February 2, 1877, in the Kilgore schoolhouse, three miles west of Henderson, a few gathered that memorable Sunday, and by their love for God and Truth, brought into existence the present Christian Church of Henderson. They were Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Newton, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Stonebraker, Mrs. J. A. Carse, Mrs. H. F. Maxwell, Miss Alice Newton, E. W. Myers. R. J. Myers, J. E. Storrers, W. H. Gonser, Mrs. James Conns and Mr. York. With these as a beginning a “Church of Christ” was organized with the local name of “Highland Congregation”, Mrs. J. A. Stonebraker, Treasurer.

In 1878, the first minister, Bro. A. McFadden served until 1880 in a fruitful ministry. Bro. Hardman served as pastor, 1881-1882, and moved to Greenwood, NE. Bro. McFadden returned for 1 year. In 1883, Bro. D. C. Morrice was our minister and alternated with Oakland. He stayed 6 months. In 1884, Bro. Hardman was recalled and began for the first time a service at Henderson. alternating with the service at Kilgore schoolhouse. The next seven or eight years were difficult and under three different ministers.

The first services in town were held in what was then known as Starret's Hall. Bro. Prop hater of Hamburg, Iowa accepted the call April 1886 with the Highland and Henderson congregations. With the steadily growing membership, a need of a more suitable place for worship was felt. with the growing desire to establish a Church at what was later known as Lone Star and one at Henderson, so in the fall of 1886. the lots and Church building used by the Lutheran Society, were purchased of Joel Woods and wife for sum of $1.500. The following March, all services at Ki1gore schoolhouse were abandoned. The parsonage was built in 1891. Brother Solomon M. Perkins served 1895-1896 and married Belle Stonebraker while here. His work stands out as one of our most successful ministries.

Source: adapted from History of Mills County Iowa, 1985~ transcribed by Cay Merryman
Photo donated by Bette Byers, January 2015