Bishop Henry L. Porter graduated valedictorian from high school, earned his Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Florida A. & M University, Tallahassee. While an undergraduate scholar, he directed singing groups and was very active in community and student affairs. He was president of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society; Polemarch (president), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and, first student director of the FAMU Community Gospel Choir. At 21, he was awarded a Ford Foundation Doctoral Fellowship, and immdiately pursued the Doctor of Philosophy degree at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. At Age 25, the chairman of the Mathematics Department asked him to return to Florida A. & M. University to teach Mathematics. He is a member of the Yale Club of Sarasota, and of the Ivy League Club in Sarasota.

Dr. Porter's international travels began in 1974 with missionary work in Jamaica. In 1985, a Nigerian college invited him to participate in the graduation ceremonies. He took a large team to the country's interior. In 1986, The United Bible College, Orlando, Florida, awarded him the Doctorate of Letters. Since that time, he has founded the Westcoast Theological Seminary.

He was appointed to the Senate Advisory Board for Education for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and visiting professor to the Trinity college of Ministerial Arts, Aba, Nigeria. In 1989, The Trinity college of Ministerial Arts (in conjunction with Honolulu University and Golden State University) awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree. In 1991, the college established the Henry L. Porter School of Music. He and Mrs. Porter were selected in Sarasota Magazine's The Sarasota 100, most powerful people in Sarasota (March 1993). The national publication, Ebony Man Magazine, chose him as one of seven African-American men, "How Black Men Are Giving Back to the Community" (April 1993). Henry Porter is listed in "Who's Who Among Black Americans".

The Henry L. Porter Nursery and Primary School in Takum, Nigeria has over 900 students. His consultation is sought after for successful operations. He is in his 34th year of ministry.