WESTPORT — A Bible that played a role in a foundational moment in American history will help Masonic Lodge, Temple No. 65, celebrate a landmark chapter of its own: its bicentennial.

To mark the 200th anniversary of its founding, the Westport fraternal organization on May 18 will host a public display of the Bible used to inaugurate George Washington as the nation’s first president in 1789.

The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Temple Lodge No. 65 headquarters, second floor, 210 Post Road East.

The Washington Inaugural Bible, owned by St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1 in New York, has been loaned for viewing periodically around the nation, but has never been displayed in Connecticut, according the lodge’s announcement.

The Bible, in addition to being used to administer the presidential oath of office to Washington, also was used at the inaugurals of four other presidents as well as at Washington’s funeral, according to the lodge.

Masons played pivotal roles in early American history, with Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock and Nathan Hale among the organization’s more prominent members.

Temple Lodge No. 65 — chartered May 12, 1824 — was established 11 years before the town of Westport was formally incorporated in 1835. The lodge was originally housed in the National Hall building next to the Saugatuck River.

For questions, call Masonic Temple Lodge No. 65 at 203-221-2065.