Arthur Blessitt, famed for carrying a cross around the world, has passed away, marking the end of an era for many who sought inspiration from his unique ministry.
Arthur Blessitt: Iconic Cross-Bearing Preacher Dies at 84
Arthur Blessitt: Iconic Cross-Bearing Preacher Dies at 84
Street preacher and global wanderer leaves a legacy through his extraordinary journey of faith.
Arthur Blessitt, known for his passionate mission to evangelize to the counterculture of the 1960s and later carrying a 110-pound wooden cross across the globe, died on January 14th at the age of 84. His passing was shared through a personal statement on his website, which did not specify the circumstances of his death. Living in the Denver area at the time of his death, Blessitt dedicated his life to global evangelism after beginning his iconic journey on Christmas Day in 1969.
A Southern Baptist preacher, Blessitt made a name for himself on Hollywood's Sunset Strip before embarking on a monumental walk from Los Angeles to New York City. He started with a homemade 6-by-12-foot cross, adapting his gear along the way—from swapping sandals for boots to eventually transitioning to a lighter 42-pound cross, designed to be easier for travel.
His cross-country trek took him six months, leading to a divine prompting to extend his mission internationally. "Go!" he claimed he heard Jesus telling him. Starting in Northern Ireland in 1971, Blessitt would traverse various regions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, ultimately covering over 43,000 miles.
Alongside his dedication to spreading his faith, Blessitt's endeavors symbolized hope and perseverance, inspiring countless individuals throughout his travels and beyond.
A Southern Baptist preacher, Blessitt made a name for himself on Hollywood's Sunset Strip before embarking on a monumental walk from Los Angeles to New York City. He started with a homemade 6-by-12-foot cross, adapting his gear along the way—from swapping sandals for boots to eventually transitioning to a lighter 42-pound cross, designed to be easier for travel.
His cross-country trek took him six months, leading to a divine prompting to extend his mission internationally. "Go!" he claimed he heard Jesus telling him. Starting in Northern Ireland in 1971, Blessitt would traverse various regions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, ultimately covering over 43,000 miles.
Alongside his dedication to spreading his faith, Blessitt's endeavors symbolized hope and perseverance, inspiring countless individuals throughout his travels and beyond.
