Church started as a writer in Bencoolen (Bengkulu) in 1816 and rose to the high position of Resident Councillor of Singapore before retiring in 1856.
[2] From July 1825 until the abolition of Straits Government by Lord William Bentinck (Governor-General of India) in 1830, Church was employed in various important offices (Accountant and Auditor).
Within a few days landing in Calcutta, Church was appointed Resident of Penang and as acting Governor of the Straits during the absence of Kenneth Murchison.
The injustice was acknowledged by the Government which on 12 January 1835 granted him Rupees 600 per month, or double the usual allowance to civil servants until an appointment offered suitable to his rank in the public service.
[3] After forty years of civil service, Church retired in September 1856, and due to ill health, he returned to London, where he died on 10 August 1860.