Creating a local hero from a missionary

This article was written by Ian Bartholomew and published by The Taipei Times on May 27, 2000. It introduces the important role played historically and culturally by George Leslie Mackay, who left his mark on Taiwan at his far-away outpost of Tamsui. Mackay's life and work ranged from academic seminars to church services. Bartholomew discusses in detail how this Canadian missionary is remembered by Taiwanese people from all walks of life, including former president Lee Teng-hui. This is despite some people's speculation that the building up of Mackay's status is, in part at least, an attempt to undermine the ethnic elements that often plague efforts to promote a Taiwanese identity by emphasizing instead a heartfelt commitment to Taiwan.