Charles Ernest Maier Jr. was born Jan. 12, 1931, in Pasadena, though he grew up in Laguna Beach, attending the public schools there and was active in all aspects of school life.
In 1948 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War, 1950-1953. He was an air controller in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign and a member of the Chosin Few. He completed his service in 1960.
On June 25, 1952, he felt a special call from Jesus Christ and two years later began preparation for
the Christian ministry, graduating from Orange Coast College, Chapman College, San Francisco
Theological Seminary and St. Andrews’ London University. He served five years in the Presbyterian
Church, U.S.A., and was ordained an Old Catholic priest, Feb. 28, 1965. He, and his wife,
Grace, are members of the Old Catholic Order of Christ the King.
Grace Austin Corwin came into his life in 1971 and they married April 6, 1974, combining
two fine families. They have four sons, Clifford C. Corwin (Sharen), Charles T. Corwin (Anne), Charles E.
Maier, III and John C. Maier (Joy). There are also eight grandchildren, Candice Ramos; Anthony, Thomas and Beth Corwin; Savannah, Abigail, Benjamin and Manfredd Maier; two great grandsons, Garrison and Beckett Ramos; and a great granddaughter, Emmie Corwin, who have been a constant blessing.
The spiritual life in the Church has been complemented by an active membership in the Masonic
family. Father Chuck has been a Blue Lodge Mason since 1954, a chaplain for several lodges for
over 30 years, grand chaplain for the California Grand Lodge in 1988 and charter chaplain for two
lodges in Orange County. He is a member of the Scottish Rite Valleys of Long Beach, K.C.C.H.,
in 1987, and Santa Ana, 33 °, in 1997. He is a member of the Orange County York Rite since 1955,
serving as prelate for the Commandery, 1994-2010. In 1995 he was appointed Grand
Prelate for the Grand Commandery of California and served for 15 years. He was recognized by the
Grand Commandery of California and the Grand Encampment of Knight Templar with the Knight Commander of the Temple and the Knight Templar Cross of Honor.
He was called home by His Lord on Dec. 3, 2013, following a brief hospitalization.
A Church and Knights Templar memorial service is planned for Monday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m., DeMolay Center, 303 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim.
