We are now standing at Maxie (MacKay) Street Circle, origin to the Historical Tamsui Trail (Zhongzhen Road) and MacKay Memorial Hospital. Nearby stands the MacKay Statue erected by the New Taipei City Government.

Today’s Tamsui’s development is deeply tied to Dr. MacKay. Dr. MacKay’s early medical work began in the neighboring MacKay Hospital – not only did he relieve patients from illnesses and pain; epidemics were greatly reduced by his effort in promoting public hygiene. During the Sino-French War, MacKay Hospital became the largest medical provider by providing Red-Cross like services for receiving wounded soldiers and patients.

On the education frontier, Dr. MacKay introduced modern scientific education, built schools, and trained professionals. In order to promote education equality among boys and girls, Dr. MacKay provided free schooling for young women in a time of gender discrimination. Today, we see streets names such as Maxie (MacKay) Street and Zhenli (Truth) Street honoring the man who, in many aspects, endeavored and enabled Tamsui’s progress. Tamsui is now twinned to Dr. MacKay’s birthplace: Oxford County, Canada.

In 1995, New Taipei City Government surveyed Tamsui for a Person of the Township. Dr. MacKay, Taiwan’s son-in-law, received unanimous nomination and was erected a statue in memory for his contributions in humanity and modernization of the district. The MacKay Statue was created by Professor Tzu-Lung CHANG of Taipei National University of the Arts.

On November 18th, 1995, the MacKay Status was unveiled to the public. On the day of the unveiling ceremony, honored guests included: John Ross MacKay (MacKay’s grandson), Anna MacKay (MacKay’s granddaughter), and Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, Mr. Hugh Stephens.

On June 2nd, 2001, in memory of the 100th anniversary of Dr. MacKay’s death, District Manager Guo presented the public with a small garden built surrounding the MacKay Statue, bestowed Dr. John Ross MacKay honorary citizenship of Tamsui District, and declared June 2nd as MacKay Day. Ever since, special events are hold annually celebrating MacKay Day. MacKay Day is the first memorial day declared by a local government.