The German and Swiss settlers of Pittsburgh banded together to form St Mary's Parish in 1848 and constructed the Church in 1852. Its Italianate classical architecture is one of a few examples of that style in the city. Originally, two Byzantine-style domes rested on each corner. At the turn of the century these were altered to a more conventional dome. Originally, the church was built without windows because of concern for the "Know-Nothings", a group that conducted anti-Catholic activities in the 1850's. Finally, in 1912 Austrian stained-glass windows were installed. A massive skylight replaced a wooden dome in 1897.

In 1888, The Priory was added to serve as a home for Benedictine priests and brothers serving the Parish, as well as a temporary haven for those travelling to the St. Vincent Archabbey, the United States headquarters for the Order, which was brought to this country with the help of King Ludwig.

The Owners

The Benedictines are followers of 1500 year old monastic tradition of simple-style living in a community separate from the world. The order was founded by St. Benedict, the fifth century Monk who believed that when visitors knocked at the Monastery door they should be responded to with "a prompt answer and the warmth of love." The Priory continues with the hospitality and tradition.

St. Mary's Church was closed in 1981 by The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and was to be razed to make way for I-279, but was given a reprieve when the highway was moved 40 yards. The Graf's first became interested in the St. Mary's complex when Mr. Graf saw a "For Sale" sign on the church. By late 1984, a contract with the original bidders fell through, Mr. and Mrs. Graf bid on the property and acquired The Priory and the Church. The pews, stained glass, stations of the cross and statues were included. Only then did Mr. Graf discover that this was the Church attended by his Swiss grandfather after he emigrated from Winterthur - and later his grandparents were married there.

The Restoration

Work was started on the preservation and rehabilitation of The Priory in April 1986 and it was completed later that year. This 24 room European-style hotel has won a number of awards and was given high ratings in the Mobil and AAA books. Mrs. Graf's attention to detail is present in the decor, antiques, and artwork. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the YWCA for her efforts in founding The Priory.

In January 2003, the mantel of Priory tradition was handed to the next generation of the Graf family, when Ed and Mary Ann's son John and his wife Suzanne purchased this historic Pittsburgh hotel. John and Suzanne are now the proprietors of this wonderful enterprise, and pledge to continue The Priory's grand tradition, making sure that each and every guest is treated as an individual and that his or her needs are promptly attended to.