In October 1925, the Ambassador Theatre opened its grand doors on Division Street in the Austin neighborhood, showcasing a spectacular design by architect Harold Gallup. The theater was adorned with rows of large urns atop its exterior walls, while a dome soared three stories high above the main entrance. Inside, patrons were treated to opulent ceilings above the main staircase, over a dozen private box-seat balconies trimmed in colorful terra-cotta, and a giant burst of decorative patterns towering 40 feet above the stage.
Built to accommodate both live performances and films, the Ambassador could seat an impressive 3,500 viewers, becoming a notable attraction in the area, dubbed “the Pride of the Great Northwest Side”. However, just three years after its debut, the theater faced bankruptcy and changed ownership.
By the early 1940s, the theater underwent a significant name change to honor Knute Rockne, a legendary figure in American football known for his connection to the University of Notre Dame. The name change came not immediately after Rockne’s untimely death in 1931, but after the release of a Hollywood film that depicted his life—Knute Rockne, All American, which played in the Ambassador in January 1941. The immediacy of the renaming was influenced by the cinematic portrayal that glorified Rockne, making the renaming feel relevant more than a decade after his passing.
In stark contrast to its original mission, by the 1970s, the Knute Rockne Theatre transitioned to adult films, responding to the evolving entertainment landscape. Despite community objections, operations continued with adult films well into the mid-1970s, leading to a curious dichotomy— a venue named after a revered family figure showcasing adult content.
As public interest waned and the theater encountered financial difficulties, the building’s fate was still uncertain in 1985. Rev. Andrew Griffin Sr., the founder of New Inspirational Baptist Church, received a donation of the building from former owner Arthur Ehrlich, who faced several code violations and sought to relinquish responsibility. Griffin accepted the challenge, hoping to restore the dilapidated structure for worship.
The transition to a church came with significant changes. The congregation began raising funds, including removing vintage architectural features for scrap to address immediate repairs. The majestic old theater seats were replaced with pews around the year 2000, markedly altering the aesthetic of the interior.
The church now operates within a box-like sanctuary that comprises only a third of the original theater’s width and a low ceiling, a practical necessity given the costs of heating a vast, unused space. Griffin anticipated a smaller congregation, requiring more functional spaces such as a banquet room, a baptismal pool, and offices, leading to further renovations.
Despite integrating practical elements, remnants of the original theater still exist within the church. Those who step inside can catch glimpses of the fading gold-trimmed edges of the balconies, tall red pilasters, and haunting echoes of a grand space that once captivated thousands. However, the legacy is marred by damage; on rainy days, water can be heard dripping onto plastic sheeting below, and a significant hole in the ceiling reveals the urgent need for repairs.
This spring, the church initiated a campaign to raise $55,000 for a new roof, exacerbated by ongoing issues like bricks falling from the exterior walls. With about $15,000 raised during an event in May, Griffin acknowledged they still need around $40,000 to complete the roofing project.
In reflecting on the multifaceted history of the Ambassador Theatre, Griffin recognizes the building as a testimony to change over time, embodying themes of resilience and adaptation. Once a monumental icon of entertainment, it has transformed into a vital place of worship, yet still longs for the majestic dignity it once held.
If Knute Rockne were alive today, it seems fitting to imagine him rallying the community by saying, “Roof this one for the Gipper!” The Ambassador Theatre’s evolving narrative illustrates how buildings can serve different purposes as society shifts, leaving behind layers of history etched into their walls.
image source from：wbez
