Francis Hollis facts for kids

Francis Septimus Hollis (born 10 November 1884 – died 4 February 1955) was an important British church leader. He was a clergyman in the Anglican Church, which is a Christian church. From 1938 to 1948, he served as the Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak in Southeast Asia.

Early Life and Becoming a Priest

Francis Septimus Hollis was the son of George Hollis. He went to school at St George's School, Harpenden in England. He also studied in Germany and France.

Before joining the church, he worked as a surveyor. In 1908, he became a Fellow of the Surveyors' Institution. But his true calling was to serve God. In 1910, he began studying at Dorchester Missionary College in Oxfordshire. He became a priest in 1914. His first church role was as a Curate in Ashby-de-la-Zouch from 1913 to 1916.

Work in Sarawak, Borneo

In 1916, Francis Hollis traveled to Sarawak, which is a part of Borneo in Southeast Asia. He worked there for many years.

Roles in Kuching

He started as an Assistant Priest at St. Thomas' Cathedral in Kuching. He served there from 1916 to 1923. After that, he led the mission for the Land Dayak community. This mission was called St James, Quop and Tai, and he worked there from 1923 to 1928.

Leading St Thomas' School

From 1928 to 1938, Hollis became the Principal of St Thomas' School. This was an important role in educating young people in the region.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1934, he was given the title of Archdeacon of Sarawak. This meant he was a senior church leader. Then, in 1938, he became a Bishop. He was made the Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak. Another bishop, Grosvenor Miles, was also made an assistant bishop at the same time.

World War II and Its Impact

During World War II, life changed dramatically for many people, including Bishop Hollis.

Internment at Batu Lintang Camp

From 1942 to 1945, Bishop Hollis was held as a prisoner. He was interned at Batu Lintang camp near Kuching. He spent three and a half years there.

Health Challenges

Being a prisoner for so long was very hard on his health. His eyesight was especially affected. After the war, in 1948, he decided to step down from his role as Bishop. He had served in Sarawak for 32 years.

New Diocese of Borneo

After the war, the church in the region was reorganized. The areas of Labuan and Sarawak were combined. They became the new Diocese of Borneo. Nigel Cornwall became the first Bishop of Borneo in 1949.

Later Life in England

After leaving Sarawak, Bishop Hollis returned to England in 1948.

Roles in Leicestershire

He continued his church work in England. He served as the Vicar of Stanford with Swinford, Leicestershire. From 1949 until his death, he was also an Assistant Bishop of Leicester. He was a Senior Canon at Leicester Cathedral.

Francis Septimus Hollis passed away in February 1955.

Selected Writings

Bishop Hollis also wrote some articles and helped translate religious texts.

• "S.P.G.: an outline of the history of the mission in Sarawak" Sarawak Gazette (1937)
• "The Church in Sarawak" Sarawak Gazette (1941)
• He translated parts of the Prayer Book and the Psalms into the Quop dialect of the Land Dayak language.