Lixuetang Academy Introduction
The Lixiatang College, also known as the Oxford College, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training missionaries, medical personnel, and educators by the church at that time. Mackay named it "Oxford" in memory of the support from his fellow townsfolk, reflecting the idea of being grateful for one's roots. Between 1872 and 1880, Dr. Mackay preached through open-air teaching by the roadside, under banyan trees, beside rivers, or along the coast. Aware of the importance of establishing a school, he raised funds during his return to Canada in 1880, and after coming back to Tamsui, he began the construction of the school. The Oxford College can be said to be the cradle of universities such as Aletheia University and Tamkang Senior High School. The architecture is rich in traditional Chinese architectural style, personally designed by Dr. Mackay, employing balanced symmetry, oriented north to south, and featuring eight small pagodas on the roof to replace the cross. The materials used for the construction include clear water bricks and Minnan tiles, all imported from Xiamen. Notably, the small red bricks were painted to protect against rain and wind, and their dimensions are slightly flatter and longer than local bricks. The rammed earth was made from steamed glutinous rice, mixed with lime and syrup. Currently, it has been designated as a national second-class historic site.
