CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gateway Christian Church in St. Albans was converted from sanctuary to Hollywood red carpet Sunday as more than 300 guests packed in for Jesus Prom, an annual event for those with special needs.

Instead of pews and hymnals, the auditorium was filled with red-clothed tables and a spinning disco ball. Limos dropped off attendees outside at no charge. Cosmetologists provided hair and makeup for free.

"It started off as a small thing in our gym," said Steve Harley, teaching pastor at Gateway. "This year, we had over 300 RSVPs. Jesus Prom is now a church-wide ministry."

Each year, students and other Gateway members turn the church upside down for the event, now in its fifth year.

The event is based on a passage in the Bible, Harley said, where Jesus dines with the poor, sick, crippled and otherwise needy.

"It's a way to reach out to the community," he said. "And, if you just look into the faces of the people here, it's so worth it."

Ryan Barker, a Cross Lanes resident, said he was overjoyed to have the opportunity to attend Jesus Prom. "I'm just so happy to be here. My girlfriend, Katie, is here too. I'm so blessed to have her." 

Belinda Barker-Fox, Ryan's mother, was impressed with the event. She said she had worked on prom committees before and couldn't believe how beautiful Gateway looked.

"You know, a lot groups try to do things like this, but it just isn't the same," she said. "Here, I mean, they actually throw a prom that any high school student would be envious of, and it comes at no cost for the kids, that's the real kicker."

The event started at 6 p.m. with red carpet announcements for each couple. Volunteer students from Gateway escorted many attendees. Guests were first served light appetizers and then a full course entree.

After dinner, guests danced the night away to everything from classics like "Thriller" to new favorite "Call Me Maybe."

Barker and his girlfriend, Katie Miller, said they couldn't wait for next year's Jesus Prom. "My favorite thing was riding in the limo and the dancing," she said. "Next year will be even better."