In 1817, after a few years of indifference to religion, he joined the congregationalists, and was deacon of the chapel in Grosvenor Street, Piccadilly, Manchester, from 1825 to the end of his life.
With this sum an annuity equal to the amount of his wages was purchased, and he was enabled to give up his situation at the foundry and devote all his time to the ministration of criminals.
George Frederic Watts presented his picture of the 'Good Samaritan' to the Corporation of Manchester in May 1852, 'as a testimony of his high esteem for the exemplary and praiseworthy character' of Wright.
Another picture, 'The Condemned Cell,' containing Wright's portrait, was painted by Charles Mercier, and presented by subscribers to the corporation of London in July 1869.
He was a promoter of the reformatory at Blackley, and worked on behalf of the Boys' Refuge, the Shoeblack Brigade, and the ragged schools of Manchester and Salford.