Earlier the Rev Crosthwaite was involved with the Island and Coast Society a proselytizing organization. They had an involvement with at least three schools at the Western end of the Peninsula. They were involved with the Kerry born Rev. Spring who was active on Cape Clear and the Islands and who was friendly with the Rev. Crosthwaite. The stones from his Cape Clear church were used in the building of the former AIB Bank in Schull.

The Rev. Crosthwaite was also on the speech circuit in England raising money for these activities.