Errol Duck-Chong – God’s extraordinary servant
Salvationist Errol Duck-Chong is celebrating a remarkable milestone in June this year – his 90th birthday. Yet, this humble gentleman isn’t one to fuss or court the spotlight. Nevertheless, his extraordinary life, shaped by a deep and unwavering commitment to his Christian faith, music, teaching and pastoral gifts, has inspired many others to honour him for his steadfast commitment to The Salvation Army worldwide and the positive transformation of countless lives.
As his momentous birthday approaches, Errol, who attends Chatswood Corps in Sydney, took part in a rare interview with Salvos Online journalist LERISSE SMITH, reflecting on a life well-lived thus far – and that his use-by date is far from expiring!
It was an epic adventure of grand proportions.
With seven energetic guys crammed into a humble black London taxi affectionately known as ‘Mrs Offen’ (because it ‘missed’ often … the engine, not the driver!), Errol nostalgically still remembers how he and his mates journeyed more than 10,000km in their beloved taxi across Europe back in 1956.
He was just 21 years old and at the end of a Salvation Army corps cadet congress when he and his mates decided to embark on a grand adventure with Mrs Offen. The epic journey lasted 11 weeks and included flying across the English Channel with Mrs Offen strapped tightly in the cargo hold.
“It’s little wonder we attracted attention wherever we went!” Errol laughs.
“Having just come from the congress, we thought it appropriate to call ourselves ‘The Seven Saints’. You can imagine that seven saints crammed into a London cab tested more than the proverbial patience of Job. But God’s grace on a daily, hourly and minute-by-minute basis brought us through.”
God’s grace has also guided Errol through a multitude of remarkable adventures during his extraordinary life journey devoted to serving God and others through The Salvation Army around the globe, which has spanned many nations and garnered numerous accolades.
Having a personal encounter with Errol and hearing his inspirational, rich life story thus far is to encounter a humble, quietly spoken man who does not suffer fools gladly.
His words are carefully thought through and measured and hold a quiet power. They reflect the profound insight into the life he has cultivated over a lifetime of ministry service. Add in a great sense of humour, and a chat with Errol is far more than just a memorable experience.
With a comprehensive understanding of life shaped by an unwavering devotion to God and others worldwide, Errol’s life is a powerful testament to using his musical, pastoral, and spiritual gifts through The Salvation Army for God’s glory while transcending race, religion, and culture.
“God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” he says reflectively.
“I am a very ordinary person – but through dedication and commitment, God has done extraordinary things.”
Memorable event As he celebrates his 90th birthday this year, the list of key life moments and achievements is extensive. Yet, a particularly special event from last year is indelibly etched in his memory.
“After many years in the spotlight through positions of leadership in the community, The Salvation Army, and schools, I’m now an unknown to many. That took a little adjustment,” he says.
“But an invitation I received last year to be the special guest for the opening of the Red Shield Appeal in Nambour (Qld) was a God revelation to me. I seriously wondered what an 89-year-old could contribute to an occasion such as this. I even tried to talk my way out of the invitation!”
But it ended up being one of Errol’s most memorable and “God-blessed weekends”. At its conclusion, he asked the officer why he had invited him. His response had a profound impact.
“Errol, I love music,” replied the officer. “When played with a knowledge of the divine, it has the capacity to touch one’s heart and emotions. Your piano playing does just that. Thank you!”
The transformative power of music, when inspired and guided by the divine, is not lost on Errol.
“It has been a real privilege contributing to the lives of others ... Whether musically, or simply ‘coming alongside.’”
He has seen how God has touched numerous lives across many nations through his gift of music and the joy of playing to audiences of every kind, ultimately for the glory of God.
While genuinely appreciative of the gratitude shown to him, Errol is the first to say that a key lesson in his life has been to remain humble.
“I have learned to never be so full of yourself that there is little or no place for God,” he says candidly.
“The greatest life lesson I have learned thus far is that God does not – and cannot – fail. Looking at the lives of some of our friends, life seems to be a piece of cake. But in reality, Satan knows where the saints live. I don’t put myself in the saint category – but I am well aware that Satan knows my address.”
Walking with God has been equally important and a driving force in Errol’s life.
So, how would he describe it?
“Firstly, I answer this question with a description of what it is not!” he says.
“It is not in attendance and through involvement in things ‘religious’, like the many activities we easily get caught up in. Being a Christian is having a personal relationship with Jesus – and trying to put Jesus first in the everyday activities of life.”
Family influence
Looking back over many decades, Errol has indeed put Jesus first in his everyday life. The roots of his faith were formed with his parents, who had six children.
His mother, Coral, was a fourth-generation Salvationist, and his father, Robert (Bob), was a first-generation convert whose parents came to Australia from China in 1870.
His father became a dedicated Christian and passionate prayer warrior after a simple invitation to attend a Salvation Army meeting changed the trajectory of his life. He remained passionate about introducing others to Jesus.
Errol’s foray into his lifelong music career almost never began.
