The final session of the 165th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Alabama selected Bro. R. Harris Henderson, Sr. Grand Master. He was installed at the final session November 20, 1985.

A member of Wilson Williams Lodge No. 351, Phenix City, Alabama, Bro. Henderson was initiated an Entered Apprentice on November 8, 1966 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on February 7, 1967. He served his Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1972 and was appointed Assistant Lecturer of District 20 by Grand Master J.E. Brackin. Grand Master Wilbur 0. Harden appointed him to the Committee on Work in 1976, where he served for seven years.

He served as head of all three of the Phenix City York Rite Bodies. Also, he served as Chaplain and Prelate of these Bodies. He is a member of the Knights York Cross of Honor, Bandar Grotto, Scottish Rite and St. Asaph Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine.

He is married to the former Faye Harvey. They have two children, Martha Ellis and Ralph H., Jr. He is a member of Lakewood Baptist Church where he is a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.