IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY
The ‘ Community ’ s Pastor ’
By Jennifer Browning
Eldress Mary Lou Fletcher Henderson , known to many as the “ Community ’ s Pastor ,” had previously stated that her goal in life was “ to exemplify His image daily and stay in the shadows and let the Jesus inside shine forth ” and many would agree that she did just that .
Eldress Henderson went to be “ forever in His service ” Aug . 4 , 2022 and this is to celebrate and honor the woman she was and the impact she left on her community .
Most describe Henderson as a woman of God with quiet strength who presented herself in a male-dominated pastoral world with style , grace , and class . They use words like humble , noble character , full of life , and possessing a servant ’ s heart and according to Henderson , her greatest attribute was being a child of God .
Henderson plowed the path for women of all ethnicities in ministry for more than 40 years and was a pillar of strength impacting countless lives . According to her church members , she had an artistic and passionate style of delivering a message using her own experiences that helped others as they walked through life .
She started tearing down gender walls in the pulpit and redefining the role of women in the church when she was ordained in 1984 . During a time when women ministers were not common , Henderson focused on showing Jesus , not gender . In the 1990s , she took over as Senior Pastor of The General Assembly Church of the Living God Athens .
Henderson grew up on Hamlett Street in Athens and said that her sister and she had a bond with the neighbors and friends who lived nearby . “ We were part of their families ,” she said . “ When we went to visit they were like our moms and dads and we had to listen to what they said .”
Henderson accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of a church not far from her home , Mt . Providence Baptist Church , where she sang “ with the voice of an angel ” and with a servant ’ s heart .
She graduated Valedictorian of her Fisher High School class in 1958 . Henderson was also very involved in the process of erecting a monument there for fellow alumni and staff of Fisher Blackshear through her affiliation with Building Athens Together and the Fisher High Alumni Association Inc .
Eldress Henderson impacted Athens with her Servant ’ s Heart .
Greater Athens Magazine | February 2023 | 9