ELLWOOD CITY, Pennsylvania - A huge crowd gathered in Ellwood City to support the displaying of a nativity scene on public property.

A Wisconsin group called Freedom From Religion filed a complaint with the borough on behalf of some local residents saying the nativity did not comply with federal law.

There was cheering, prayer, singing, crosses, homemade signs and even miniature nativity scenes.  It was all part of the response from the Ellwood City community to a complaint about the nativity scene in front of the municipal building.

"We're a Christian based city and that's what everyone believes here.  And if people have a problem with it they can go worship somewhere else.  It's our ground to cherish and Jesus is our Savior," says Ellwood City resident Matt Morella.

Resident William Hay adds, "I'm tired of the minority trying to run the country.  The way the country's set up the majority rules.  The majority of this country is Christian."

The complaint about the nativity came from the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

They say they are working on behalf of some local residents.

They say up until just this year, the nativity scene was the only thing on display here, and that violates federal law.  It is legal to have a nativity as part of a larger holiday display, but it can't be the main focus.

The borough has added a Kwanzaa sign near the nativity and a menorah in one of the municipal building's windows.

Mayor Anthony Court says, "We believe we're in compliance.  We believe we have rights also."

Jaret Gibbons is the state representative for the 10th district, which includes Ellwood City.  He says, "This display has a broad holiday theme.  Although the nativity is a very important part of it, as it's been a tradition for many decades, I think the borough has done a good job of trying to make sure they're not pushing out a single religion but a broader holiday theme."

The mayor says all religions are welcome to add to the holiday display.

Freedom from Religion, an atheist group, is sending a banner they hope will be incorporated.  But the mayor tells us that won't happen.

If the group decides to sue the mayor says they'll do whatever they have to fight it.