Diocese of Bethlehem) on June 12, 1884.