The selection of Provoost served to mollify anti-Anglican sentiments that had arisen during the Revolution. In his Addresses on the History of the United States Senate, Senator Robert Byrd noted that in the years before the Revolution Provoost "was a passionate Whig, and his sympathy for the colonies against English rule did not sit well with his wealthy loyalist congregation.
Provoost's appointment helped ease tensions between colonists and Anglicans after the Revolution. Senator Robert Byrd pointed out that prior to the revolution, Provoost was a strong supporter of the American cause and had faced opposition from his own wealthy, loyalist community.