Bishop Fred L. Cunningham

Bishop Fred Lee Cunningham; we honor the life of our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Great-great-grandfather, uncle, husband, Pastor, and Bishop. He was the second son born to Elder James F. and Lillie Lou “Porter” Cunningham on February 27, 1931 in Aberdeen, Mississippi. His parents moved their family from Mississippi in 1947 to South Haven, Michigan to start a better life, in which a legacy begin.

 On October 26, 1949, he was united in Holy matrimony to Annabelle Freeman. They were joined together for 58 years until they were parted by death. From this union they birthed five children. Michael, Barbara, Ricky, Christine and Frieda. Bishop also shared his love with another daughter Laura Pearson-White. For a period of time he lived and worked in the Cicero, Illinois. He was employed at National Motors Castings for 27 years until health issues occurred.

 In the year of 1954, he was saved in a revival under the leadership of Bishop J.E. Williams in Chicago, Illinois. This is where he was initially introduced to Holiness by his late uncle, Bishop Charles Cunningham.

In that same year, he served as Staff Sergeant with the United States Army in Germany. After receiving an honorable discharge and returning to the states, he felt the called to preach the Gospel in 1958. He was ordained an Elder by Bishop J.S. Bailey in 1965. He served under the leadership of his father in the Gospel, Superintendent J.S. Lee until 1968. During this time, the Lord moved on him to start a ministry in the city of South Haven and he birthed Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, where many souls were saved and introduced to Holiness. Bishop Cunningham’s first service consisted of his wife, mother and children. Sis. Debra Mahone-Martin was the first member to join the ministry. Bishop preached the gospel continuously and his life was the mirror that reflected the image of Christ. Bishop founded, built, and pastored the Greater Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ for 47 years.

In 1970, the ministry grew extensively and he moved from Kalamazoo St. to our current location 323 Abell Avenue where the Greater Pentecostal Temple stands as a monument to God, the city, and the Church of God in Christ. Recently the street was commemorated and changed from Abell Avenue to “Bishop Fred L. Cunningham Place”. The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved and it continues to be a beacon light to lost souls. As the ministry grew even more Bishop continued working and built a new sanctuary where Bishop J.S. Bailey came and dedicated the facility to the Lord. After which he and his father continued to build again and added this final sanctuary in 1989.

 He worked faithfully with Bishop J.S. Bailey and the SouthWest Michigan Jurisdiction where he served as assistant platform chairman and was respected and loved. He was appointed Superintendent of the South Haven District in 1975, and Administrative Assistant in 1980. After the passing of Bishop Bailey he worked with Bishop Roger L. Jones, and the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor. Under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel W. Wells Jr. he was made Overseer and was consecrated Bishop of the Columbia Jurisdiction in the year of 2005 by Bishop G.E. Patterson in the city of Memphis Tennessee.

After the passing of his beloved on July 11, 2009, he was united in Holy matrimony to Mother Annette Brazelton. They shared a blessed life. Even after he suffered an illness, Bishop Cunningham was yet visible and faithfully attended Greater Pentecostal Temple COGIC. Mother Annette took excellent care of him along with his daughter Supervisor Christine Simpson, and his caregiver, Ms. Vergie Page until his final rest. This great man of God was insurmountable and portrayed Holiness as a living epistle read by men. Many sons and daughters have been birthed from his great ministry. Because of God his mark has been etched in the hearts of individuals everywhere. He is a father of this city that fought for civil rights and equality for all.

Bishop will never be forgotten! The memories of his legacy are precious memories. We know a couple of his favorite songs were, “I am not forgotten for God knows my name”, and “Whiter than Snow”. His benediction motto is Psalms 37:37 “Mark the perfect man, behold thee upright, for the end of that man, is peace”!

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Co-Pastor James and Mother Lillie Cunningham. His wife, Mother Ann “Freeman” Cunningham; two brothers, James F. Cunningham and Morris Cunningham.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Mother Annette Cunningham, (6) children, Michael (Virginia) Cunningham, Benton Harbor, MI., Barbara Cunningham-Williams, Los Angeles, CA., Elder Ricky Cunningham, Kalamazoo, MI., Supervisor Christine Cunningham (Walter) Simpson, South Haven, MI., Frieda Cunningham-Madry, Northridge CA., Laura Pearson-White, Indianapolis, IN., one Sister, Mother Georgia Cunningham, one brother, Pastor Joseph (Augusta) Cunningham both of South Haven. Extended children Brian, Brad (Patty), and Kim Brazelton. Sixteen Grandchildren, Fifteen Great-Grandchildren, Three Great-Great-Grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews who loved him like a father, cousins, and friends. Special acknowledgments: Pastor Fred and Lady Eva Cunningham, Mother Leona Rice, Overseer Verse and Mo. Birdie Flake, Bishop Howard and Mo. Mae Thomas, Adm. Asst. Robert and Betty Dean, Pastor and Lady Phillip Jackson, Charlotte Cunningham, Bro. Scott Williams, Rev. Darwin and Michelle Johnson, Mrs. Dorothy Parker-Jarrett, his caregiver: Ms. Vergie Page, and many God-children.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Greater Pentecostal Temple COGIC in South Haven. A wake will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the church with a funeral service following at 12:00 PM. Bishop Cunningham will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.