The challenge of betraying Jesus faced by every Christian on a daily basis was depicted on canvass by Leonardo da Vinci in “The Last Supper,” and will be brought to life in a dramatization at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the sanctuary at First Methodist Church Minden.

In 1494, when Leonardo was 42, he was commissioned by the Duke of Milan to decorate the dining room of the convent church, which was the favorite shrine of the Duke’s young bride.  As an appropriate theme for this dining room, the painter chose “The Last Supper.” 

His painting was not intended to be a faithful reproduction of the original scene as it had taken place in first century Palestine, but as it might have taken place in fifteenth century Italy. He chose what he considered the most dramatic moment of “The Last Supper.”

Variations of “The Last Supper” have been performed since 1989, when this script was first brought to Elaine Ward and Mary Ann Hamilton by Col. Andrews, a church member who was stationed at the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant.  The Backdrop was painted by Damon Kearney, assisted by Cheryl Kearney and Wanda Kendrick.  This year Gayle Cabaniss and Ronda Carnahan are in charge of costumes and Christina Harris Chester, Susan Whaley & Elaine Robertson are in charge of props.

In this Living Dramatization, the 12 apostles speak their minds to themselves, to each other, and to the Lord in light of the words, which they have just heard Jesus speak, “One of you will betray me.”

Music will be interspersed among the speakers by FMC Minden Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Dan Gibbs with accompanist, Helen Nelson. The program will conclude with “The Lord’s Prayer.”