He preached his first sermon in Texas that night at the home of Rev. James Sampson, the congregation having been assembled by runners announcing the service during the afternoon. For two years he ministered at Shiloh and Savannah Churches. His wife having died in 1845, he for some years extended his labors in a wide circuit which included Paris, Bonham, and through the southern counties around to Bowie County. His work afterwards extended through several States.

In 1847 he, together with his young son, A. P. Corley, went to the Mexican War. In 1848 this sweet-voiced minister, as he was affectionately referred to, returned to Clarksville and took charge of the Clarksville Female Academy, meanwhile administering to Shiloh, Clarksville, and Paris Churches. Be it remembered the Rev. Sam Corley was present at the organization of the first Synod and preached with great power in a camp meeting where the Synod was organized. It was said that a hymn sung by the Rev. Sam Corley would put any organization in a worshipful frame of mind. Dr. Crisman, in his 'Origin and Doctrine,' accredits Corley with contributing largely to the life of the Texas Presbytery at a time when discouragement was about to cause it to be disbanded and sever its connection with the General Assembly of the States."

Rev. Sam Corley was instrumental with his influence in bringing Amos M. Stone from the presidency of the Female Seminary at McMinnville,