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Replica of the silver communion chalice carried to the lunar surface by Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 lunar landing, 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 black felt tip, "Buzz Aldrin." In fine condition.
An elder at Webster Presbyterian Church, Aldrin received permission before the Apollo 11 mission to bring bread and wine with him for communion. Shortly after Eagle landed at Tranquility Base on July 20, 1969, and before Armstrong and Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface, Aldrin privately celebrated communion inside the lunar module, reading from John 15:5. The observance marked the first Christian sacrament performed on the moon. During the return journey to Earth, Aldrin also read from Psalm 8:3–4.
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, Wednesday, February 17, 2016, in Tucson, Arizona." Aldrin returned the original chalice used during the lunar communion to Webster Presbyterian Church. Also accompanied by a photo of Aldrin taken at the time of signing, a full letter of authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication, a printed packet entitled "The Story Behind the Silver Chalice,” and photocopies of the chalice with its stowage bag and Aldrin’s handwritten notes and scriptures flown to the lunar surface.
NASA had urged Aldrin not to celebrate the sacrament publicly. Atheist activist Madalyn Murray O'Hair had filed suit following the Apollo 8 crew's reading from the Book of Genesis while orbiting the moon on Christmas Eve 1968. Instead, shortly after the Apollo 11 landing, Aldrin broadcast a request that those listening observe 'a few moments of silence' and contemplate the events of the preceding hours and give thanks in their own way. He then turned off his microphone and privately took communion inside Eagle.
