Frederick O. “Freddie” Dobson Sr. (1934–2019) was born in East New Market, Maryland. He was a member of an extended family that originated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Half moved to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, and the other half moved to the Camden, New Jersey, area.

In his youth, he moved between Cambridge, Maryland, and Burlington and Camden, New Jersey. He graduated from Camden High School in June 1952. Immediately after graduation, Brother Dobson served his country in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in October 1956. Afterward, he gained employment as a Production Dispatcher at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.

In the fall of 1960, Brother Dobson took the police and firefighter civil service examinations administered by the city of Camden. He scored high on both exams, but the Camden Police Department eventually retained his services. In 1961, he began his career as a patrolman. During his career, he served in Community Relations and the Juvenile Bureau.

After a few years on the police force, Brother Dobson joined Oriental Lodge No. 1 in Camden. He regularly advanced through the chairs, eventually serving as Worshipful Master in 1972.

His desire for service did not end there. After a long climb, Brother Dobson was elected the highest gift in freemasonry—that of Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey in June 1989. He was duly installed as the 65th conservator and served through June 1991.

Later, he was accorded Honorary Past Grand Master status from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware.

Brother Dobson was advanced as a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in DeHugo Consistory No. 2, Valley of Camden, Orient of New Jersey. He served as the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief in 1980; before that, he was Elevated to the Thirty-third and Last Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry as a member of the Charles F. Casterman Class of 1979 during the 98th Annual Session held in the Valley of Toronto, Orient of Canada.

Illustrious Dobson was reclassified as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Emeritus grade in May 1997 during the 116th Annual Session held in the Valley of Indianapolis, Orient of Indiana.

Enjoying further promotion, he was reclassified to full Active status in May 2001 during the 120th Annual Session held in the Valley of Philadelphia, Orient of Pennsylvania.

His steady progress in the Scottish Rite culminated in his election as the Illustrious Treasurer-General of the Holy Empire in May 2007 during the 126th Annual Session (42nd Triennium) held in the Valley of Philadelphia, Orient of Pennsylvania.

His election as Treasurer General was preceded by 20-plus years of service as the Illustrious Grand Treasurer for the New Jersey Council of Deliberation.

Illustrious Dobson was the recipient of the Gold Medal of Achievement in May 2010 at the 129th Annual Session (43rd Triennium) held in the Valley of Philadelphia, Orient of Pennsylvania.

Illustrious Dobson served with distinction until retiring to the Active ranks.

His other masonic involvement included:

§ Serving as Worthy Patron of Integrity Chapter No. 31, Order of the Eastern Star (1976).

§ Excellent High Priest of Jeptha Chapter No. 12, Royal Arch Masons (1985).

§ Thrice Illustrious Master of Joshua Council No. 19, Royal and Select Masters (1986).

§ Illustrious Potentate of Zamora Temple No. 73, A.E.A.O.N.M.S. (1977).

§ Being a member of Ararat Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar.

Illustrious Dobson also attended Wharton School of Business, Banks Business College, and Camden County College, taking classes in accounting, real estate, and law enforcement.

Illustrious Dobson was a busy man indeed. Mrs. Dobson was also a member of Integrity Chapter No. 31. They were both members of Bethel A.M.E., where he served as Financial Secretary and Usher. While engaging in his masonic activities, he married Mary J. (née Pressley) and raised four children with her—Frederick Jr. (deceased), Wayne, Craig, and Karen. She preceded him in death in April 2005.

His grandson, Frederick O. Dobson III, is a member of Hiram Lodge No. 5 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

Illustrious Dobson passed on to that undiscovered country on July 28, 2019. A few months after his passing, the New Jersey Council of Deliberation named the 2019 class of Sublimes Princes the “S.G.I.G. Frederick O. Dobson Class.”

As a final, lasting tribute, Illustrious Dobson is recognized in a singular manner reserved for only the most illustrious of our fraternal dead by receiving the posthumous reward of the 2020 Class of Grand Inspectors General named in his honor.

Please join in saluting an outstanding citizen, stalwart Masonic member, and loving husband and father.