A magnificent sculpture of "The Last Supper" is on permanent display at Country Club Christian Church. Created by artist Dominic Zappia nearly 40 years ago, this massive 17-foot sculpture is a treasure that has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors and church members. Visitors are welcome to come see the sculpture and to listen to the eight-minute recorded narrative that helps bring the scene alive.

Zappia based his work on the concept of the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts the scene in the upper room a moment after Christ said to his disciples, "One of you shall betray me." Zappia studiously researched the lives of disciples and carved his own interpretation of each of them. Da Vinci never finished Christ's face, but Zappia did in divine detail.

Each of the 13 full-dimensional figures weighs about 200 pounds. They were carved out of 500-pound blocks of laminated basswood custom fabricated by an Arkansas mill. Finished in 1962, the sculpture took four years to complete.

In 1971, church members Oscar Nelson and Don and Lucille Armacost purchased "The Last Supper" as a gift to the church. After being on loan to other Kansas City institutions for nearly 30 years, a permanent display was created at the church. The sculpture sits in front of a stone wall in an environmentally controlled area designed to keep the wood from deteriorating.

This masterpiece was dedicated in its new home in September 2000 and since then, thousands of people have come to see it. Individuals and small groups are welcome to drop by at their convenience during weekday business hours and on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Groups of 12 or more are invited to phone the church at 816-333-4917 or e-mail marilynw@cccckc.org to schedule a guided tour with a church docent who will make a presentation on "The Last Supper."