After his physical recovery he went to work in his father’s firm. However, his real interest lay in religious work. He first joined the Plymouth Brethren who met at Blackfriars in London and worked among young people in that area.The Times, 28 September 1942 – Carlile's obituary In 1875, the American evangelist Dwight L. Moody held his rallies in Islington, and Carlile offered his help. Ira Sankey, the musical director, recognised his musical ability and placed him at the harmonium where he accompanied the singing of the huge crowds who came to hear Moody. Following this mission, he went with Moody to Camberwell where he chose and trained the choir for the South London mission. Thus, he gained a solid understanding of the techniques of evangelism and the part that music can play.
