Prairie Chapel re-enacts scene from Last Supper
Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church will have a live performance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Pictured are Pastor Dail Parrish as Jesus, Leonard Cognion as Thomas and Clarence Fisher as Philip. Beth Scott | Beacon
COSHOCTON – The Last Supper was Jesus’ last meal with his 12 disciples as they celebrated Passover before He was crucified the next day. Watch one of the most important events in the life of Jesus re-enacted at the Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church, 45494 County Road 23, Coshocton. The church will be giving a live performance of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. This is the second year the church has done this production at the new church. It was performed at the former church for many years.
“We weren’t going to do it two years in a row, but a lot of people said they really enjoyed it last year and wanted us to bring it back this year,” said Pastor Dail Parrish, who portrays Jesus. “Rehearsals are going well. We have about three or four new people this year who weren’t in it last year, but it’s really working well.”
Each disciple of Christ takes his position at the Last Supper table in the same pose as Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting. One by one, the actors come alive and tell the congregation a brief history of their apostle including why they decided to follow Jesus.
“It’s kind of humbling,” said Parrish about portraying Christ. “To actually say the things that we read in the Bible that He said, it brings Him more to life.”
At the end of the program, Jesus and Judas Iscariot have a confrontation that ends with Judas running out as he goes to betray Christ. Afterward, Jesus serves His disciples the Passover meal and then the actors will administer communion to the congregation.
“It’s different to play a disciple,” said James Smith who plays John. “It’s someone you get to know more about.”
Russell Conrad has portrayed Nathanael for two years and was also in the performances at the former church.
“The disciples are always trying to share Jesus Christ as their savior and I talk about Him in my life as my savior,” he said. “This is a good get-together as far as comradery.”
Ric Kent, who plays Peter, said that even the apostles had their flaws. Peter was Jesus’ closest friend and was the one who denied Him three times before His crucifixion.
“It’s pretty neat reading a little more about Peter,” said Kent. “Peter was always enthusiastic. He was always trying to impress Jesus and do things that would make Him happy. But he always stepped before he thought. But that instance (when he denies Jesus) is what changed his life and shaped him into the man he was to become.”
Leonard Cognion plays Thomas, the one disciple who didn’t believe Jesus was who He said He was after His resurrection.
“It brings to reality the fact that there are a lot of people out there who don’t believe,” he said. “It brings into character the fact that we are human and as humans, it brings to light the fact that we should be going on faith.”
The actors dress in robes that were donated from Bethel Methodist Church in Muskingum County and also by an anonymous donor at the church.
Other actors in the production are: Jim Aslanides (Matthew), Steve Murray (Andrew), Clarence Fisher (Philip), Jim Border (Simon), Dick Brindley (James the Less), Mike Stewart (Thaddeus), Perry Wolfe (James the Great), and Glenn Hill (Judas). The public is invited to attend.
Category: Faith
