Daqiao Church (Former Site of Fangxi Church) Introduction
During the Qing-French War, Taiwan society was permeated by a xenophobic atmosphere, which led to the destruction of Dr. Mackay's church by rioters. Fangxi Church was one of the four spire chapels built in 1885 after Dr. Mackay intervened, using a compensation of 10,000 taels of silver paid by Liu Ming-chuan. Dr. Mackay considered Fangxi Church to be the most beautiful stone church among the many churches he designed. In 1915, as the number of worshippers increased, the church became overcrowded. Elder Li Chun-sheng generously donated for the construction of a new chapel in Dadaocheng, leading to the departure of Fangxi Church's congregation to the new site, with the church subsequently renamed Dadaocheng Church. The old site of Fangxi was later rented out for a Japanese language school and Bao Xiang Zhai Cake Factory. After being left idle until the 1950s, Pastor Sun Li-lian's wife lamented its dilapidation and encouraged the Taiwan Presbyterian Church to rebuild there. Ultimately, the new church was completed in 1956 and began services, named Daqiao Church. The church building has undergone multiple reconstructions; today, only the north building and the outer stone walls remain from the original structure of Fangxi Church, serving as the only physical testament in Taipei to Dr. Mackay's missionary work. The thick stone walls built with coral rock can still be seen, as well as the classical-style pointed arch windows and doors. On the south side of the church, one can observe the imitation Roman columns and vase railings constructed with washed pebbles from the bakery era, along with the hollow flower railings made of red bricks. The next time you pass by, consider taking a look at these cultural buildings that have withstood the test of time.
