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The Loew’s Gates Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, opened on November 21, 1921, as a state-of-the-art movie and stage presentation theatre. Advertised as “The Biggest Theatre Event in the History of Brooklyn,” the grand opening featured Bert Lytell in “Alias Lady Fingers” and Buster Keaton in “Hard Luck”, along with live vaudeville performances. The event was attended by New York Mayor John Hylan, Borough President Edward Riegelman, and Loew’s Circuit General Manager Nicholas Schenk. Movie stars such as Mae Murray, Will Rogers, Lew Cody, and Lillian Walker also graced the occasion. The theatre, boasting 3,600 seats, was managed by William Sheehey and featured a Möller 3-manual, 17-rank theatre organ.
Over the decades, the Loew’s Gates became a staple of Brooklyn’s entertainment scene, hosting both film screenings and live appearances. In 1952, baseball legends Jackie Robinson and Billy Cox joined Happy Felton at the theatre for a special Loew’s MGM Knothole Gang Show, drawing 2,500 attendees. In 1963, horror icons Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff made personal appearances for The Raven. By the late 1960s, Loew’s was among the first major circuits to introduce independent X-rated films, such as Without a Stitch (1970), much to the dismay of Motion Picture Association head Jack Valenti. However, unlike many other theaters, it did not switch to X-rated films full time. The theatre continued to operate as a movie house until its closure on July 13, 1977.
After closing, it was sold to the Triumphant Church of Jesus Christ Inc. on November 10, 1977, for just $10, with the condition that they settle an unpaid NYC tax bill of $74,000. The church, which had previously used the RKO Bushwick Theatre, moved into the Loew’s Gates, as ownership was more attainable than their prior rental situation. Under the leadership of Pastor Roy E. Brown, who also contributed to its interior design, the building was restored and remains in use as a place of worship today.
After the Final Curtain 
To think that such a magnificent theater could still exist. Great photos.