Charles Frey

Within the ice cream industry and throughout central Pennsylvania, Charles Frey was perhaps best recognized for his leadership of Turkey Hill Dairy and Turkey Hill Minit Markets. With family, he helped expand the company into an industry leader and a supportive community member. Today, the name Turkey Hill is synonymous with quality and innovation.

Within the Messiah College community, Frey was recognized for his generosity. Whether it was the support of him and Ann, along with Emerson and May, for the Frey Hall of Science, student missions, scholarship endowment, the High Center for Worship and the Performing Arts, or the Brethren in Christ Archives, he was the epitome of gracious generosity.

He also invested in the mission of Messiah College as a faithful member on the Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1999. He brought the same vision for excellence to Messiah that characterized his leadership in business. Beyond policy and strategic decisions, the trustees’ leadership is integral to the shaping of tomorrow’s Christian leaders. As a successful businessman who gave willingly of his leadership gifts to Messiah, he showed true leadership must co-exist with service.

He was also a Messiah parent and grandparent, having sent two children and a granddaughter to the College. Further, in honor of their meritorious service to Messiah, he and Ann, along with Emerson and May, were recognized with the Engle Service Award in 2009. We are profoundly grateful for the multiple ways that he helped to advocate for Messiah.

Solid Christian leaders who possess a heart of service are vital to successfully lead our churches, families, businesses and educational institutions into the future. When the path grows dim and the future uncertain, a leader with the heart of a Christ-like servant will provide the guidance necessary to regain direction and security.

“Charles was an exemplary model of Messiah’s mission and demonstrated to all who were fortunate to know him how service is at the core of true Christian leadership,” said Messiah President Kim Phipps.