Serving Our Servants, the group he started to support those first responders, is now working on a project that will honor his memory and provide a venue for people to enjoy some time outdoors at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.

A picnic pavilion bearing his name and the insignia of local public safety departments is planned for a spot near the park’s campground. TJ Pingel, the leader of Serving Our Servants, said he hopes the pavilion will be up in time for the group’s annual Pay It Forward Friday event in October.

Henderson was the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge. He was also the chaplain to the Fort Dodge police and fire departments, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and District 7 of the Iowa State Patrol.

He was murdered Oct. 2, 2019, on the church grounds.

Rev. Al Henderson

Pay It Forward Friday was conceived by Serving Our Servants as a way to honor Henderson by fostering random acts of kindness throughout the community.

The group members also wanted a permanent, physical memorial to Henderson. They first talked to city leaders about doing something at Expo Park on North Seventh Street. Then they turned their attention to John F. Kennedy Memorial Park north of the city. The Henderson family enjoyed spending time there.

“It just seemed like something was calling us out there,” Pingel said.

The initial plan was to have a bench and trees dedicated to Henderson.

As Webster County Conservation Director Matt Cosgrove showed SOS members some sites around the park, an area near the campground caught their attention. Pingel described it as a “gorgeous spot.”

Because there is no place for anyone to sit down nearby, the concept of a bench surrounded by trees evolved into a pavilion.

“It just kind of all clicked,” Pingel said. “It just felt right.”

The proposed pavilion measures 16-by-24 feet.

Pingel said SOS is seeking about $20,000 in donations to help pay for it.