Worshippers gather for funeral of Dr. R.D. Henton

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A church on Chicago's South Side said goodbye to its longtime pastor and one of the city's most well- known religious leaders Saturday.

Apostle Richard D. Henton, who died last week at the age of 82, led a congregation of more than 5,000 people at the Monument of Faith Church in the Ashburn neighborhood.

"There was something about that ministry, his ministry, that I couldn't stay away," said Pastor Shirley Caesar. "He was a preacher's preacher, a preacher extraordinaire."

Several prominent church leaders who were on hand to pay their respects say they learned a lot from Apostle Henton.

"He was, without question, a churchman, an individual who understood all the nuances of church and was able to minister across denominational lines," Pastor Marvin Sapp said.

"I'm just saddened because I won't hear his voice anymore, but, I'll never forget him," said Pastor Marvin Winans.

Apostle Henton also founded the "Henton Breakthrough Ministries," producing a weekly program that aired around the world.