 In 1852, he enrolled at Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he received a degree in mathematics four years later; he was made a deacon that year (1856) in London, and served in the Church of England thereafter; he was ordained priest in 1857.In 1869, he was Rector at Newington, and in 1875, he was Vicar of St Mary Abbots, Kensington; both parishes being in London.During this period, he composed several hymns.