TB Macaulay’s Other Form of Life Insurance
TB Macaulay (1860-1942), the well-known son of Uig who became President of the Sun Life Assurance Co. in Montreal, and contributed to many good causes in Lewis around the time of his 1929 visit, was, not surprisingly, philanthropic at home as well. He founded the Welcome Hall Mission in the city in 1892:
Welcome Hall Mission was founded through the goodwill of TB Macaulay, a Christian businessman working in Montreal who became president of the Sun Life Insurance Company. Moved by the words of Jesus which tell us that:
“When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’ “. Matthew 25: 38-41
Mr. Macaulay sought to relieve the suffering of the indigent men he saw in the streets around Central Station in the early 20th century. He started a community soup kitchen which became a refuge for the homeless. Eventually this refuge became a food bank, a children‘s service and a centre for street kids, Today Welcome Hall Mission has more than 75 full-time employees and several hundred volunteers who work in three different buildings and sectors of the City of Montreal. Our Mission is always to extend a warm welcome to everyone who comes to our door. Here they find shelter, a caring person to listen, and a chance to rebuild their lives.
Their website gives more detail of their active work and there’s a slideshow here – life insurance of a different kind. Many thanks to Kathleen Burley for making the connection and letting us know.