Arthur Blessit, a devoted evangelist known for his global ministry and carrying a cross to 285 countries, has left and is lovingly survived by his wife, Denise Irja Brown, and their children.
He became a Christian when he was seven and briefly attended Mississippi College and Golden Gate Baptist Seminary. He was ordained a pastor in several Baptist Churches across the United States.
Highlights
- Arthur Blessitt was a well-known evangelist and Christian preacher who carried a cross to 285 countries.
- He passed away, leaving behind his wife and children who are mourning his tragic death.
- Blessitt was married to Sherry Anne Simmons, and the two decided to break their marriage.
In the late 1960s, Blessit relocated to Hollywood, California, to evangelize young people along the Sunset Strip.
In 1968, he built a wooden cross to put in his coffee house, and a year later, on Christmas Day 1969, he started walking the cross from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.
En route, Blessitt met world leaders, including Billy Graham, Pope John Paul II, and Yasser Arafat.
The Evangelist, Arthur Blessitt’s death has brought immense pain to his loved ones
Arthur Blessitt, the “Minister of the Sunset Strip,” passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 85.
A man of incredible faith and one who spread the Gospel throughout his life, he is remembered for his record in the Guinness World Records for his journey, carrying a 12-foot wooden cross through 324 countries, territories, and island groups.
He moved to heaven 🙏🏽🇩🇪
The first time I met Arthur Blessitt was in LA during the Olympic Games outreaches in the US.
Our second encounter took place in Lüdenscheid (Germany) in 1989 … and with that we started a youth Jesus Revolution in 🇩🇪.
RIP Arthur! pic.twitter.com/u5IkeeJtEK— walter h (@WairheiWalter) January 15, 2025
In his heat-wrenching final post, Bessitt said he was”overjoyed” to be reunited with his Saviour and looked forward to walking “the streets of gold.”
He further described his wife, Denise Irja Blessitt, as his “adorable. awesome, beautiful, Godly” partner and love of his life.
In his memory, the Arthur Blessitt Evangelistic Association accepts all donations to continue spreading faith and inspiration to every corner of the world.
Furthermore, TBN will air a special tribute to the Christian preacher’s incredible legacy in terms of his faith and service.
Many of his followers shared heartfelt messages with him saying,
He helped lead me to Christ through his book “Life’s Greatest Trip.” My aunts sent it to me. I was a teenager with no interest in Christian books but the cover of the book and his stories were current and cool and made me want to know more about Jesus. I sought Him. He found me!
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Arthur Blessitt Was Married To Sherry Anne Simmons And Parted Ways After Decades Of Their Marriage
In 1963, Arthur Blessitt married the love of his life, Sherry Anne Simmons, after three weeks of dating.
The couple married and had six children: Gina Arthur Joel, Joy, Arthur Joshua, Arthur Joseph, and Arthur Jerusalem.
After 27 years together, the pair decided to separate in 1990. In the latter half of that year, he exchanged rings with Denise Irja Brown.
Moreover, Blessitt shared a lifetime commitment and passion for adventure with his wife, Denise, and the two have one adopted daughter, Sophia, and they live in Denver, Colorado.
Mr and Mrs Blessitt have walked through 295 countries and island groups carrying the message of faith. She has been a staunch partner, sometimes driving ahead as her husband walked with the cross.
On her 60th birthday, the preacher shared a heartfelt message dedicated to his wife saying,
Denise Blessitt, Happy 60th Birthday! Denise, you are the love of my life! We have traveled the world together. Having you by my side has been the greatest joy of my life. I love you. We have been together in 295 countries and island groups. You have driven in 119 countries in front of me carrying the cross. I have loved traveling the world with you by my side.
Arthur Blessitt
Additional Information
- Arthur Blessitt’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025.
- He was born in Greenville, Mississippi, and was raised by his father, Arthur Blessitt who managed a large cotton farm, and his mother, Mary Virginia Blessitt.
- His wife, Denise grew up in England and was educated at an all-girls school in a Catholic convent.
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