His father ran a carpentry business, where Thomas worked before moving to Swansea.

[3] Reverend Thomas subsequently became a Congregational minister at Landore, Swansea, until he resigned in 1875.

It has been conjectured that he resigned after it was discovered he was the owner of sub-standard workers housing in north Swansea.

[4] His trademark design feature of chapels was the giant arch in the pediment on the facade of his buildings.

He also invented the stylistic interior feature of dipping the chapel gallery behind the preacher's pulpit.