HENDERSON, Rev. Phillips The Reverend Phillips Brooks Henderson of Wethersfield, died peacefully at home Tuesday (September 21, 2010) with his wife Rita and daughter Janet by his side. Born on May 6, 1917 in Plymouth, MA, the son of Betsy (Annis) and Rev. Alexander Henderson, he was one of eight children, the oldest son. A graduate of Colby College, he achieved his Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Ordained into the American Baptist Ministry in 1941, he served parishes in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey ending his pastorate at Memorial Baptist Church in Hartford, CT in 1982. He also served in Broadmead Baptist Church in Bristol, England on two separate occasions doing a summer pulpit exchange with the residing English pastor and family. In retirement he continued serving various churches as interim minister, assistant pastor of youth education, and acting pastor when a parish was in need. Returning to Hartford in 1994, Memorial Baptist Church honored him by bestowing upon him the title of Pastor Emeritus. Phil Henderson was not one searching for accolades or recognition. He was a man of God who cared deeply about people. He was constantly seeking additional knowledge both in his local community and traveling about the world. In the mid 1950's he was one of the first of a group of Americans to visit the USSR. During World War Two he served as a U.S. Army Air Force Chaplain attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1963 he traveled to the deep south (Selma Alabama) to confront the hatred of racism and aid the Black Community regarding the right to vote. He was jailed for his beliefs during that time, but maintained his focus on what was just and fair, ultimately being involved in the voter registration. He was loved by his family as a mentor who taught them the love of travel, art, sports, quest for knowledge, respect for others and self, and first and foremost, love of God and family. He was loved for his liberalism when it was not accepted, his tolerance when it was not common, his bravery and intelligence that were always evident in his life decisions. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many people whose lives he touched with his compassion and understanding. Predeceased by his loving wife of over 50 years, Barbara Putnam Henderson, he leaves three sons, Phillips Henderson Jr, and wife Jane of Westlake Village, CA; Alexander Henderson and wife Genevieve; of Woodbridge, VA; Jonathan Henderson and wife Deborah of Manchester, CT; and a daughter Janet Bardsley of Mansfield, MA. He also has nine grandchildren - Jeffrey and Joshua Henderson; Matthew, Jeremy, and Adam Henderson; Zachary Henderson and Melissa Senesac; Kristen van Dyk and Hallie Bardsley; and five great-grandchildren - Presley Henderson; Rain, Marley, and Atticus Henderson; and Aidan van Dyk. He leaves two brothers Robert and Donald Henderson and a sister Christine Harper. The family extends their appreciation to the Hospice staff for their considerate and compassionate care of their patient. Special thanks go to nurse Maria Santos, the Rev "Bill" Hodge who would bring his guitar and sing hymns for Phil, and Sarah Barrett, Social Worker, who knew when his wife needed help even if she didn't. A Memorial Service, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Charles Williams, will be held at Memorial Baptist Church, 142 Fairfield Ave., Hartford, CT on Saturday (October 2, 2010) at 2 p.m., followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Remembrance Fund of Memorial Baptist Church or Habitat for Humanity. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.