Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
In 1872, Canadian Presbyterian missionary Dr. George Mackay arrived in Tamsui, beginning his path of evangelism in Taiwan. The Mackay Memorial Museum is the residence where he lived during his time in Taiwan. It was designed and supervised by Dr. Mackay himself in 1875, constructed with materials from Xiamen in a Spanish-style structure that suited the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Dr. Mackay married, had children, and spent countless seasons with his Taiwanese wife, Chang Tsung-Ming, until his passing in 1901. The Mackay Memorial Museum serves not only as Dr. Mackay's residence but also as the base for his mission, medical, and educational efforts in Taiwan, nurturing countless talents in education and medicine. The third Governor-General of Taiwan, Kodama Gentarō, even visited this place. During World War II, it was converted into a "rest home" offering accommodation for women who had lost their families. After 1965, it was briefly used as dormitories and offices for educators from Chengchi University. The motto of Dr. Mackay, "Better to burn out than to rust out," reflects the spirit he upheld throughout his life. Today, the Mackay Memorial Museum displays his experiences, and from this residence, visitors can view Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, along with Dr. Mackay's contributions to evangelism, education, and healthcare in Taiwan.
