Replica of the silver communion chalice carried to the lunar surface by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 lunar landing on July 20, 1969, measuring 3″ high and set atop a 4″ crystal pedestal bearing an affixed plaque, "A replica of the chalice used by Col. Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. in celebrating holy communion on the moon. Apollo 11 Tranquility base, July 20, 1969," signed below in silver ink, "Buzz Aldrin." In fine condition.
Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity detailing the story of Aldrin taking communion on the moon, in part: "In coordination with Pastor Dean Woodruff of Webster Presbyterian Church, Webster, Texas, shortly after Apollo 11 touched down on the surface of the Moon, Buzz Aldrin partook of communion in the quiet confines of the lunar module. In a prearranged service, the congregation of the church held communion services on Earth at Webster Presbyterian Church. The lunar communion services were coordinated with the national church headquarters and NASA officials. In order to avoid conflict of duties, the communion elements were stowed in Aldrin's Personal Preference Kit…This sterling silver communion chalice was personally autographed by Buzz Aldrin, Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Kennedy Space Center." Aldrin returned the original communion chalice he used on the moon to Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster, Texas, where he served as an elder. Also accompanied by a laminated copy of Aldrin's handwritten remarks and bible passages recited during his communion, a photo of the original chalice and Aldrin's PPK Kit, and a photo of Aldrin taken at the time of signing. Also included is a hardcover copy of The Apostles of Apollo by C. L. Mersch, which includes a chapter 'The Silver Chalice' detailing the communion event.
NASA had urged Aldrin not to celebrate the sacrament publicly. Atheist activist Madelyn Murray O'Hare had already filed suit because the Apollo 8 crew read from the Book of Genesis for all the world to hear as they orbited the moon on Christmas Eve the year before. So instead, Aldrin got on the radio shortly after the moon landing and broadcast a message for those listening on Earth to observe 'a few moments of silence' to think about what had just happened and to give thanks in their own way. Aldrin then tuned off the microphone and served communion to himself. This replica serves as a unique and inspirational piece related to the first manned lunar landing.
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