He then studied at the Virginia Theological Seminary and graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1931.
West was ordained deacon in June 1931 by Bishop William G. McDowell of Alabama and priest in December of that year by Bishop Middleton S. Barnwell of Georgia.
In 1941 went to Augusta, Georgia to serve as rector of Saint Paul's Church.
[2] On April 28, 1948, West was elected on the 12th ballot as Coadjutor Bishop of Florida during a special convention which took place in St John's Church, Jacksonville, Florida.
[3] He was consecrated October 4, 1948 by Presiding Bishop Henry Knox Sherrill.