The story of Presbyterian missionary George Leslie Mackay came to the big screen in November, with a special launch screening at the University of Toronto. The documentary takes its title, The Black Bearded Barbarian: Mackay of Taiwan, from the name given to Mackay by the people he served. The documentary also aired on Omni, in available television markets.
Born in 1844, Mackay founded the first overseas mission in Tamsui, Taiwan in 1872. He combined dentistry with preaching the gospel and also trained local clergy. He worked in the region until his death in 1901, establishing chapels, schools and a hospital. He remains a beloved hero in Taiwan.
Presbyterian Michael Stainton, with the York Centre for Asian Research, will write an article about McKay in the Record's January issue.
