Rt Rev. Dr Thomas Brown becomes Paul Harris Fellow

The Right Reverend Dr Thomas John Brown is Wellington's tenth Diocesan Bishop. He was elected to this position in December 1997.

Originally from a rural South Island background, Dr Brown was a farm manager and stock and station agent in South Canterbury. He was ordained in 1972. After a period as Assistant Curate first in the parish of St Matthew, Christchurch, and then in the parish of St James the Greater in Leicester, England, he became Vicar of the parish of Upper Clutha followed by six years as Vicar of St John’s, Dunedin. He moved north to take up the position of Vicar of St James, Lower Hutt, becoming Archdeacon of Belmont in 1987.

He was consecrated a Bishop in 1991 and appointed an Assistant Bishop and Vicar-General of the Diocese of Wellington.

Dr Brown received his theological education at St John’s Theological College, Auckland, the Loughborough Institute of Technology (UK) and the San Francisco Theological Seminary, University of California.

Bishop Tom became an honorary member of our Club when he was appointed Bishop 14 years ago. A couple of months ago he announced his decision to retire at the end of February 2012.  

Being Bishop of Wellington for 14 years come February, has been a time of change and clergy and laity alike have embraced new ways of being Church with enthusiasm and commitment. Tom has built strong relationships which are key to being effective  and has presided over and guided the Diocese in a way that has made a positive difference to so many people throughout the Wellington region and further afar. 

Throughout all his career he has been ably supported by his wife Dwyllis who, incidentally, is a Senior Fellow of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand.  I look forward to working closely with Dwyllis as she becomes the primary income earner in the future.

Tom and Dwyllis will continue to reside in Wellington.

Tom, your Rotary Club, in acknowledging your contribution to Wellington and beyond, has awarded you a Paul Harris Fellowship because your life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation. 

We thank you for demonstrating in your life and vocation a commitment to helping persons in need here and around the world.  I now wish to present to you the certificate and medallion of a Paul Harris Fellow.  

James Austin
President