History & Heritage--old
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SEMINARY
Establishment
The origins of the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary trace back to 1872, making it one the oldest theological schools in Asia. Shortly after Dr. George Leslie Mackay, a missionary from the Presbyterian Church of Canada, arrived in Taiwan, he began gathering students together for regular theological training. Without any school buildings yet in place, they often met simply under the shade of the island’s trees or in other quiet locations. Finally, in 1882 the first school building was erected in Tamsui, a coastal suburb in northern Taipei. It was then that the school was given its first formal name, Oxford College, in honor of the contributions for the school building received from churches in Oxford County, Ontario, Dr. Mackay’s hometown.
Left: An early meeting on the land (Dr.Mackay, center). Center: Oxford College. Right: Dr. George Leslie Mackay (1844–1901).
Expansion
The life and work of the seminary quickly expanded over the following years, and it saw a great intake of students. In 1914 the seminary moved to a more central location in downtown Taipei, close to the current location of the Mackay Memorial Hospital. In 1918, work was completed on a new school building at the site (designed by the Rev. William Gauld). With its new location, new buildings, and expanded size, the seminary also received a new name: Taipei Theological School. In 1948, the name was changed again to the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary, reflecting the twin tracks of the college: to pursue with academic excellence the knowledge of God, and to train future leaders for the church in Taiwan. Under the leadership of the Rev. James Dickson, the college continued to grow in structure, quality, and size, until it began to outgrow its city campus. In 1956, a new plot of land was purchased for the college in Taipei’s cultural quarter, perched on the edge of the Yangming Mountain overlooking the city. Not only did the spacious grounds provide the college with enough room for future growth, but its floral gardens and natural setting provided an ideal location for the concentrated development of rich and contemplative theological work — all while still being within ten minutes of Taipei’s bustling city life.
Left: The Taipei Theological School at its downtown campus. Center: The chapel of the Taiwan Theological College and Seminary after its erection at the Yangming Mountain campus. Right: Rev. James Dickson (1900–1967).
Exploration
By God’s grace and guidance, the college has moved from strength to strength. It now stands as an institute aimed at achieving the highest levels of theological education, as well as excellence in theological research. And yet the college’s expansive facilities, international faculty, and engaging curricula are not the final culmination of its long history. Rather they represent a starting point on a road toward future exploration: to explore the truth and wisdom of God, to discover the kingdom of God in Taipei, and to nurture coming generations of compassionate and committed church leaders. Our story is just beginning. Come and be a part of the adventure.
Left: The library building. Center: The chapel today. Right: Administrative Building and Classrooms.
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