he was ordained in 1925. before his ordination he was involved in youth work at st. thomas' church in new york city. his first assignment was as rector of st. mary’s church in haledon, nj where he stayed until 1929. from 1929 to 1931 he was the executive secretary of the diocese’s social service and field department. from 1931 to 1958 he was the rector of st. john’s church in passaic, nj.