At the age of five, a serious accident with a hand mower nearly severed his finger. “My reattachment scar continues to remind me of God’s provision.”
Initially intending to become a high school music teacher, his direction shifted when he discovered an international corps cadet congress in London. Despite being on a scholarship, he received approval to take a year’s leave of absence from the NSW Department of Education.
However, he faced a major dilemma: he had no money. So, he worked two jobs for five months – including washing windows in downtown Martin Place and working as a porter at the Sydney People’s Palace.
“Can you imagine this ‘genteel gentleman’ climbing up ladders and washing windows?” he says.
“Many mornings, I wanted to give up, but without this commitment, there was no chance of attending the congress.”
However, two weeks prior to his departure, Errol unexpectedly received a £100 loan from his piano teacher, which perfectly covered his one-way fare to London.
Upon his return, he resumed his studies and started teaching in Inverell (northern NSW), where he discovered numerous opportunities to make an impact on the school, the town, and The Salvation Army. Two years later, he repaid the loan.
Future teaching roles included working at Goulburn Corps (NSW Southern Tablelands) with musically gifted children and forming the Goulburn Singing Company, five of whom became officers. The company recorded an album, I Love to Sing, which went global.
Errol was also awarded Goulburn’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ for his dedication to the community, including Goulburn High School and the Army’s Gill Memorial Boys’ Home.
Global stage
Another appointment was as the Music Director at The Salvation Army’s Collaroy Music Camps, which greatly impacted the lives of many young musicians. His ministry then took him to the global stage, including the Philippines and Sri Lanka, where he led music camps and prepared cadets for their commissioning and ordinations.
Leading music camps has been a pure joy for the past 50 years.
“It has been a real privilege contributing to the lives of others,” he says. “Whether musically, or simply ‘coming alongside’. Sri Lanka and the Philippines are now second homes for me.”
The Salvation Army also provided opportunities for Errol to lead music schools in Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.
After 36 years of teaching, he retired – but he certainly didn’t stop! He volunteered for many years at William Booth House, helping recovering alcoholics, drug addicts and gamblers, before serving with The Salvation Army as a chaplain at the Downing Centre Courts in Sydney, providing support to those who were facing court.
“Taking on these roles was an incredible experience,” he says.
“I learned that though I hadn’t experienced these situations, God gave me insight and a listening ear. But when needed, I was not a ‘soft touch’.”
Another incredible experience for Errol last year was being honoured in Sri Lanka for over 35 years of service to the nation, organised by the Sri Lankan Territorial Commander, Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi.
It was a secretly arranged extravaganza.
“I was gobsmacked!” he recalls of the invitation-only celebration and dinner. The corps band welcomed him, and two cabinet members garlanded him and escorted him to a hall where numerous speakers, colleagues and former music campers thanked him.
“I have often said that one of God’s greatest gifts to me is the gift of sensitivity, of empathy, giving people time and listening to them. But God’s greatest gift to me is his unconditional love and forgiveness.”
While Errol says today that he is no longer a “big name” as such, he remains open to being used by God. His “use-by date” has not expired.
With a smile, he says that his most frequent requests these days are to play at funerals.
Optimistic outlook
Looking to the future of The Salvation Army, Errol is filled with hope and optimism. He is also resolute in his advice for young Salvos with a heart for mission.
“Go for it!” he says. “If God calls, then God equips. Go with God. God has a personal plan for us, and it is the best!”
When reflecting on his life’s journey so far, Errol contemplated his legacy, believing that the greatest gift he could offer was for others to see Jesus.
After 50 years in education, particularly as he moved into leadership roles, he recalled that his goal was never popularity but respect.
“With God’s help, I strive to honour him, prioritising honesty, listening, and caring for others,” he remarks.
“I could not express it better than my friend who wrote: ‘When played with a knowledge of the divine, music has the capacity to touch one’s heart and emotions. Errol, your piano playing does just that.’ Like those who have the sensitivity to be ‘touched’ by God through my playing, I pray that my life will reflect the beauty and the touch of Jesus.”
Click through the slideshow below for more photos (captions below):
Photo 1: Errol arrives at The Salvation Army's headquarters in Sri Lanka before a surprise special recognition of his many years of service to the country. He was escorted to the foyer, where he was presented with a garland, with the Colombo Central Band playing in the background.
Photo 2: Mrs Offen gets a special paint job!
Photo 3: A lovely ‘Dutch family’ - aka The Seven Saints’ - 69 years ago.
Photo 4: A large collage from Errol's personal photos is on display in Inverell High School's foyer as a special tribute to Errol in recognition of his music teaching from 1958 to 1965 and as the composer of the school song ‘Contendo Procedere’, still being sung at regular school assemblies. Errol is pictured with two former students.
Photo 5: A special tribute to Errol forms part of the collage.
Photo 6: Leading music camps has been a highlight for the past 50 years for Errol. Here he is pictured at a Sri Lankan Music Camp in 2006 at Watersedge, Colombo.
Photo 7: Pastoring young people has been one of many great joys for Errol, including these Sri Lankan teenagers.
