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Tamsui became the base for the development of the Presbyterian Church in northern Taiwan, with the greatest contribution coming from Dr. George Leslie Mackay of the Canadian Presbyterian Church. Dr. Mackay arrived in Tamsui on March 9, 1872, and immediately began his missionary work. He also learned the Hokkien language and local culture. The rented house he used served not only as a hospital but also as a place for preaching. In 1873, he baptized the first batch of believers, though without a church, the ceremony took place in the rented residence. To expand his missionary efforts, he often led his students to various places to preach and establish churches, which were then managed by the students. Despite many challenges, the church spread across northern Taiwan. The first church in northern Taiwan was built in Wugu, while the Tamsui Church was later reconstructed from the dormitory of the Mackay Clinic, now a county-designated historic site. After Mackay's death in 1901, the church entered a new era. Due to practical and expansion needs, the church was rebuilt in 1915 in a North American style with brick and white plaster walls, commonly known as the White Chapel. The bell tower was placed above the main gate. By 1928, the building was too small, and it was decided to reconstruct it. The construction funds were contributed by church members, students, and other supporting groups, with a significant portion coming from Mackay's son, George William Mackay, who applied for assistance from the Canadian mother church. He also personally designed and supervised the project. The reconstruction began in 1932 and was completed on September 3, 1933. The Tamsui Chapel features a Gothic-style spire, with buttresses and small pointed hoods adorning the column capitals. The exterior walls are made of clear water bricks, while the interior uses reinforced concrete (RC) columns and floors. The roof spans a large distance with steel beams and is covered with wooden panels. The tall bell tower stands on the left side. In 1986, due to the difficulty of maintaining the traditional tiled roof, imported aluminum roofing was used for a complete renovation. The traditional glass was also replaced with stained glass. The façade of the church features the Holy Trinity ("Three in One"), while the bell tower depicts the "Five Loaves and Two Fish" and the "Prayer in Gethsemane," symbolizing Christian doctrines. The church has become a famous tourist attraction, blending harmoniously with the scenic views of Tamsui.