The rector of Hayfield, Derbys., converted in 1748, was described by John Wesley as 'a second Grimshaw', though he later fell from grace. After reading a volume of Wesley's sermons, he acknowledged his orthodoxy 'by the standards of primitive Christianity' and opened his church to him in April 1755 (and again in 1757). He joined with Samuel Walker and Thomas Adam in their efforts to dissuade Methodists from separating from the Church.