History

A Brief History of Hollis

In 1963 Don and Leah Hollis purchased ninety-three acres of timberland. Here they built a lake and a lodge. This would be their hideaway-a place respite from their many activities, for family re-creation, and to share with friends. Don and Leah willed the land to the Kansas City Conference of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) so that future generations could enjoy and experience communion with creation. Tragically, the Hollis' were killed in a 1971 airplane crash.

The Don and Leah Hollis Memorial Camp was incorporated, but there was no further development of the land. In 1976 the family indicated they wanted Don and Leah's dream to be realized. An evaluation team from the ALC was contracted. Their evaluation stated: "The Hollis property is a legacy, a gift of love, a rich and lasting heritage. It was given in the spirit of love and concern in the hope that a special ministry could be carried out there… that future generations could experience the out-of-doors in this beautiful setting…in that experience, people could discover the majesty and creativity of an ever-present, and loving God. It is truly a living memorial to the way the hollis family lived out their Christianity."

In 1979, the name of the Don and Leah Hollis Memorial Camp was changed to the Hollis Renewal Center. Hollis Renewal Center is incorporated as a not-for-profit Kansas Corporation. The Articles in Incorporation were amended so that the Hollis Renewal Center is now a corporation owned by the congregations that choose to participate.

Hollis Renewal Center Chronology

• 1963 Don and Leah Hollis purchase 'Hollis Hideaway'.
• 1966 Land willed to the Kansas Conference, American Lutheran Church.
• 1971 Don and Leah Hollis killed in a South American plane crash.
• 1972 Don and Leah Hollis Memorial Camp incorporated.
• 1978 Name change to Hollis Renewal Center.
• 1979 Staff hired; Marianne Wilkinson as director.
• 1981 Hollis becomes pan-Lutheran, programming begins including Hollis School for Ministry.
• 1985 Consultants question viability of site due to increasing development in the area.
• 1986 Site sold.
• 1988 Current site purchased from Sunflower Council of Campfire.
• 1990 Director moves on-site; non-profit status established.
• 1991 Complete Welcome Center (office and conference room).
• 1997 Complete Site Volunteer Center.
• 1999 Complete Hollis Hideaway.
• 2000 Marianne Wilkenson retires.
• 2001 Dave Mareske called as executive director.
• 2002 Hollis establishes Internet presence.
• 2003 Multiple week summer day camp sessions.
• 2004 Day camp expanded to include inner-city children.
• 2005 New picnic shelter completed.
• 2006 Completion of the Lodge Kitchen Renovation; new restrooms at the Lodge are being added and will be finished in 2007.  Welcome Center is now WIFI enabled.
• 2007 Hollis begins a capital campaign to renovate the Meadow Shelter and build new Campus Restrooms.

retreat  -  reflection  -  renewal