Bishop Altamont George Blackwood is the Presiding Prelate of the New Jerusalem Churches of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic Inc. His vision is to promote the manifold blessings and spiritual comfort derived from the practice of, and belief in the faith of applied Christianity, based on the doctrine of Jesus Christ and his apostles.

In 1960, Altamont Blackwood accepted the Lord as his personal savior, under the ministry of the late Pastor Mary Elizabeth bailey at the Rehoboth Church of God in Christ Apostolic, in Kingston, Jamaica. There he received the divine call to the ministry, and was ordained by the late Bishop R.A. Carr, Presiding Bishop of the Rehoboth Churches of God in Christ Apostolic. He was later sent to Pastor a branch of the Rehoboth Church in the Parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.

In 1972 he migrated to the United States of America and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, preaching and assisting other Pastors in the work of the Lord.

In 1978 he was moved by the Spirit of God to establish The New Jerusalem Church of god in Christ Apostolic Inc. in Queens, New York. After years of worship the visionary brought his vision into existence by the construction of a new edifice at 130-08 Springfield Boulevard, Springfield Gardens, New York.

In 1988 Bishop William S. Barnes Sr. appointed Pastor Blackwood as Overseer of the Churches of God in Christ Jesus Apostolic Inc. of the New York District. In may 1992 the Board of Bishops recommended and consequently consecrated Overseer Blackwood to the office of Bishop.

Bishop Blackwood's scholastic achievements over the years include a Certificate as an Electronic technician from Trenton Technical Institute, a Diploma from Mercer County Vocational School as an Electrical Journeyman (sponsored by Princeton University), a Certificate of Ministry from the New York Theological Seminary, and his Doctorate of Sacred Theology from the United Christian College and the United Holy Church of America Inc.

In recognition of his service to the community, Bishop Blackwood received several Citations and Proclamations from various elected officials. Most notable in 2006, "September 24th" has been declared "Bishop Blackwood Day" by proclamation in honor of his service and achievements to the community.

He is a devoted family man and is a proud husband to his beautiful wife Yvonne. Together they have three children, Christopher, Anthony, and Krystal and eight grand-children.