Arthur Blessitt, 40 year walk ends in Hollywood; movie tells the story

Arthur Blessitt returns with the cross to Hollywood; red carpets, spotlights and thousands of cheering supporters welcomed him home. Photo: Aaron Crisler/GospelMusicUpdate.com

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by Judy Nelon
Photos by Aaron Crisler / GospelMusicUpdate.com

Matthew Crouch's driven passion to accurately depict this challenging calling that consumed the last forty years of Arthur Blessitt's life is the best record of a spiritual pilgrimage in modern day history.

As a believer "The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story" tugged at my heart as I became engrossed into the life of a man surrendered to the absolute calling of God without reservation.

Arthur began the walk from Hollywood, CA carrying a 12 ft cross on a cold Christmas day in 1969. Death was already staring him in his face! Doctors had advised Arthur to cancel his plans following an aneurism that left him partially paralyzed. With determination he knew he would rather die following God's call, than to live knowing he had not obeyed.

Listed in the Guinness World Records for the "world's longest walk," Arthur has carried the cross in 315 nations, island groups, and territories and walked 38,102 miles -- a distance that circles the globe more than one and a half at the equator.

Inside the prestigious Grauman's Chinese Theatre the audience responded to the film with a standing ovation and cheers of appreciation for this heartwarming film telling the 40 year story of Blessitt's journey with the cross.

Music Icon Pat Boone and film producers Laurie and Matt Crouch celebrate with Arthur Blessitt at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre premiere of the Gener8Xion Entertainment film "The Cross, The Arthur Blessitt Story" in Hollywood, CA. Photo: Aaron Crisler/GospelMusicUpdate.com

The Katinas with Arthur Blessitt were a perfect choice to contribute two tracks to the film. Andrae Crouch & the Disciples who began with Arthur Blessitt at "His Place" 40 years ago were an early musical influence. Photo: Aaron Crisler/GospelMusicUpdate.com	Matt Crouch welcomes Dottie Rambo's daughter Reba Rambo-McGuire and her daughter Destiny; Dottie wrote 'I Will Glory In The Cross" for Arthur Blessitt. Photo: Aaron Crisler/GospelMusicUpdate.com