He left this position in 1859 to become vicar of Aberdare in Glamorgan, returning to North Wales in 1866 as rector of Dolgellau, Merionethshire, remaining until 1884.
During this time, he was also rural dean of Ystumanner (1866–84), chancellor of Bangor Cathedral (1872–76) and canon residentiary (1877–84).
When this led to controversy, he defended his position in letters (in Welsh) in Y Cymro, which were later published in book format.
A Welsh-language treatise on the apostolic succession, Yr olyniaeth apostolaidd gan offeiriad Cymreig (1851), was his main work, although he also wrote on other issues, translated hymns into Welsh and helped with the creation of a hymn book for the Bangor diocese.
After her early death the following year, he remarried in 1865 Adelaide Owen Morrall, daughter of Rev.