"The Last Supper"

The "Last Supper" painting was painted by a member of Hope in 1978, his name was Richard G. Grabher. One of Mr. Grabher's hobbies was being an artist. He loved to paint and draw cartoons, especially Donald Duck and Snoopy.

Mr. Grabher first came up with the idea to paint the "The Last Supper" when he went on a business trip to Italy in 1977 and saw Michelangelo's "Last Supper" in the Sistene Chapel. He knew that in the new worship area there was a large wall to the right of the alter that would be perfect for a painting of "The Last Supper".

The "Last Supper" took approximately 18 months to paint. The canvas that the "Last Supper" was painted on was donated by the DuPont Company. The paints used were ordinary acrylic house paint. The canvas was placed on a homemade scroll and painted in 6 foot sections in Mr. Grabher's basement. The painting is 16 feet long and 6 feet high and weighs over 400lbs. It took 6 to 8 men to lift that painting on to the brackets that holds the picture up. Mr. Grabher passed away 18 months after The "Last Supper" painting was dedicated, at the age of 48.

The frame that surrounds the "Last Supper" was also made by a member of Hope Lutheran Church, his name was Mr. William D. Beck. Mr. Beck loved to work with wood. The frame consists of hundreds of 4 x 4 inch individual pieces of wood that were glued together to made the frame. This process was very time consuming and required a lot of patience. Mr. Beck was very involved with different activities at Hope. He was an usher, he helped on the property committee, he painted and fixed things around the church.

Mr. Beck was very involved in the Scouting Program at Hope. Mr. Beck has since passed away and is truly missed by his family and his family at Hope.

"The Last Supper" painting was dedicated on Palm Sunday 1979.

Hope Lutheran Church was truly blessed to have the talents of these two men.

It is a wonderful reminder that God gives all of us many talents and gifts that we can use to serve his church!!