On March 9th, 1872, Canadian missionary, Dr. George Leslie MacKay, landed in Tamsui at around 3P.M. by steamship Hailoong (Sea Dragon) after surviving waves and storms crossing the Taiwan Strait. At the time, Tamsui was called “Hobe” (now Huwey), a busy harbor in North Formosa (Taiwan).
Dr. MacKay disembarked on the bank behind where today’s Tamsui Post Office stands. Back then, Tamsui was a busy hub for ships and boats where nearby British ships routinely sailed between Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Tamsui and Amoy (today’s Xiamen).
Dr. MacKay was greatly taken with Tamsui’s scenery, surrounded by hills and waters, he felt a calm, clear, prophetic assurance saying, “This is the land!” In his diary of March 9th, 1872, Dr. MacKay wrote, “O blessed Lord I rejoice till feeling like clapping my hands in joy. Beautiful Tamsui I am so impressed!” Since then, Tamsui became Dr. MacKay’s base for missionary, medicine and education.
On December 27th, 2007, to commemorate Dr. MacKay’s contributions in Taiwan, the Taipei County Government erected a bronze statue at the site of Dr. MacKay’s landing with an unveiling ceremony. At around 3 P.M., the same time of Dr. Mackay’s arrival 135 years ago, three dancers docked where Dr. MacKay first landed in Tamsui and danced honoring his love, friendship and sacrifice for which he willing gave to the people of Taiwan. When Taipei County Governor Chow joined in the dance and held hand with the dancer playing Dr. MacKay, it further symbolized the gratitude of the people for his cross-culture friendship.
Dr. MacKay’s statue was created by Professor Zhi Wen WANG of Taipei National University of the Arts. In a knelt position, Dr. MacKay prays facing towards the Tamsui River, humbly asking God for a life of guidance, love and strength; offering his life to be a blessing to the brothers and sisters of Taiwan.