Summary: It was April 16, 2000 – Palm Sunday. The Billy Sprague song, How Could You Say No? was to be performed by Tracie Daniel, accompanied by the live praise band at the Troy Baptist Church in Troy, Michigan (currently named Woodside Bible Church.) Molly McClelland was involved with drama at TBC and envisioned an illustration which would come to life during the song. She approached a church member, Marc Eckel, about creating this artwork. The combination of the music and visual aid were very well received. The first performance would become a pattern for what would become “The Sacrifice” – Splat Experience’s first presentation. Marc and his family moved to northern Indiana in 2001. The following year, George Paiva (pastor of The First Baptist Church of Pierceton) asked Marc to be on a planning committee for their Easter services. Marc offered to reproduce the performance done two years earlier for two services. On March 31, 2002, the small country church witnessed the emotional and dramatic worship presentations with an added twist. After the paintings were completed Marc raised red painted hands to symbolize the blood of Christ on the hands of all sinners. Within several weeks, George and Marc decided to pursue the potential of what was presented during these performances. Due to the technique of splattering paint, the name “SPLAT” was adopted. Since the performance was experiential, George suggested adding the word “EXPERIENCE.” Splat Experience was established in late April of 2002.
