 In 1872 he was chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, and received the degree Doctor of Divinity (DD) from both universities in Aberdeen, Edinburgh.From 1872 to 1876 Kennedy was professor of apologetics at New College, London, and from 1884 to 1895 chairman of the New College council.He took an active part in many charities, including the Hospital Sunday Fund, and the East London Children's Hospital.