Li School Academy Introduction
The College of Confucian Learning, also known as Oxford Academy, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training missionaries, medical personnel, and educators during that time. Dr. Mackay named it "Oxford" in honor of the support from his hometown, as a reminder to cherish one's roots. Between 1872 and 1880, Dr. Mackay preached in an open-air format beside the road, under banyan trees, by streams, or near the sea. Recognizing the importance of founding a school, he raised funds before returning to Canada in 1880, and upon his return to Tamsui, he began constructing the school. Oxford Academy can be considered the cradle of universities such as Tunghai University and Tamkang Senior High School. The architecture richly reflects traditional Chinese building styles, with designs personally crafted by Dr. Mackay, featuring balanced symmetry and oriented north-south. The roof is adorned with eight small pagodas instead of a cross. The overall materials used include clear bricks and Minnan tiles, all imported from Xiamen. The small red bricks are painted externally to protect against wind and rain, and they are slightly flatter and longer than local ones. The rammed earth is made from steamed glutinous rice mixed with lime and syrup. It has been designated as a national second-class historical site.
