Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
Mackay Memorial Hospital, established by Canadian Presbyterian missionary Dr. George Leslie Mackay, is located in Tamsui, Taiwan. Dr. Mackay arrived in Tamsui in 1872 and began his missionary work in Taiwan. The memorial hall was originally Dr. Mackay's residence in Taiwan and was personally designed and supervised by him in 1875. Constructed with materials from Xiamen, it features a Spanish-style plaster arcade, suitable for the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Dr. Mackay got married and had children here, spending countless seasons with his Taiwanese wife, Zhang Congming, until his death in 1901. The Mackay Memorial Hall serves not only as the residence where Dr. Mackay lived in Taiwan but also as a base for his missionary, medical, and educational efforts, nurturing countless talents in Taiwan’s education and medical fields. The third Governor-General of Taiwan, Baron Matsukata Masayoshi, even paid him a visit. During World War II, the site was turned into a "Comfort Home," providing accommodation and care for women who had lost their families. After 1965, it was used as faculty housing and office space for Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health. In remembrance of Dr. Mackay's motto, "Better to burn out than rust out," which embodies his lifelong spirit, today the Mackay Memorial Hall displays his experiences. Visitors to Dr. Mackay's former home can enjoy views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River while learning about his contributions to missionary work, education, and healthcare in Taiwan.
