In 1891, Tyler became rector at Christ Church, Millwood which had been built in the 1840s to serve the growing congregation of the historic Old Chapel (established in 1702 as the first Episcopal house of worship west of the Blue Ridge and home parish of Virginia's third bishop, Rt.
In 1907, he returned to the Appalachian region, accepting a position as rector of Saint John's Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, with the title Archdeacon of Cumberland, where he served until January 6, 1914, when he was consecrated missionary Bishop of North Dakota.
Arriving in Fargo, North Dakota during the winter of 1913–1914, Bishop Tyler began expanding what had been a fledgling congregation.
The number of North Dakotan Episcopal institutions remained modest due to the lack of money and leadership.
In Valley City, North Dakota, a home for young women attending Normal School was opened in Church Hall.
Pelican Lake property was purchased in western Minnesota to serve as the Samuel C. Edsall Holiday House (a camp, retreat and conference center).
As was said after his death, "[s]ome part of the tenacity of the churches in this large sea of Lutherans and Catholics can be credited to Bishop Tyler's success in instilling in members a sense of their worth and mission.