https://archive.triblive.com/local/westmoreland/presbyterian-church-pastor-elders-stage-living-tableau-of-the-last-supper-in-latrobe/
Presbyterian church pastor, elders stage living tableau of 'The Last Supper' in Latrobe
Ken Brooks | For Tribune-Review
Latrobe Presbyterian Church members (Standing L-R) Doug Harvey; James the Lesser, David Auman; Andrew, and Matt Sweeney; John. (Seated L-R) John Jamison; Judas, Rev. Clark R. Kerr; Jesus, Don Gobbel; James, rehearse the Living Tableau of the Last Supper Wednesday evening March 23, 2016 in Latrobe.
Every two years, the Rev. Clark R. Kerr moves from the altar to the table and assumes the role of Jesus Christ.
He is joined by 12 elders at the Latrobe Presbyterian Church, who work to bring to life Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper.”
Staged on Maundy Thursday, the living tableau of Christ's last night typically attracts more than 200 congregationalists and community members, Kerr said. The event was revived about eight years ago.
“We had a generation of men who did it years and years ago. Now a new generation has sort of picked it up. Most of us are veterans,” Kerr said. “We get a great turnout. We have a lot of folks from the community who make this part of their Holy Week.”
The familiar story's portrayal is in direct contrast to the commercialism of Easter, the pastor said.
“We fight against that,” he said.
The actors wear costumes, and some of the men grow beards to better portray their roles.
“The story begins with Jesus saying, ‘Tonight, one of you will betray me,' ” Kerr said.
Each of the disciples delivers a monologue about his time with Jesus.
“Toward the end of the story, Jesus sends Judas away, telling him, ‘Do what you must do,' ” Kerr said. “The fellow that plays Judas (John Jamison) is pretty dramatic.”
The actors leave the stage one by one after considering what Jesus has said is to come, the pastor said.
“We get very good feedback. There is something about looking and listening to the various disciples. ... And our guys are pretty good. They speak with feeling and emotion. Each of us that takes a part in it finds it very meaningful,” Kerr said.
Other elders who participated were Dave Auman as Andrew; Don Gobbel, James; Doug Harvey, James the Lesser; Jason Huska, Simon the Zealot; Ed McKinnon, Thomas; Paul Prichard, Simon Peter; Larry Ruffner, Philip; Kent Snyder, Nathaniel; Lee Stewart, Thaddeus; Matt Sweeney, John; and Gary Zimmerman, Matthew.
Mary Pickels is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.
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