Members from the University United Methodist Church came together Thursday night to portray the Last Supper as seen in Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting.

Starting 16 years ago, the church, located at 1120 S. Harrison Road, puts on the performance every other year. Church member Paul Tarr has been the director of the show since its beginning and said all props are exact replicas of those in Da Vinci's painting, down to the color of the clothing and the pattern on the tablecloth.

"It's a moving experience," Tarr said.

The service opened with a 15-minute slide show of pictures featuring the history of the story of the Last Supper. Following the slides, the congregation sat and watched the Last Supper unfold in front of them. The church remained dark except for two spotlights shining on the actors on stage.

All 13 actors sat perfectly still during the estimated 35-minute performance, only moving when it was their turn to speak. The show depicted Jesus' last meal with his disciples and the moment he announced one of them would betray him.

It was church member Ian Weibel's second time acting in the Last Supper portrayal.

Acting as the disciple John, Weibel said he enjoys being in the show because of the opportunity to act and "portray such a meaningful event."

"It lets me experience the Easter season … more spiritually," said Weibel, a 2001 MSU graduate, of the production that he, along with the group, spent almost a month rehearsing.

MSU horticulture senior Matthew Parrott went to the performance with several friends. Parrott said he has been attending the church for three years and is involved in the church's student group, the Wesley Foundation.

"It's the only service around that actually portrays the Last Supper," Parrott said. "It's very dramatic."

The show ended with a church member singing the hymn "Were You There?" while members participated in communion.