James Henderson (28 January 1820 – 19 April 1905) was a Scottish-born Presbyterian minister in Victoria and South Australia who was twice removed from his church after allegations of misconduct.
Henderson held various responsible positions including Moderator of the Victorian Assembly, examiner at the Central Grammar School and member of the Orphan Asylum board, Geelong Hospital and Mechanics' Institute.
In January 1866 a deputation from the congregation presented him with a purse of gold sovereigns, and Mrs. Henderson with a silver tea service, traditional expressions of appreciation.
Four months later the atmosphere changed entirely: a series of accusations of a serious nature were levelled against Henderson, and the Melbourne presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church of Victoria set up a board of enquiry which sat from 23 May 1866 to investigate the matter.
[3] As Henderson left Geelong for Ballarat, where he was to preach at Sebastopol, he was presented with a purse of sovereigns by a party of townsmen in appreciation of his long service.