UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 4 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP ( ) Check this box if no longer subject to Section 16. Form 4 or Form 5 obligations may continue. See Instructions 1(b). 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person Patkus, M. Lee Harleysville Group Inc. 355 Maple Avenue Harleysville, PA 19438 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol Harleysville Group Inc. HGIC 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) 4. Statement for Month/Year 05/31/2001 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) ( ) Director ( ) 10% Owner (X) Officer (give title below) ( ) Other (specify below) Executive Vice President 7. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line) (X) Form filed by One Reporting Person ( ) Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Explanation of Responses: (1) The option vests in two equal annual installments beginning May 23, 2002. SIGNATURE OF REPORTING PERSON /s/ M. Lee Patkus DATE 06/08/2001

HARLEYSVILLE GROUP INC 4