Mackay Memorial Hospital Introduction
The Canadian Presbyterian missionary Pastor James L. Mackay arrived in Tamsui in 1872, embarking on his missionary journey in Taiwan. The Mackay Memorial Hall is the residence where Mackay lived in Taiwan. Designed and supervised by Mackay himself in 1875, it was constructed using building materials from Xiamen in a Spanish-style plaster architecture suitable for the humid and rainy climate of northern Taiwan. Here, Mackay married and had children, spending countless seasons with his Taiwanese wife, Zhang Congming, until his passing in 1901. The Mackay Memorial Hall serves not only as Mackay's residence in Taiwan but also as a base for his work in missions, healthcare, and education, nurturing numerous talents in Taiwan's educational and medical fields. The third governor-general of Taiwan, Nogi Maresuke, even visited him. During World War II, the site was repurposed as "Anle Lodge," providing accommodation for women who had lost their families. After 1965, it was briefly used as faculty housing and office space for Ching Yun University. In memory of Pastor Mackay's motto, "Better to burn out than to rust out," which reflects his lifelong spirit, today the Mackay Memorial Hall displays Mackay's experiences. From this residence, visitors can also enjoy views of Guanyin Mountain and the Tamsui River, showcasing Mackay’s contributions to the missionary work, education, and healthcare sectors in Taiwan.
