August 5, 1952

To the Trustees of the Maclellan Foundation:

In making my will which will give to this organization a large portion of my estate, I am thinking of the future when the present trustees will be replaced by new ones who may not fully know the ideals of the founders and who may find it helpful to have them set forth more fully than is done in the constitution of this organization.  While I am writing this only for myself, I feel that it will express the wishes of all who are the originators of this en­deavor to use our means for the benefit of mankind.

As we go back for generations, the foundation of the Maclellan family has been truly Christian.  It is the most valuable heritage we have to pass on to future leaders who are ministering under this name.

Because of this Christian background and training and 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.

For this reason (more than because it is a “duty” which every Christian should assume), I have had pleasure in supporting Christ’s Kingdom on earth.

There are many worthy causes to which I have contributed in the commu­nity and which should be helped but the practical or material needs are always so evident that we sometimes overlook the fact that the spiritual needs should not be neglected.

I am suggesting that the Trustees of the Maclellan Foundation always remember the definitely Christian faith upon which this organization is built.  It is often possible to give to those things which provide a spiritual blessing while ministering to material needs.

In making suggestions for future years, I realize that conditions change and what is a “worthy cause” today may be under different management in the future and not be in accordance with Christian ideals.

It is not my wish to make rigid and unchangeable suggestions regarding my estate but to apply the general principles of encouraging truly Christian causes...  

This is written to pass on to those who follow us the ideals upon which the Maclellan Foundation is established and which have so blessed our lives. 

             Dora Maclellan Brown