The MacMillan Homestead

propriate to note some of the distinctive traits of this family of which we have reason to be proud. STRONG FAMILY ATTACHMENTS This family attachment is to be seen not only for the family name, but for all those who by marriage have become a part of it. It is worth noting as evidence of this, that when the Rev. Hugh McMillan was called as pastor of the Brick Church on Rocky Creek, South Carolina, this was almost exclusively a family church. Later when Rev. Hugh McMillan came to Ohio, the church which was established here was made up almost entirely of his brothers and sisters, and the families with whom they were connected by marriage. This family trait continues to exist up to the present, although more than a century and a half have passed since Hugh McMillan came from County Antrim, Ireland, to make his home in America. the McMillans are a religious people This is a fact which must not be overlooked by those who are living today. If you want to know the genius of your forefathers, it is that they were religious people. As a family we have little else of which to boast. If religion is not worth mentioning, then we must remain silent. This is true of the past; it is true today. As a family we cannot boast of those of our number who have obtained high political preferment. Our religious principles have made us almost invariably members of the opposing party. This was true in Scotland, in Ireland, and in South Carolina. It has been largely true of the family in Ohio. Public life, especially dealing with secular affairs, does not seem to agree with our temperament. Neither are we by instinct a money-making people, because deep down in our hearts, we would rather serve mankind than to be served, and such service is not highly paid. The motto on fhe MacMillan coat-of-arms, is more than a pious platitude when we read, “Miseris succurrere disco”—'which being interpreted is, “I learn to succor the unfortunate.” Thus we have revealed that we are religious. So true is this that even today, for a MacMillan to live outside an organized church of some kind, would still be looked upon by the rank and file of the family, as a tragedy and a personal failure to be deeply deplored. 15

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