He was a strong proponent of the proposed union of churches and later in life championed ecumenism.

Their threat to the entire project was resolved by giving individual Presbyterian congregations the right to vote on whether to enter or remain outside the United Church.

With the pro-union support of the majority of Presbyterian congregations now guaranteed, The United Church of Canada was inaugurated at a large worship service at Toronto's Arena Gardens on June 10, 1925.

However, in a surprise move, Chown stepped aside in favour of Pidgeon in the hopes that this would strengthen the resolve of the Presbyterians who had chosen to join the new Church.

He served as minister of Bloor Street United Church for 32 years, retiring in 1948.