[2] Prior to the construction of the church, services were held in a two–story brick building at 306 East 36th Street.

Land for the church at the corner of Second Avenue was donated by Henry James Anderson, Professor of Mathematics at Columbia College.

Two of St. Gabriel's priests at the turn of the century later served as Cardinal Archbishop of New York, John Murphy Farley and Patrick Joseph Hayes.

[7] St. Gabriel's Select School (for girls) at 229 East 36th Street was conducted by the Sisters of Charity of Mount Saint Vincent.

The altar, pews and statues were sent to the newly constructed St. Gabriel's Church in Riverdale, Bronx.

Early records for the parish school are at the College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale.