[1] He graduated in 1862 from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and was admitted a deacon in 1863 by Connop Thirlwall, Bishop of St David's.
He became a priest in 1864, and worked as curate of Aberystwyth until 1865, when Thirlwall appointed him to the vicarage of Llandygwydd, Cardiganshire.
In 1874, he was nominated to the vicarage of Llandewi Velfry and the rectory of Crinow, Pembrokeshire, which he held together for two years.
In the same year, the bishop made him a canon and treasurer of the cathedral and prebendary of Llandissilio-Gogoff.
He also accepted the vicarage of Llanfihangel Aberbythych (and his estate Golden Grove) offered by the Earl Cawdor.