The History of the Maclellan Family and Foundation
Mr. Maclellan demonstrated that faith and vision when he bought half of Provident Life and Accident Insurance Companies, Inc. The company was in its fifth year of operation and lacked leadership and organization, but Thomas applied his administrative skill and calm perseverance to manage business affairs in
The team’s synergy was beneficial, but it was Provident’s consistent pledge to integrity and honesty that ultimately brought the business success. In the late 1800’s, an insurance company like Provident who promised to "pay all just claims promptly" was extraordinary, especially because Provident followed through on that promise.
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The Provident pledge was often called into actuality since the company specialized in providing insurance for the "uninsurables" working in coal mines, saw mills, and blast furnaces. Accidents were common in these hazardous fields, sometimes taking men’s lives or leaving them permanently disabled. Provident was one of the first companies to offer insurance to these workers, securing wellbeing and financial provision for themselves and their families for the future. As a result, Provident flourished, as did the Maclellan family.
As their prosperity grew, the family maintained the humble attitude of their patriarch Thomas, and preserved his commitment to glorifying God with the fruits of their work. They recognized that everything under Heaven was God’s and saw themselves as stewards of His riches. They lived modest lifestyles that exemplified this belief, and gave their time, talent, and resources to the cause of Christ.
In 1945 the Maclellans formed a family foundation. A group of private and public trusts, the Maclellan Foundation was incorporated by Dora Maclellan Brown (Thomas’s daughter), Robert J. Maclellan (Thomas’s son), and Robert L. Maclellan (Thomas’s grandson). In a letter written by Dora Maclellan Brown she addressed the philosophy of the family for present and future reference, so that future trustees of the Maclellan Foundation would never loose sight of the Christian principles upon which it was founded. "The foundation of the Maclellan family has been truly Christian. It is the most valuable heritage we have to pass on to future leaders ministering under this name. …my own Christian experience has been so precious to me, I long to use my means in a way that will give this privilege to others."
The longings of Ms. Maclellan Brown’s heart have been realized for more than forty years. Each individual and every generation from the Maclellan family has possessed a significant desire to minister and use the gift of giving for the furtherance of the
R.J Maclellan was the first president of the Maclellan Foundation. Through the years, members of their families have served on the Board of Trustees. R.J.’s descendants have also contributed to the management and administration of the Maclellan Foundation. R.L Maclellan succeeded his father as president. Hugh O. Maclellan Sr. (son of R.J.) was the foundation president for nearly 20 years. It is expected that R.J. Maclellan’s great grandchildren will be involved in the family foundation in the future as well.
Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr. succeeded his father and assumed the role as the president of the Maclellan Foundation in 1994. Speaking on behalf of his family, Mr. Maclellan (Jr.) says that the ultimate goal of the Maclellan Foundation in making grants and funding organizations is to fulfill The Great Commission. The energy and passion he infuses into the foundation are the result of years of prayer and supplication by all generations before him, and the support of the family members currently serving on the Board of Trustees.
Today, the Maclellan Foundation supports over 100 ministries and charitable organizations each year. Its purpose is to serve strategic international and national organizations committed to furthering the
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