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Statement
in the Ontario Legislature On Reverend MacKay Ernie Hardeman (oxford) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand today to talk about an Oxford County hero – Reverend George Leslie MacKay. Reverend MacKay was raised in Zorra, in the north end of Oxford County. In 1872 he travelled to Taiwan as a missionary where he became known as the Black Bearded Barbarian. Eventually he won over the locals – not only with his preaching but his work healing the sick and practicing dentistry. Over 20 years he extracted more than 21 thousand teeth. During a visit home he tried to raise funds to build a school in Taiwan – a cost of about 4000 dollars. In 1881 - through the leadership of Reverend MacKay and the Woodstock Sentinel Review editor - people came together from Oxford county and the surrounding area. Together they raised over 6,000 dollars. In honour of Reverend McKay and the generosity of Oxford the school was named “Oxford College” and it still exists as a successful University today. During his time in Taiwan MacKay established over 60 chapels, several schools and a hospital. He remains a national hero in Taiwan. His work has created a strong connection between the people of Oxford and the people of Taiwan. Several years ago the University that Mackay founded honoured the County of Oxford by presenting them a statue of MacKay. Reverend McKay is being honoured in a Rogers OMNI documentary which will air this Saturday November 25. Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to take the time to watch the documentary and learn about this legendary man from Oxford County. Thank
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