Locals depict The Last Supper during meaningful pageant

The Last Supper Pageant will once again be presented during Holy Week and the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Written by Ernest K. Emurieian, the play depicts the scene of the Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci done in 1491 in a convent in Milan, Italy. Leonardo's painting depicted the moment during the Last Supper just after Jesus announced "One of you will betray me" and continues from that moment with the actors frozen in their poses and coming to life, one at a time, to speak about their individual thoughts.

"We go through a set of three disciples and then follow with music then do three more disciples," event organizer Dan Perry said.

First presented in 1992 under the direction of Pastor Glenn and Judy Loy, the pageant has been presented once every two to three years since.

The "Upper Room" was created, the costumes made, and the scripts memorized during the many weeks of practice prior to Easter of that same year. There were many dedicated hours of frequent practices and rehearsals by the disciples, their wives, and many other volunteers. Members of the church were involved in providing music, lighting, food and other skills.

Many of the cast members have remained the same, according to Perry.

"Everybody involved in the pageant is like family and we believe this is something very meaningful to us and spiritually is a mission to reach out to people," he said.

In addition to the mission of reaching out to others, the proceeds from the goodwill donation go to missions elsewhere and has sent locals on a mission.

A free will offering is taken and the proceeds are used first to cover expenses of the production. Anything above the cost of production is used for mission work in the church and outside the church.

"We have used some of the proceeds from this to send local kids on missionary trips," Perry said. "We have sent Trent Rutledge twice now."

Tickets to the pageant are free but those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to control seating. Additionally, Wednesday night is family night, to give families the opportunity to enjoy the pageant together.

The performance is scheduled for March 21, 23 and 24 this year. To reserve seating call the church office at 308-235-2320.

"Nursery is provided," Perry said. "It's a very good performance. If you haven't seen it I would ask you to come see it."