Droves of people were welcomed at an historic local theater on Staten Island. 

Salem Church hosted its annual Easter Service at the St. George Theatre over the weekend. The performing arts venue opened it's doors back in 1929, and has become an iconic fixture in the borough ever since. In addition to musical performances, there were also speeches, where speakers told stories of overcoming hardship through their faith. 

John Welborn, Senior Pastor at Salem Church says "we hope the hurting, the sick, the poor, the downtrodden, the discouraged, the depressed, everyone's who's here will leave encouraged by the fact that there is, there is life to be found in Jesus."

It did take a little longer to get in to attend the service this year. Church leaders say for the first time they required everyone to be cleared by security, because of recent mass shootings.