“Declare the works of the Lord” is not just a motto. It is the mission of New Jerusalem Church of Christ. This house of worship stands as a testament to faith. It also highlights community spirit.
Let’s delve into the story of New Jerusalem Church of Christ. God gave Pastor A.G. Blackwood a vision in 1978. He was to establish a House of Worship in Queens. Moving on the word of the Lord, in March 1978, a building was purchased. It was located at 112-07 Francis Lewis Blvd. The first service consisted of the Blackwood family and five friends. God’s leading and blessing were evident in the newly established work.
The congregation grew continuously. Pastor Blackwood saw the need for a larger building. He mobilized the congregation to raise funds. Four lots of land were purchased in 1991. They were at 130-08 Springfield Blvd in Springfield Gardens. The members labored faithfully with their pastor. In 1995 the mortgage on these lots was paid off.
An architectural firm was hired in 1997. They were to procure a blueprint of the building. A general contractor and a consultant firm were retained in an advisory capacity. In 1998, Chase Manhattan Bank committed to assisting with financing. This was under the Community Development Program. Construction of the new sanctuary then began.
On May 15, 1999, the New Jerusalem Church family marched proudly. Hundreds of well-wishers and friends joined. They marched under God’s leadership. The New York Police Department provided protection. They marched from 112-07 Francis Lewis Blvd to 130-08 Springfield Boulevard. This was to dedicate the new sanctuary. The dedication took place even though the building was not complete. The New Jerusalem Church family began to worship in their new edifice. In November 2002, the church purchased an adjoining property. It is presently used as a parking lot.
New Jerusalem Church of Christ has many ministries. One is an outreach ministry called C.O.M.E. It stands for Christians Outreach Mission Endeavor. It facilitates the physical and temporal needs of the community. An annual Thanksgiving meal is provided. This is for those living in shelters. There is also a Senior Citizens Program.
The church began a weekly broadcast on public television. It covered the Metropolitan area. This included Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Manhattan. The Jerusalem Hour became a sensation. It gave birth to a 24-hour prayer line.
The New Jerusalem Church extended its boundaries. It reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Overseer Valentine Archibald led this branch. Another branch is located in Stone Mtn., GA. Bishop A.G. Blackwood pastors this location.
The church also adopted other churches. These are through affiliated fellowships. They include Christ Ambassadors Apostolic Church in Brooklyn, NY. Pastor Glen John leads this church. Deliverance Temple of Truth is in Fairmont, NC. Pastor Amelia Mclean pastors there. The Zoe Christian Fellowship is in Johannesburg, South Africa. Bishop Bennet Motatinyane is its pastor.
To date, the New Jerusalem Church family is proud. They celebrate their ministry with miracles. These signs and wonders are too numerous to mention. The church solicits prayers. They endeavor to accomplish God’s mandate. That mandate is to declare the works of the Lord for the saving of souls.
New Jerusalem Church of Christ is a beacon of hope. It exemplifies community service. Remember the story of its humble beginnings. It grew into a multi-faceted ministry. This ministry impacts lives far beyond its walls.