Career
He received his early education in the Toronto separate schools, and in 1852, entered Saint Michael"s College School in Toronto. In 1859, he entered the Grand Seminary of Saint Sulpice, Montreal, to complete his theological course. He was ordained priest August 2, 1861, in Saint Michael"s Cathedral, Toronto, by Archbishop John Joseph Lynch.
His first charge after ordination was as assistant priest at Toronto Gore, and in January, 1862, he was appointed pastor of that mission.
In December, 1865, he was transferred to Niagara Falls mission, and in September, 1868, he was entrusted with the parish of South Adjala, Ontario. In October, 1870, he was made Dean of Barrie, where he remained for over eighteen years, taking a leading position in educational matters.
He was consecrated Bishop in Saint Peter"s Cathedral, Peterborough on May 1, 1889.