CHURCH HISTORY

 

A hundred years ago, Henderson consisted of an elementary school, hotel, railroad depot, blacksmith shop, barbershop, cheese factory, general store, Grange fraternal organization for farmers and a post office serving a small farming community.  The only religious influence was a Sunday School started in the late 1800s and taken over by Mr. Ralph Byers in 1897.  By the end of 1904 Mr. Byers convinced a few people that Henderson needed a church and on March 26, 1905 the charter was signed.

 

The first church services were held in the Grange building.  In 1907 the church affiliated with the Congregational Church and received a grant from the Home Mission Board to help erect the first church building on an acre of land east of the railroad on what is now 120th Avenue.  The bell which we still use was given by an evangelist who held special services to create interest in the church.  An addition to the west side of the church was built in 1920 and provided classrooms for the Sunday School.  August 14, 1960 found the membership breaking ground for the present building which was constructed around the old church.  Since its creation the Henderson Congregational Church has been known for warmth, compassion and traditional values.  Our church's identity can be seen in the warm fellowship of our worship, the outreach of the food bank, the vitality of the Christian education program and the many social activities we sponsor throughout the year.