St. Mary's is the second oldest of the 36 Roman Catholic parishes on Staten Island, having been established in 1852, after St. Peter's (1839), and before St. Joseph's in Rossville (1855).

Besides the school, in 1864, Lewis built a convent, a parish orphan asylum, and a residence for the male teachers.

Writing in 1877, one commentator stated, "Father Lewis is entitled to commendation for his zeal and fidelity in his efforts to promote the spiritual and temporal interests of his parishioners.

Michael Slupek would celebrate Mass for Staten Island's Polish Catholics at St. Mary's Hall.

Both were built of red brick, the church in North Italian Romanesque style with a central tower.