Ocala, Florida — Marion County

Friendship Lodge
No. 53 F. & A.M.

Est. 1862 — Ocala, Florida

Chartered on January 15, 1862 — through the Civil War, through more than 160 years — this lodge has upheld the Masonic tenets of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love in the heart of Marion County.

125
Members
163
Years Active
65
Yrs Longest Service
Our Story

Over 160 years
of unbroken brotherhood

Friendship Lodge No. 53 was chartered on January 15, 1862 — at the height of the Civil War — and has met continuously through every chapter of American history since.

Rooted in Ocala, Florida, the lodge draws together men of good character who share a commitment to personal integrity, community service, and the ancient craft. Meeting in Marion County as part of District 12, we remain affiliated with the Grand Lodge of Florida — itself recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Our membership spans generations: from our oldest brother Robert Collins at 99 years, to our youngest Trace Klemencic at 19. John Mills Jr. has served for 65 years. That breadth is not coincidence — it is the direct result of a lodge that takes its obligations seriously and welcomes men ready to do the same.

I.
Friendship
A bond formed through shared obligation, mutual respect, and genuine care for one another's welfare — within and beyond the lodge room.
II.
Morality
Freemasonry teaches men to act with honesty and virtue in every aspect of life — as neighbors, as citizens, and as fathers.
III.
Brotherly Love
The recognition that every man is worthy of compassion. Brotherly love extends beyond lodge walls into active service to the community.
Masonic stained glass artwork featuring symbolic imagery
"By square conduct, level steps, and upright intentions we ascend to the celestial lodge above."
Masonic Tradition
125
Total Members
99
Oldest Member
19
Youngest Member
70
Average Age
January 15, 1862
Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Florida, F. & A.M. — Ocala, Marion County, Florida.
163
Years Serving Ocala
Since January 1862
125
Active Members
Ages 19 through 99
65
Years — Longest Service
John Mills, Jr.
12
District
Grand Lodge of Florida
Schedule

When & where
we gather

All regular meetings are open to visiting Masons in good standing. Guests interested in Freemasonry are welcome to reach out directly to any officer.

1st Tuesday of the Month
Regular Communication
7:00 PM
3rd Tuesday of the Month
Regular Communication
7:00 PM
10420 N US Highway 27, Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 766-1253
friendshiplodgeno.53@gmail.com
Friendship Lodge No. 53
10420 N US Highway 27
Ocala, FL 34482
Leadership

Current officers of the lodge

Each officer carries a distinct obligation within the lodge. The Worshipful Master presides over all communications and serves as the lodge's chief representative.

Worshipful Master
Robert Cox

The Worshipful Master presides over all lodge communications, confers degrees, and acts as chief representative of the lodge to the Grand Lodge of Florida and the public. A position of great trust and responsibility, earned through years of dedicated service within the fraternity.

In the East
District Deputy Grand Master
James W. Peoples, II
District Instructor
Daniel E. Kilkenny
District & Zone
District 12 — Zone 2
Grand Lodge Affiliation
Grand Lodge of Florida, F. & A.M.
Ornate Masonic temple facade with symbolic architecture — Friendship Lodge No. 53
Community

Serving Ocala
beyond the lodge room

Freemasonry teaches that charity and service are not optional. Friendship Lodge No. 53 takes that teaching into the streets of Ocala with tangible events that bring neighbors together.

First Responder Day
An annual celebration honoring the police, fire, and emergency services personnel who protect Marion County. Free food, bounce houses, and face painting for families in the community.
Community Outreach
Ongoing programs supporting Marion County residents through charitable work, youth initiatives, and civic engagement rooted in Masonic principles.
Grand Lodge of Florida
Affiliated with one of the oldest grand lodges in Florida, itself recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England — part of a global network of recognized Masonic bodies.