He was educated at University School in Cleveland, before studying at Kenyon College from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

In 1928, he was chosen to be the Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan.

[2] During a special diocesan convention held in Grace Church, Ishpeming, Michigan, on December 17, 1929, Ablewhite was elected Bishop of Marquette on the second ballot.

He was consecrated on March 25, 1930, in St Paul's Cathedral by Bishop Hugh L. Burleson of South Dakota.

[3] On March 23, 1939, Ablewhite resigned his bishopric after $99,000 shortage was recorded in the accounts of the Diocese of Northern Michigan.