Ordained a priest in 1868, he was rector successively at Covington, Kentucky (1868–1871), Providence, Rhode Island (1871–1888), and New York City at St. Bartholomew's Church, 1888–1904.

Bishop Greer made himself known as an untiring personal worker in his parishes and his diocese, and as a believer in direct and unceremonious relationship between clergy and laymen.

In 1913, he celebrated a service for the General Convention at St. John the Divine, at which an offering of $500,000 was collected, requiring three clergymen to bring it to the altar, and all night for expert bank tellers to count the funds.

[2] Prior to 1917, Greer caused controversy by expressing opposition to US involvement in World War I.

G. Ashton Oldham, to debutante Emily Pierrepont Gould at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.