[4] A recently freed slave, he served as a minister to a tiny Baptist congregation located next to St. Peter's Catholic Church at that time.

[2][3] He was known to attend the parish and listen to the Dominicans' homilies during the early Sunday Mass and would then go back to his own congregation and preach the gospel, using them as an inspiration.

[3][4] Henderson and his wife later converted to Catholicism, joining the predominantly Irish parish of St. Peter's, and also as a result of the friendship and preaching of the friars.

[2][3] Henderson made a commitment to protect the Dominican friars, going with them as they cared for the orphans, made sick calls, and brought viaticum to the terminally ill.[1] Due to the civic collapse brought about by yellow fever epidemic, Memphis had become more dangerous and Henderson worried for the safety of the priests.

[4] The Dominican Friars of the Province of Saint Martin de Porres and the Diocese of Memphis have initiated preliminary investigations into the possible sainthood of Henderson.