This land was originally part of the east tier of the “10-acre lot” grants of 1720. It was still being farmed in 1923 when it was purchased by the Passionist Fathers for the construction of a Monastery and Retreat House.
During the construction anti-Catholic sentiment by Klansmen of the Ku Klux Klan led to the burning of a cross on the grounds as a warning. The warning had no effect however and the new facility was dedicated on schedule in 1925.
The Passionist Fathers mission of preaching reached new heights in 1954 with the introduction of one of the best-known radio programs in the world – The Hour of the Crucified, which was produced at the Monastery and broadcast world-wide. The popularity of the program and the introduction of television led to the 1963 construction of the familiar A-Frame Radio-Television Center building at the east-end of their property on Elm Street.
Attendance at the retreats declined in the 1980’s and by 1993 the monastery had ceased operation thus making way for its conversion into the present 105-unit Senior Living Community called The Landmark at Monastery Heights.
In 2002 this beautiful building, and its spacious grounds were honored by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.