Thomas Pearce was an English missionary of the London Missionary Society in China. He spent nearly half a century working in China as a missionary and translator, and was closely associated with the educational development in Hong Kong.
Pearce arrived at Canton in 1879, and was connected with missionary work there until 1893, when was transferred to Hong Kong.
In 1885 he married Mary H Gittins in Hong Kong.
He was acting Inspector of Schools, Hongkong, in 1898 and 1900; examiner at Queen's College, 1897 and 1898; member of the committee on interpretation, 1899-1900; appointed to the board of examiners in Chinese, Jan, 1897.
He received an OBE for his translation services and as one of a committee of five responsible for the revision of the Chinese Bible; also in recognition of his services to Education in the Colony of Hong Kong.
He was also one of the first to receive the degree of LLD from Hong Kong University.
In 1938 he was recorded as owner of European House #5 on the island of Cheung Chau, Hong Kong. This island was popular with missionaries and missionary societies in the early 20th century for its desirability as a location for a holiday home in an area reserved for Europeans on the island.
Pearce died later in 1938 at Withycombe, Exmouth, aged 83.
The site is now the home of the Caritas Jockey Club Ming Fai Camp, whose aim is to offer campers activities that support their physical, mental, and social well-being.
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