Huwei Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
Huwei Medical Hall is not only a designated historic site in New Taipei City, but also the first Western-style hospital in northern Taiwan. Due to Dr. Mackay's missionary and medical work here, the site showcases medical instruments used in the past, as well as a biography of Dr. Mackay, his clothing, daily necessities, and church-related items. Among these are an organ introduced from abroad, which has been placed in Dr. Mackay's home for over a hundred years, and a Tang suit worn by his family. Visitors can learn about Dr. Mackay's life and the medical environment of that time. In 1879, a woman with the same surname as Mackay donated funds to build Huwei Medical Hall in memory of her deceased husband, Captain Mackay, and in appreciation of Dr. Mackay's selfless spirit of service. The architectural style features a Chinese sloping roof, a Minnan-style residence with Western-style window designs, and an interior fireplace, which was a necessary household item for Westerners at the time. It is hard to imagine that within this unpretentious building was the medical institution where the world's first "paragonimiasis" was discovered. Today, after renovations, Huwei Medical Hall not only showcases Dr. Mackay’s life accomplishments but also houses a Mackay Café, revitalizing the historic space. The building was personally designed by Mackay, showcasing a Minnan-style residence combined with Western doors and windows, making it quite interesting. Because it faces the river without a courtyard, the layout adopts an inverted Sanhe courtyard style. The medical hall still retains its original appearance and some of the medical instruments used by Dr. Mackay. As a travel reminder, visitors are required to call (886-2-2692515) to make a reservation with the Taiwan Presbyterian Church - Tamsui Church before visiting.
