4 1 edgar.txt FORM 4 - 07/31/2001 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 Strauss, Catherine B. 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 07/31/2001 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) Senior 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 shares were sold pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 sales plan dated 6/14/01. (2) Includes shares acquired through 6/30/01 under Harleysville Group Inc. Dividend Reinvestment Plan (61.0893) and shares acquired (382.7891) through 7/15/01 under Harleysville Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (3) Option vested in two equal annual installments beginning October 23, 1997. SIGNATURE OF REPORTING PERSON /s/ Catherine B. Strauss DATE 08/08/2001

STRAUSS CATHERINE B 4