Hundreds gathered at Ellwood City's borough building to support the traditional nativity display.

_{ELLWOOD CITY, Pa.--} In the small town of Ellwood City, it has always been a Christmas tradition to display the Nativity scene in front of the Municipal building, along with other common holiday décor.  However, as of last year, the Nativity scene has begun to stir a bit of commotion.  In fact, the Freedom from Religion Foundation (FRF) in Michigan has targeted Ellwood City after the receipt of an anonymous letter from a disgruntled citizen.  FRF claims it will sue the city for violating the separation of church and state.  FRF also suggested a busload of protestors would take to a number of communities in Western Pennsylvania this week.  Those protestors never arrived.  Instead, hundreds of Lawrence County residents gathered on Friday at city hall to support the 50-year tradition of the town's nativity scene.

Norina Owens, Ellwood City resident and Founder of Women of Faith International Inc., joined Mayor Tony Court to lead the rally.  

"We believe that God belongs in our city, and no one is going to remove Him," Owens said.

Despite the freezing temperatures,  people of all ages crowded the streets in front of the Municipal building, valiantly prepared to stand up for their beliefs and religions.  Among the crowd were several city officials, proudly showing their support for the Nativity scene, including State Representative Jaret Gibbons who said that he strongly believes that the scene is not only appropriate, but also constitutional.  He joined Mayor Court also argued that the First Amendment protects freedom of religion allowing for the public display of Christmas displays.

"It's a loveable tradition, and we're not going to be bullied," Mayor Court said.

A large number of young men and women were also in front of the Municipal building, many of them highly offended that anyone would try to take away the city's beloved tradition.

"I feel it's really disrespectful of them," Lincoln High senior Nolan Duncan said.  "They just don't like how we do things in Ellwood City."

See Nolan and his high school friends rallying with other county residents with our online slideshow of images and video from the scene.

Ellwood City will continue to display the Nativity in front of the municipal building.  Additional decorations on display are secular holiday items, including Santa Clause, reindeer, and a Christmas tree, as well as additional decorations representing other religious views for the holidays.

Although the Freedom from Religion Foundation failed to show this morning, many Ellwood City residents were glad to see such a great turn out.  Some say it only proves that the community truly is one united together as a family.  Several citizens described the event, saying that it was an inspirational experience.