Charles K. Cunningham was born in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio on February 12, 1910, the son of C. K. and Blanche Z. Cunningham. He attended Galion Public Schools and after graduating from Galion High School he attended Ohio Wesleyan University. He received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
On February 19, 1936 he and E. Louise Hammitt were united in marriage and that union produced six children. Our Brother was an avid gun collector. He also enjoyed rebuilding and repairing clocks along with one of his sons.
He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Galion and served that church as a member of the Board of Directors for a time. Charley, as he was known by his friends, served his community extensively. He was the Organizing Vice President and a Charter Member of the Galion Junior Chamber of Commerce, Organizing President of the Galion Band Parents Association and a life member and past Vice President of the Fathers Association of the Culver Military Academy. He was elected to the Galion Board of Education, where he served for four years.
Most Worshipful Brother Cunningham was employed by the U.S. Steel Grave Vault Company in 1935 and remained there until 1960. At the time of his departure from that company, he was General Manager and Secretary of the Board of Directors. Upon leaving U.S. Steel Vault, he became affiliated with the State of Ohio, auditors’ office from which he retired in 1975.
Upon retirement, Most Worshipful Brother Cunningham moved to Niles, Michigan where he resided next door to his son Carlton until his death.
M.W. Brother Cunningham was raised a Master Mason in Galion Lodge No. 414 on May 22, 1943 and served as that lodges Worshipful Master in 1950.
In the York Rite he was exalted a Royal Arch Mason, Galion Chapter No. 142 in 1943 and served as High Priest in 1956. He was received as a Royal and Select Master in Bucyrus Council No. 83, R. & S.M. in 1945; and was created a Knight Templar in DeMolay Commandery No.9, Tiffin, Ohio, in 1952.
He became a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in the Valley of Columbus, 1943 and was Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Honorary 33rd Degree Mason in Boston, Massachusetts September 25, 1957.
M.W. Brother Cunningham became a member of Aladdin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Columbus, Ohio in 1943. He was a member of Naomi Chapter No. 47, Order of Eastern Star; St. Jerome Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; and an Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor. He served as chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Information 1956-1959.
As a result of his experience and affiliation with Masonic Education, he was invited to address the Midwest Conference on Masonic Education during his term as Grand Master. In recognition of his long commitment to Masonic Education, he was elected President of that Conference in 1970 and served in that capacity during 1970-71.
In October 1950 he was appointed a District Deputy Grand Master for the Sixteenth Masonic District and was reappointed to that position in 1951. In October of the following year (1952) he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon by Most Worshipful Brother Thomas A. Reber, Grand Master. He was subsequently appointed as Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal and Grand Orator. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1956, Senior Grand Warden in 1957, Deputy Grand Master in 1958 and Grand Master of Masons in Ohio on October 16, 1959. His service to the Grand Lodge of Ohio and to his community have merited the respect and admiration of Masons everywhere.
Most Worshipful Brother Cunningham passed away on June 12, 1992 at his home in Niles, Michigan. Masonic and civil services were held at graveside at Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware on June 16, 1992.