Under his direction the department expanded its operations, largely through the opening of many more Family History Centers.

He returned to Utah State, but in 1957 was called as president of the West German Mission of the church.

[2] Burton served as president of the European Mission of the church and later as the Area Supervisor in Europe.

As director of the Genealogical Department, Burton initiated the translation of materials into languages other than English.

He also negotiated the contracting out of microfilming work to a private company in 1967 and then its later resumption as a function of the church department.