 Ross became pastor of Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church in Kingsport during 1826, and during 1828 he briefly labored as an evangelist in both Kentucky and Ohio.During the eruption of the Old School–New School Controversy division of the Presbyterian general assembly in 1837 and 1838, Ross aligned himself with the New School branch and he would remain as pastor of the Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church until 1852.Beginning in 1855, Ross became pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, holding this charge until 1875 and continuing as pastor emeritus until his death in 1883.