Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
In 1872, Canadian Presbyterian missionary Dr. George Leslie Mackay arrived in Tamsui, beginning his missionary journey in Taiwan. The Mackay Memorial Hall was his residence in Taiwan, which he personally designed and oversaw the construction of in 1875, using materials from Xiamen to create a Spanish-style whitewashed building suitable for the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Here, Dr. Mackay married and had children, spending countless years with his Taiwanese wife, Zhang Congming, until his death in 1901. The contributions of Dr. Mackay in Taiwan are commemorated at the Mackay Memorial Hall, which serves not only as his residence but also as a base for his work in missionary activities, healthcare, and education, nurturing countless talents in Taiwan's education and medical fields. The third governor-general of Taiwan, Baron Hiroshi Nakamura, also visited the hall. During World War II, the site was converted into "Anle Liao," providing accommodations for women who had lost their families. After 1965, it briefly served as a dormitory and office for Tamkang University faculty. To commemorate Dr. Mackay's motto, "Better to burn out than rust out," which reflects his lifelong spirit, the Mackay Memorial Hall displays his experiences. Within this residence, visitors can view the contributions Dr. Mackay made to missionary work, education, and healthcare in Taiwan, all while enjoying views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River.
