He was ordained deacon in 1911 and elder in 1913. Between 1911 and 1918 Rev. Purcell served the following appointments:  Madison Circuit, the Owenton Church (later renamed McCoy Memorial) in Birmingham, and First Methodist Church of Sylacauga.
Between 1911 and 1918, Reverend Purcell held various positions within the church: Madison Circuit, the Owenton Church (later known as McCoy Memorial), and the First Methodist Church of Sylacauga. He was ordained deacon in 1911 and elder in 1913.