 His parents were not happy with William's decision because "to become a Dissenter" was considered wrong for him and a disgrace to his parents.He had promised to accompany a preacher to Sydenham Common to hear an open-air service, but at the last minute the preacher failed to turn up, so they asked William to take his place.He conducted the service with so much enthusiasm that he was asked to preach at Beckenham that same night.