Abilene is a city in Taylor and Jones Counties in Texas, United States. Its population was 125,182 at the 2020 census, making it the 27th-most populous city in the state of Texas. It is the principal city of the Abilene metropolitan statistical area, which had an estimated population of 169,893, as of 2016.
Why Abilene should consider John the Baptist Boulevard
Abilene sits on the plains of West Texas, in Taylor and Jones Counties. It is a place many people already associate with hard work, open sky, and a straightforward way of speaking. That is a good setting for a public reminder of John the Baptist. He was not a man of polish. He told the truth in the open, called people to turn from sin, and then pointed away from himself toward Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Street names already tell a city what it is willing to remember. We are asking the mayor and city leaders of Abilene to consider renaming a local street John the Baptist Boulevard. The honor would not create a church, and it would not ask the city to settle a doctrinal dispute. It would simply put the name of the forerunner of Christ on a road that ordinary people already travel. John’s own preaching was about fruit, not appearance: “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8). A sign cannot produce that fruit. It can keep the call in view, the way a church steeple or a river crossing does, as families drive to work, to school, and to worship.
If a street that leads toward water can be chosen, so much the better. John baptized where the water made the turning visible, and Jesus later commanded the church to baptize disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Even a modest road, clearly marked, would be enough. The value is in the name and in the conversation it starts.
If you live in Abilene, or if you love this city, you can help by writing the mayor, talking with your church, and starting or signing a local petition. A short, respectful letter is a good first step. This ministry will walk with you and help with wording if you want it. Call or text John Arwood at (904) 305-7534 or email [email protected].