Tamsui | Mackay Clinic, Chapel, and Red House Connect 150 Years of Tamsui History

In 1872, Reverend Mackay came to Tamsui from Canada to preach. He rented a house that was originally intended to be a stable, where he practiced medicine and saved lives. At that time, malaria was rampant, and Mackay became famous for his high medical skills and the effective use of quinine water from Western medicine. As the number of patients increased, he rented another house the following year to continue his medical practice. This became the current Huwei Mackay Clinic, the earliest form of Mackay Hospital. During the Sino-French War, Mackay treated wounded soldiers, and Liu Mingchuan even awarded him a special commendation. From then on, the Huwei Mackay Clinic became well-known in Taiwan. Next to the Mackay Clinic is a chapel that was originally a private house used for preaching. It was rebuilt in the 4th year of the Taisho era into a North American-style brick church. The bell tower's bell from that time still exists today. During World War II, the Japanese requisitioned it and hung it in the nearby Tamsui Red House as a street alarm. The bell was made in the USA, with the words 'York' and '30' inscribed on it. It was cracked by bombing during the war but returned to the front of the chapel a century later. The Gospel Bell has witnessed the gospel, war, and development of Tamsui since 1915. Today, the chapel has become a striking red Gothic-style building. The front of the church features the Holy Trinity, and the bell tower depicts the Christian doctrine of the Five Loaves and Two Fish. To commemorate Reverend Mackay's contributions to Taiwan, there is a small slope behind the chapel showcasing artworks by various artists depicting Mackay's medical practice and the chapel. Notably, the first piece is by the famous Taiwanese painter Chen Cheng-po. The chapel now also functions as a senior university, and the Mackay Clinic serves as both a historical exhibit of Mackay's medical practice and a café. The Red House, where the bell once hung, has been revitalized into a restaurant by the third generation. After strolling through the historical sites, you can walk back to the Tamsui River to watch the stunning sunset. One wonders if the golden hues were the same a century ago. 📍Address: No. 6, Mackay Street, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251