About 1558 he was made provost of Walcourt, in Namur.

But before this he was made Canon of the cathedral of Munster, and provost of the old cathedral in 1462.

Shortly afterwards he was chosen master stabler to the king, and, against the wishes of the inhabitants of Dundee, was made provost of the town.

On 14 November 1609 he was made provost of Trinity College, Dublin.

In 1594, he was made provost of the cathedral at Cambrai.

He was made provost of Jesus College, Rotherham in 1544.

In the twilight of his life, he was made provost and master of ceremonies of the king's orders, on 12 May 1754.

A year later, Dr. Kirk was made provost.

He was made canon of Nottingham in 1852, doctor of divinity in 1860, and provost of that diocese in 1861.

Only a priest may be made provost, archpriest, and dean; only a deacon may be archdeacon.