Dr. J.A.C. Chandler, President of the College of William & Mary since 1919, recruited the clergyman to head its biblical literature and religious studies department. Goodwin was also offered a commission of five cents on each fundraising dollar, for the new President knew of the priest's connections and fundraising skills, and planned to build classrooms, labs, dormitories and athletic facilities as well as capitalize on the college's long history and outstanding remaining architecture. 1923 was the centennial of Virginia Theological Seminary, Goodwin's alma mater, which had also trained other family members. Goodwin through Dutton published the first volume of the two volume history of the seminary, which he began editing in 1914 after researching and delivering an address concerning Virginia's second Bishop, former New Yorker Richard Channing Moore. Upon returning to Williamsburg, Goodwin also resumed duties as rector of Bruton Parish Church, a position he held until his retirement in 1937. Historic preservation The deterioration and loss of 17th and 18th century structures during the years of his absence in New York shocked Goodwin and galvanized him into action. In 1924, fearing that the many other historic buildings in the area would be destroyed, Goodwin began a movement to preserve the district's remaining colonial era buildings. Goodwin used his contacts in New York and Philadelphia to revitalize the town as well as college. In particular, he convinced John D. Rockefeller Jr. (the wealthy son of the founder of Standard Oil) and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, to help restore in the historic town and stimulated their generosity, which financed its restoration and reuse as a living history museum. Working with a small group of confidantes, Goodwin acted as Rockefeller's straw buyer and acquired dozens of properties located in and near in what would become the restored area. Williamsburg attorney Vernon M. Geddy, Sr. did much of the title research and legal work and later drafted the Virginia corporate papers for the project and filed them with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Mr. Geddy served briefly as the first President of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Together, the local team and the New York-based Rockefellers made Goodwin's dream of restoring the old colonial capital come true, creating what grew to become Colonial Williamsburg. A public announcement finally revealed the Rockefellers' role at two town meetings in the historic city held in June 1928. Personal life Goodwin was married to Evelyn Tannor (1869–1915).