After further incumbencies at St. John's Thorold (1975-1982) and St. Luke’s Burlington (1982-1997) he became the Archdeacon of Trafalgar in 1992 until his consecration to the episcopate as Bishop of Niagara on 21 September 1997 at Christ's Church Cathedral.

Bishop Spence has been involved in the design of a variety of coats of arms and flags for individuals, municipalities, and institutions, including: In 2008, Spence was invested as Chancellor of Renison University College at St. George's of Forest Hill Anglican Church in Kitchener, Ontario.

The Mace is to be carried by an honoured member of the College in front of the Chancellor at Convocations and special ceremonies.

Canon David Bowyer, Honorary Senior Fellow of Renison and painter of the arms located on the mace.

Spence later donated two processional staves, to be carried by students of the college, to lead academic processions.

Each stave bears Renison's shield and badge of the college surmounted by a crown of maple leaves and trilliums.

In 2014, Renison University College applied for and was granted supporters for its coat of arms by the Canadian Heraldic Authority.