Grave Matters

Grave Matters — A Portrayal of Judge William H. Hollis

On Oct. 5, 2022, the city of Forest Grove celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. As part of the sesquicentennial celebration, The Friends of Historic Forest Grove held a special event entitled “Grave Matters.” Several actors portrayed historically significant personages from the early years of not only Forest Grove but of Oregon itself, all of whom were laid to rest in Forest View Cemetery. Interestingly, the performances were given at the resting place of each person depicted.

The citizens portrayed ran the gamut from a noteworthy bowyer, famous barnstormer, suffragette, pharmacist, and the inspiration for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s character, Nellie Oleson, in the “Little House on the Prairie” series, to name a few. There was interest in adding a Freemason to the cast. Who better to portray a Mason than a Mason? I was deeply humbled and honored to be asked to portray W.B. William Henry Hollis, 33°, a state judge, lawyer, legislator, humanitarian, and avid Freemason. Brother Hollis and I share first and middle names, so I jumped at the opportunity to portray him.

William H. Hollis was a fascinating person to research, and his life story was one of drive, grit, and perseverance but also of kindness, charity, and friendship. W.B. Hollis was born in Edgar County, Ill., in 1853. From an early age, he showed an aptitude for learning complex subjects and found law to be of particular interest, so it was not surprising that he pursued the subject in college. W.B. Hollis quickly became a prominent lawyer, later a county judge, and eventually a Freemason. He suffered from an acute case of wanderlust and, by the turn of the last century, had settled in Forest Grove, where his law office thrived. Judge Hollis promptly joined Holbrook Lodge No. 30 and the Portland Valley of the Scottish Rite.

His professional life blossomed, becoming the lead lawyer for a number of large corporations, including the Oregon Electric Railway Company and the Forest Grove First National Bank, as well as the president of several state and local civic improvement societies. Additionally, W.B. Hollis was elected as Oregon state senator, where he sponsored the Workmen’s Compensation Act and later the Widow’s Compensation Bill.

Around age 70, W.B. Hollis took his well-earned retirement at the Masonic and Eastern Star Home, where he serenely passed away in 1932.

I want to note a common thread throughout W.B. Hollis’ remarkable life. He genuinely lived his Masonic obligations no matter where he lived or his endeavors.

A few cast members from the Friends of Historic Forest Grove’s Grave Matters cemetery tour.

There was nary a bad word said against his character; his reputation was truly unspotted, even in the eyes of his political rivals. Those who knew him personally were noted as saying he was a man of his word who gave freely of himself and his valuable free time, not only to his Lodge but to his community and the state of Oregon. Brother Hollis is an inspiration to me as a man, a citizen, and a Mason, and I humbly hope that I honored his memory in my portrayal of him.

Two other Freemasons were portrayed during the Grave Matters event in October. From the Friends of Historic Forest Grove:

Charles VanKoughnet owned and operated the Forest Grove Rexall Drug Store from the early 1910s until his death. He was a prominent businessman and civic leader, introducing Forest Grove’s first soda fountain. He was also a Masonic Lodge Brother and a Knight’s Templar.