Local black Masons celebrated their 131st anniversary in Covington Saturday, and Mayor Kim Carter proclaimed June 25, 2011, as Friendship Lodge 20 Day.

Friendship Lodge 20 was chartered in 1880 and is part of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia Jurisdiction. Prince Hall is hailed as the founder of black Masonry.

The lodge has met at 7150 Geiger St. since 1972 and is an oft-used gathering place for several groups in Covington. The 40 members of Friendship Lodge 20 seek to serve their immediate community through volunteer work and charitable events, such as an Easter egg hunt and annually donating baskets to widows and orphans, said current Worshipful Master Darrin Wright.

The Masons also have a youth group, the Knights of Pythagoras, where they work on character building with 15 young men in the community.

In order to join the lodge, a person must petition one of the current members. Learn more at friendshipmasons.com.