BROOKE, THOMAS GEORGE (1849-1931) was born at Wargrave, Berkshire. He spent his boyhood at Reading where he was baptised by the Rev. Samuel Leigh (q.v.). Brooke became a local preacher in Cumberland and was studying for the English ministry when he met the Rev. James Buller, then visiting England, who induced him to come to New Zealand. He landed at Auckland on 19 Dec 1878. He spent a year in the Kaipara as assistant to Gittos (q.v.) and in 1880 went to Three Kings College for training. His college course was interrupted in 1881 when he was sent to Leeston to replace the Rev. John Armitage (drowned in the wreck of the Tararua). In 1884 he married Fanny Rogers, daughter of George C. Waby. He was a forceful preacher, a tireless worker, a wise and capable administrator. He devoted 29 years to circuit work, filling various secretarial positions, and serving in the chair of synods. For eight years he was editor of the Methodist Outlook. In 1906 he was president of the Methodist conference, a position he filled with distinction. In 1909 he was appointed general secretary of home missions and superintendent of the Methodist Maori mission. For 15 years he rendered valuable service in this position, which involved constant travel on foot and horseback, heavy correspondence and the oversight of weak circuits and home mission stations. During his term the income of the department trebled, the number of home missionaries increased from 37 to 55 and the number of home mission stations from 48 to 65. Brooke took a leading part in raising the standard of ministerial stipends and led the movement to establish the home missionaries retiring fund. He was superannuated in 1924, but continued to preach and to serve various boards and institutions of the church until his death (on 31 Aug 1931).

M.A.R.P.

Reference: Volume 1, page 64

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