LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The “Open Carry Celebration” at New Bethel Church in Valley Station on Saturday brought out more than 100 people for what was promoted as an opportunity for believers and nonbelievers to gather and express their right to bear arms.

It appeared that the event, which lasted more than 90 minutes, attracted in excess of 100 people.

The crowd began trickling in to New Bethel Church in Valley Station about an hour ahead of the 5 p.m. “Open Carry” service, which Pastor Ken Pagano had noted was not a religious service at the Pentecostal church.

There were about 50 cars in the church’s parking lot about a half-hour before the service was to begin. Many church members and volunteers were on hand to direct traffic and check any weapons brought to the church, to make sure that they were not loaded with ammunition.

Pagano made some opening remarks, another volunteer read the rules about carrying unloaded weapons securely in holsters, and then attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The attendees also were singing patriot songs, including “America the Beautiful” and “My Country Tis of Thee.”

The church was limiting the presence of television and newspaper camera crews inside the building.

New Bethel Church decided to go ahead with the controversial service, despite losing its insurance coverage. However, the church was able to find another carrier to provide coverage.

The church announced in early June its plans for the service, and was encouraging people to wear unloaded guns in their holsters. They can also enter a raffle to win a free handgun, and the service is to include patriotic music and talks by operators of gun stores and firing ranges.

Pagano said there’s three purposes for the service: To promote firearms safety and responsibility; to promote Americans’ Second Amendment rights; and “as Christians, we wanted to create a venue to share our faith with people.”