Reverend George Leslie Mackay, 1844-1901

Son of Scots immigrants, Presbyterian missionary George Mackay was born near Embro in Zorra Township. In 1872, he founded the first overseas mission in Tamsui, Taiwan. An unconventional character, but sensitive to local needs, Mackay practised dentistry and trained local clergy. He married a Taiwanese, Tiuⁿ Chhang-Miaⁿ, and had three children. The "Black-Bearded Barbarian" worked in the Tamsui region until his death, established 60 chapels, several schools and a hospital. In 1881, he raised funds here in Oxford County to help build Oxford College, Tamsui, which later became a university. He was also an outspoken opponent of the Canadian head tax on Chinese immigrants. An inspiration to the evangelical missions movement in Ontario, Mackay remains a national hero in Taiwan. (Ontario Heritage Foundation)

"Bidding Farewell" - read the Sentinel-Review article about Mackay's last days in Oxford before returning to Tamsui.

Significant Dates in Mackay's Life - A brief biography on Rev. Dr. George Leslie Mackay.

	Toothaches were a common problem. "Throughout his ministry in Formosa, Mackay combined preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the practice of basic dentistry. He estimated that he himself extracted over 21000 teeth in a 20 year period."
	Mackay travelling by boat in Taiwan.