Mr Moyes was ordained and inducted to Renfrew on 18 September 1878, having come from Glasgow, Cathedral Square. After a long gradual decline of strength, there came a period of sick supply, and then resignation under a medical certificate that he ought not to resume work in Scotland. He demitted office on 3 November 1885.

His design was to set out for Australia, but the Colonial Committee of the Church did not feel at liberty to appoint him owing to the state of his health. Contributions, however, were being raised to secure the end contemplated, when Mr Moyes died on 25 December 1885, in the 40th year of his age.