THOMAS MOORE has left his name on one of Sydney's suburbs, some streets in several others, and on a Theological College. The celebration of the 150th year of the College in 2006, presented an opportunity to remember the life of its benefactor. Although known as a quiet, pious man of good character, Thomas Moore (1762-1840) exerted a profound influence on many of the institutions and activities of Colonial New South Wales. Arriving as an adventurer, he settled as the Colony's Master Boat Builder, before moving to his property 'Moore Bank' as one of the pioneers of the Liverpool district. Here he played an important role, firstly, in building the township, and then long-term as its first resident magistrate. Across his long life, his contributions to the civic and Christian life of the colony were many and varied.

Thomas Moore is important as the benefactor of Moore College, but he also had a wider significance to the early life of Sydney. While honouring his memory occurred in a particular contemporary context, these essays and addresses seek to place him in the wider context of colonial Australia