Henry Meeks was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in 1841 and came to Victoria in 1855.

A proprietor of Morris and Meeks, iron merchants, Henry Meeks joined the Collins Street Baptist Church in 1861 and was a Deacon from 1887 till 1922. For 20 years he was Chairman of the Home Mission Society and for some years was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Victorian Baptist Fund. He was also one time Chairman of the Theological College.

In 1917, the Hardware Association, of which he had been a highly respected member, presented the Austin Hospital with an operating theatre and surgical laboratory which was named the ‘Henry Meeks Pavilion’ in his honour.

Until prevented by age and infirmity, Mr. Meeks was most regular in attendances at the Committees upon which he served. His health failed for some time, and he died on Saturday 6 August 1922 at his residence, ‘Villiers’, Goodall Street, Hawthorn. He had seen 61 years of active service at the Collins Street Baptist Church.

He was regarded as a capable businessman, a good judge of men and always watchful of the interests of the Denomination.

The School Council Minutes of 30 October 1924 contain President Dr. William Moore's announcement that Henry Meeks’ daughters had donated to the school, seventy pounds, the interest of which was to provide a gold medal every year, to be called "The Henry Meeks Gold Medal" in memory of their father. It was left to the President and Headmaster to decide the conditions of the award. Moved by the Secretary, "that we accept the offer with thanks, and that it be left to the School President, in consultation with the Headmaster, to decide the conditions of the award. With that a letter of thanks be sent to the Misses Meeks". Seconded by Rev. W. M. Cartwright, and carried.

The School Council Minutes of 20 November 1924 set out the conditions of award of the Henry Meeks Gold Medal. Dr. Moore reported having consulted with Headmaster H. G. Steele regarding the conditions of award. Mr. Steele's suggestions were:

1. the prize shall be called "The Henry Meeks Gold Medal";
2. the Medal shall be awarded for qualities of leadership, scholastic ability and devotion to studies, and athletic prowess combined with the spirit of true sportsmanship;
3. the medal shall not be given to the same boy twice; and
4. the awarding of the medal shall be in the hands of the Headmaster and Staff.