Our Pastor Emeritus | treeoflifembcgary

The Late & Great Master Pastor

Cato Brooks, Jr., is the Pastor Emeritus of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church located in Gary, Indiana.

Pastor Brooks was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, where he attended elementary and high school. Following high school, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and then served a tour of duty in the United States Army. Upon completion of his tour, Pastor Brooks returned to school at the University of Kansas, seeking a degree in Sociology.

Pastor Brooks also attended the Mid America Baptist Seminary, Quachita Baptist University, and Indiana Christian University where he earned his Bachelors and his Masters Degree as well as a Doctorate of Divinity. Pastor Brooks received his Ph.D., in Communiology from California Western University of Palo Alto, California.

Pastor Brooks began his ministry January 26, 1969. He organized and served as Pastor of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1970 to 1977 before relocating to serve as Pastor of the First Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana. Eighteen months later, Pastor Brooks organized the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church with twenty-eight (28) members. To date, the Rev. Dr. Cato Brooks, Jr., continues to serve as Pastor.

Pastor Brooks is also a former Chaplain for the Gary Police Department. He has achieved many accolades and accomplishments throughout his lifetime. To name a few, he was recognized by the NAACP "A Walk Without Fear" for his efforts in the Civil Rights Movement.

Pastor Brooks published his first book, "Studies in Ephesians" in September 2003. On May 23, 2004, he was elected Moderator of the Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist District Association.

Our History

What We Believe

I'm New

Rev. Dr. Cato & Sis. Bettye J. Brooks

Pastor Brooks was a dynamic and inspirational preacher. He is a great leader, teacher, and friend who is more affectionately known as the "Master Pastor." He was anointed and appointed for this place. With over 30 years of service, Pastor Brooks has led his congregation to a world of meaningful possibilities. Under his leadership, over 300 men have been called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On Sunday, August 20, 2017 Retirement services were held for Rev. Dr. Cato Brooks, Jr.

Upon retirement, he continued to thrive in rightly dividing the Word of Truth for leadership and guidance by direction of the Holy Spirit.

Last but not least, Pastor Brooks is married to Bettye Joyce and they have 6 children: Marva, Marvin, Shirlee, Catina, Cato III (deceased) and Terry Wayne. They are also the proud grandparents of 14: Nick, Jody, Marva, Artisha, Marvin, Anita, Catina Treasure, Alexis, James, Kinnedye, Jordan, Cia and Monique, and the great grandparents of two: Amiyah and Addison.

On January 2, 2018 Pastor Brooks made the transition from labor to reward. His legacy will always live on through not only his family but his church family as well.