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1940-1949
War Clouds
War Clouds were gathering worldwide as the 1940s opened. World War II
had been underway in Europe since 1939, and the United States would join the conflict in 1941. While League City and the Methodist church here had been relatively unaffected by World War I, it was a different story this time.
Men from this area and this church were called away to the war. They left knowing that the entire congregation prayed for their safe return. Special efforts were made to invite servicemen stationed in the area to attend church services.
Twenty veterans of World War II are buried in Fairview Cemetery, including three members of the Women’s Army Corps.
New Parsonage
Rev. Don W. Duran, a military chaplain during World War II, was assigned to
League City Methodist Church in June 1947. He recalled his first impressions for this centennial history:
"On a Thursday afternoon in late June 1947, we (myself, wife, Gemini, and two young sons) arrived in the parsonage driveway in a 1941 Ford. Opening the front door, we saw the living room rug rolled up against the wall. A broom was leaning against the wall." The women of the church who were cleaning up the parsonage had left for a little while.
"Over a period of a week, especially in the evenings, people came by to make minor repairs and set the house in order. They were younger couples like ourselves, and they made us feel welcome."
A few weeks after the Durans had moved in, Mr. Ralph Stamps visited them and laid a house plan on the dining room table. "Let's build a new parsonage," he said. The new house would be built on an adjoining lot.
May Fetes
May Fete celebrations began in 1947 at League City Methodist Church.
Held at local parks, the events included Mexican hat dances, May Pole dances, and children dressed in costumes. Each year had a different theme with each age group presenting an act related to the theme. A royal court complete with king, queen, and royal attendants, was part of every May Fete.
Ministers 1940-1949
1940
Rev. Walter Armstrong
1941-1944
Rev. Eugene Harris
1944
Rev. D.T. Windham
1945-1947
Rev. L.E. Wratten
1947-1949
Rev. Don W. Duran
1949-1951
Rev. Kermit L. Pritchett