Li Learning Hall Introduction
The Li Science Hall, also known as the Oxford Hall, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training missionaries, medical workers, and educators by the church. Mackay named it Oxford in honor of his hometown, reflecting the sentiment of remembering one's roots. Between 1872 and 1880, Dr. Mackay preached outdoors by roadsides, under banyan trees, by streams, and along the seashore. Recognizing the importance of establishing a school, he raised funds while returning to Canada in 1880, and upon returning to Tamsui, he began constructing the school. The Oxford Hall can be regarded as the cradle of institutions such as Tunghai University and Tamkang Senior High School. The architecture is rich in traditional Chinese architectural elements, personally designed by Dr. Mackay, featuring balanced symmetry and facing south. The roof is adorned with eight small pagodas instead of crosses. The construction materials include clear water bricks and Minnan tiles, all imported from Xiamen. The small red bricks are painted on the outside to protect against wind and rain, and they are slightly flatter and longer than local bricks. The mixture known as "sanhe tu" is made from steamed glutinous rice, lime, and syrup. It has currently been designated as a national second-level historic site.
