A pastor who also served as a chaplain to first responders was robbed and beaten to death outside his church, authorities said.

Police were called to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Wednesday evening. Responding officers found Rev. Allen Henderson, 64, unresponsive outside of the building according to a release from the Fort Dodge Police Department.

Henderson was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later. Police say his injuries are consistent with an assault.

“Pastor Al was a brother to all of us”

Police did make an arrest a short time later. A 36-year-old man has been charged with robbery and first-degree murder. He remains in custody

There were classes going on inside the church at the time of the incident, but police say that people at the church did not see anything.

Known for commitment and service

Henderson, had been a pastor at the church since 1999. Besides also serving as a chaplain to police and firefighters Henderson was also involved in a group called Serving Our Servants, which supports public servants.

“Pastor Al was a brother to all of us,” Porter told The Messenger newspaper. “He was a pastor to every law enforcement and fire agency in this area. This is very tough for all of us.

“Everyone here is pretty emotional right now,” Porter said. “We just want to extend prayers to his family.”