Background
Cunningham was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire and studied at the University of Edinburgh.
Cunningham was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire and studied at the University of Edinburgh.
University of Edinburgh.
Cunningham was appointed Professor of Theology at the New College, Edinburgh, before transferring to the chair of Church History in 1845. He succeeded Thomas Chalmers as Principal in 1847 and served in that position until his death. Cunningham specialised in historical theology, and wrote a two volume work on the subject.
He also wrote The Reformers and the Theology of the Reformation.
He died in Edinburgh and is buried beneath a large sarcophagus-style grave in the Grange Cemetery. A marble bust of Cunningham, sculpted by William Brodie stands in New College in Edinburgh.
His portrait was executed by William Bonnar and is held by the National Gallery of Scotland.