This Week in Texas Methodist History October 3, 2021 Kenneth Pope Starts Six Week Sermon Series, “What I Saw in Europe,” Ocotober 1945 The pastor of First Methodist Church Austin, Kenneth Pope (1901-1989) was chosen to be part of a committee to evaluate the status of churches in German immediately after the end of World War II. Pope later became pastor of First Methodist Church Houston and was elected bishop from that position. He first served the Arkansas Area and then the Dallas/Fort Worth Area. When he returned from Europe in the autumn of 1945, he was inundated with questions about his experiences. During World War II American Methodists heard only snippets of information about the churches of Germany so they were naturally interested. Pope decided to write up his experiences and use them in a series of six sermons to be delivered on Sunday nights. The first of the six part series was printed in the Oct. 4 Southwestern Advocate. The tour began in London, so the scenes of desolation became obvious before Pope even got to continental Europe. His roué allowed him to see Normandy, including St. Lo and Caen, two of sites well known to Americans due to the Normandy invasion. In addition to the destruction of buildings, Pope commented on the state of rail transportation, So much had been destroyed that the rail companies had to use dilapidated rolling stock. Ins spite of the destruction Pope commented on the optimistic spirit of the people—even the Germans. Many Germans and other nationalities were trying to get home/ At the time there was even a name for such refugees—displaced persons or DP’s. On every road Pope travelled, he saw desperate people on foot, cart, or bicycle trying to get home. He commented on the state of religion. Pope was very optimistic about a revival or religion in Germany. Some of the most serious opposition to the fascist regime had come from Christians. The general attitude toward churches was therefore enhanced. To be continued.