MacKay Memorial Museum

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Updates : 2023-10-06

1107

Google Rating : 4.4 Score

Travel tips

Revisit Reverend Mackay’s contributions and efforts in Taiwan
Get a peek of Reverend Mackay’s former residence in Tamsui
Check out the Spanish Colonial-style stucco-walled building

Introduction

Reverend George Leslie MacKay, a Canadian Presbyterian missionary, came to Tamsui in 1872, embarking on his journey as a missionary. The MacKay Memorial Museum was MacKay's residence in Taiwan at the time, designed by the reverend himself in 1875 and built with Spanish colonial-style stucco walls, which made it very suitable for the humid and rainy climate of Northern Taiwan. MacKay got married and had children here, and spent his days with his Taiwanese wife Tiun Chhang-mia until his passing in 1901.

Reverend MacKay's Contributions in Taiwan
The MacKay Memorial Museum was not only MacKay's residence in Taiwan, but also the base for his engagements in missionary work, health care, and education, cultivating countless Taiwan educators and medical professionals. Even the third governor of Taiwan, Maresuke Nogi, visited him at this place. During the Second World War, the residence was temporarily changed into a “Peace Clinic,” providing residence and support for the women who lost their families. For a period of time after 1965, it was used as a dormitory and office for teachers of Aletheia University.

In Memory of Reverend MacKay
“Rather burn out, than rust out,” is the motto Reverend MacKay lived by. Today, the MacKay Memorial Museum commemorates him by putting his life’s work on full display. MacKay’s contributions in Taiwan, from his missionary work, to educational teachings, to health and medical care, can all be viewed here at his historic residence, within viewing distance of Mount Guanyin and the Tamsui River.

How to Get There

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Xizhi Old Street

Today’s Zhongzheng Road was formerly known as Shuif Fanjiao Street, which was an important shipping transit stop along the Keelung River. It was also the starting point of Xizhi’s development and is known as “Xizhi’s first street.” There are many remnants of the area’s past glory, such as Niuchoutou Harbor and markets, barns, churches, and fortifying walls.

Yuanshan Park

It doesn't take a trip abroad to find featured parks. In New Taipei City, there are numerous featured parks. Located in Zhonghe, Yuanshan Park is a kid's wonderland and playground; it's a must-go destination for mom and dad to come with their kids! About an area of 3 hectares, the big park is facilitated with the inclusive playground equipment, the PU floor is safe protection. Built along the terrain, the tunnel net and climbing wall are the place to train kid's hand-foot coordination; besides the general type swings, there are bird's nest swings and diaper swings available for kids in different ages to enjoy the fun going up and down; the giant sandpit with a vine-shaped hand-foot bathing basin aside, it's convenient to wash the hands and feet after playing in the sand.