 In 2002, Bishop Thomas began plans for a new edifice to house the Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia which would be called New Community Temple COGIC and Christian Center.He built the Christian Center first, tore down the original church facility, and erected the Temple as it stands today in the Churchland borough of Portsmouth, Virginia.Bishop Thomas was a graduate of Norfolk State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics; Hampton University, Master of Science degree in Mathematics; and Trinity Hall College, with a Doctor of Divinity Degree.