Visit the historical sites and classic buildings within Aletheia University.
1. The Grand Chapel (Images 1-3)
The Grand Chapel was designed by architect Cai Rongtang from the Shen Zuhai Architectural Firm. Cai Rongtang, who is also an elder of the church, incorporated the spirit of Christianity into the design. The openings on the exterior walls feature repeated pointed arch shapes, symbolizing 'hands in humble prayer,' echoing the design of the university's main gate. Additionally, the exterior mimics the buttresses of Gothic churches, with symmetrical spires on the east and west sides, embodying the traditional architectural charm of Taiwanese churches. This building is a new addition to the campus, and to blend with the surrounding historical sites, red bricks were used for the exterior walls. It won the Best Architect Design Award in 1998.
2. Oxford College (Images 4-6)
Oxford College, the first Western-style school in Taiwan, was personally designed and supervised by Mackay. It served as his base for preaching, medical practice, and education. The English name 'Oxford College' commemorates the generous support from the people of Oxford County, Canada, for the school's construction. Mackay taught subjects such as biblical theology, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medical concepts for free, and even provided transportation subsidies and accommodation, attracting many to study here.
3. Library (Images 7-9)
Next to Oxford College stands a very prominent white building. Although not a historical site, the architecture is quite distinctive. As a library, it is an elegant and beautiful building.
4. Girls' Building and Pastor's Building: Former Tamsui Girls' High School (Images 11-12)
The Pastor's Building and the Girls' Building have similar exteriors, both featuring red bricks, verandas, sloped roofs, and high steps. These two-story veranda-style Western buildings served as dormitories for church missionaries in the post-Mackay era. The Girls' Building, built in 1906, was the dormitory for two female missionaries, Principal Jin Renli and Miss Gao Hanna of the Tamsui Girls' School. 'Girls' is a term used by Taiwanese churches to respectfully refer to foreign single female missionaries. During World War II, the Girls' Building was temporarily used as a boys' dormitory for Tamsui Middle School and was renamed 'Suzaku Dormitory.' It is now the office of the president of Aletheia University.