Li School Academy Introduction
The Lixue Hall, also known as the Oxford College, was completed in 1882 and served as a base for training personnel in preaching, medical care, and education by the church. Dr. Mackay named it "Oxford" in honor of the support from his hometown, signifying the importance of remembering one's roots. Between 1872 and 1880, Dr. Mackay preached through open-air teaching along roadsides, under banyan trees, beside streams, or by the sea. Recognizing the importance of founding the school, he raised funds before returning to Canada in 1880 and began construction of the school upon his return to Tamsui. The Oxford College can be regarded as the cradle of universities such as Aletheia University and Tamkang High School. The architecture richly reflects traditional Chinese design, personally designed by Dr. Mackay, featuring balanced symmetry, facing south, and adorned with eight small pagodas on the roof in place of a cross. The materials used are clear water bricks and Minnan tiles, imported from Xiamen, with the small red bricks painted to protect against wind and rain, and are slightly longer and flatter than local ones; the adobe was made from steamed glutinous rice, combined with lime and syrup. It is currently designated as a national second-class historic site.
