[1] It was constructed in 1891 on the grounds of Mount Loretto, an institution founded by Father John Drumgoole to house and educate destitute street children of the city.

Mount Loretto was conceived as a farm, and at the time of its construction, the church stood in a rural area.

Mount Loretto, officially known as the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin and now named Catholic Charities of Staten Island, continues to use the surrounding property for a variety of social services, including some residential programs.

[7] A small plaza in front of the church features bells saved from the steeples during the 1973 fire, and an 1891 statue of Father Drumgoole by sculptor Robert Cushing.

[8] Media related to St. Joachim and St. Anne Church (Staten Island) at Wikimedia Commons