Burchell established the Burchell Baptist Church, where he was assisted by deacon and preacher Samuel Sharpe. Active in organizing a strike of workers that resulted in the Baptist War (1831-1832), Sharpe was executed by the government in May 1832. Burchell had evaded such retaliation, but returned to Jamaica to continue as a missionary after conditions had calmed down. He continued to preach to people all over his parish, and to set up schools and churches. He died in London of the fever, when he had a relapse after returning for a short visit.