[3092] Oxford School faced with repairs as Taiwan celebrates Mackay 110th anniversary

 3092 Edition

May 30-June 5, 2011

Reported by Lin Yi-ying

Written by Lydia Ma

Churches from Taipei Presbytery commemorated the 110^th anniversary of Rev. George L. Mackay’s passing on May 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. inside the chapel of Aletheia University near Taipei. The memorial service for Mackay was scheduled just a few days ahead of Mackay Day, a special holiday celebrated in Tamsui on June 2nd of every year.

Taipei Synod Moderator Lin Hsin-ming preached a sermon titled “Though dead, he still speaks” and encouraged Christians in Taiwan to model Mackay’s passion for evangelism. Lin underscored that Mackay’s life embodied the renowned Presbyterian motto “rather burn out than rust out” and he truly surrendered his life, time, possessions, and energy to God for God’s kingdom.

After the service, there was a procession to MacKay’s graveside where bouquets were laid in his memory. On the journey back to Aletheia University, the crowd noticed that two big wooden columns were added to the entrance of the old Oxford School. They were told that these served to secure the building against collapse as the 130-year-old building’s earthquake-resistant roof had been damaged in an earlier remodeling project.

As result, the front of be building was slightly tilted and the two sides of the building were visibly crooked.

Aletheia University officials said they’d already contacted archaeological experts to remedy the problem. Unfortunately, repair costs are estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

As result, Aletheia University President, Wu Ming-da is urging PCT churches to support this project through prayers and financial contributions. He also hopes Taipei Synod will lend a hand in repairing Oxford School.