For the next few years he is said to have been a curate in London.
He was ordained curate of Llandingat, Carmarthen, in 1874, and became warden and headmaster of the college, Llandovery, in 1875, holding this position until 1885, when he accepted the living of Carmarthen.
He was ordained in 1842, and worked as a curate at Cuddesdon.
His father, Jacob Stephen Hawker, was at that time a doctor, but afterwards curate and vicar of Stratton, Cornwall.
After graduating at Cambridge (Emmanuel College) and taking holy orders, he officiated for several years as curate at Mitcham.