A little history about the term "Friends", in context to religion.
The original Bible Students were founded by CT Russell, in Pennsylvania. In PA at that time, CT was around and exposed to:
Adventists
Quakers
Masons
Christadelphians
Many of these belonged to the Masonic groups/clubs, and hence would discuss more than just business over fine cigars and Brandy.
CT picked and choose what he liked from the surrounding groups, threw in some Numberology and Pyramidolgy (also in style at the time), and wha-laa! The Bible Students were born!!! Like "Judge" Rutherford, his title of "Pastor" Russell was complete Bullshit! He had ZERO pastoral education! In fact, he could not read or translate Hebrew OR Greek! He only went to school to age 14!
The term "Friends" was borrowed from the Quakers. To this day they can be found, and their "Meeting Houses" are historical landmarks in the Northeast USA. It is a term they used among themselves.
Originally, BIble Students met in groups called Ecclesia, which was a term for Congregations borrowed from the Christadelphians. Later, buildings were constructed which came to be known as Kingdom "Halls", similar to Masonic Halls.
Early Bible Student literature is covered with the Winged-Sun (solar) Disc, which was influenced directly by CT's interest in Egyptology and Pyramidology, as well as Masonry. It should be noted that CT was NOT a Mason, but shared similar interests and beliefs. The eary Harold of Christ's Presence as well as other WT literature up thru Rutherford featured the common Masonic "Crown and Cross" logo.