Home of Harvest Rock Church, the “Carnegie Hall of the West” Seeks New Steward as Church Prepares for coming Revival
The iconic Ambassador Auditorium, often referred to as “The Carnegie Hall of the West,” has been listed for sale for the first time in two decades, with an asking price of $45 million. The 45,000-square-foot cultural landmark, home to Harvest Rock Church, has been a centerpiece of Pasadena’s cultural and spiritual community since the church moved 20 years ago.
Led by Pastor Ché Ahn, Harvest Rock Church took ownership of the auditorium in what Ahn describes as a miraculous and divinely guided move. The acquisition fulfilled a prophecy made by well-known Prophet Kim Clement in the 1990s, who foresaw the church’s move into the Ambassador Auditorium.
Expanding Its Horizons
Despite its storied past, the church believes the time has come to expand its horizons. Quoting the book of Isaiah, Pastor Ahn expressed the church’s belief that it is time to “stretch their tent curtains wide” in preparation for the great harvest of souls coming to Christ. Ahn is confident that a great revival is on the horizon for America, particularly in Los Angeles, as the second coming of Jesus draws near. “What you may not realize is that over 200,000 people are getting saved every week around the world,” Ahn noted, citing the rapid growth of Christianity in Asia and other regions. He also highlighted the significant shift in Jakarta, the largest Muslim-majority nation, where Christianity now represents 40% of the population.
The decision to sell the building was not made lightly. Ahn and the church’s leadership concluded that the current facilities are no longer adequate for their needs. “This building is too small for us,” Ahn said, citing a lack of classrooms for elementary-age children and limited parking as significant challenges. The asking price for the property is set at $45 million.
A Cultural Icon
The Ambassador Auditorium has not only been a spiritual hub but also a cultural one. Legendary performers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma have graced its stage. The venue has also been rented out to studios, including for the filming of Beyoncé’s “Dreamgirls.” Ahn recalled presenting the gospel to Beyoncé and her team during the shoot, emphasizing how God has used the space for His purposes.
The auditorium, with its 1,200-seat concert hall, is situated in Pasadena’s historic West Pasadena neighborhood. The building, constructed in 1974 by the architectural firm Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall (DMJM), is a testament to mid-century design. Its historic integrity has been meticulously preserved, featuring grand interiors designed by Robert Smith of the American Society of Interior Designers.
The auditorium is set on nearly three acres of land, featuring a 500,000-gallon reflecting pool and a 37-foot solid bronze sculpture of flying egrets by British sculptor David Wynne. Pastor Ahn expressed his hope that the building will be passed on to a new steward who will continue its legacy of service and community engagement.
End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
The listing of the Ambassador Auditorium marks the end of an era for Harvest Rock Church, but also the beginning of a new chapter. As the church looks to expand, it remains committed to its mission of spreading the gospel and preparing for the anticipated revival.
