Here are some facts about the history of the church, from the 50th anniversary Commemorative Journal:

Its origins date back to the years following World War I (1914-1919), when a chapel was established on Webster Avenue, with services conducted by priests from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in West Brighton.

The pastor of Mt. Carmel, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Louis Riccio, was already known for his zeal in providing the Italian-speaking families with spiritual leadership and guidance. It was not long before it became apparent that a resident pastor was needed for the new chapel. Archbishop of New York Patrick J. Hayes appointed Rev. Carmelo Crisci as the first pastor of the newly-organized Assumption Parish in New Brighton.

The parish began to grow to such an extent that the chapel had to be enlarged within only a few months. Work on this project was accomplished with the aid of a zealous committee.

A contract was signed in 1921, giving a green light to the Niewenhous Company, of New York City, to construct the Italian Renaissance-style building on the corner of Brighton and Webster Avenues.

The church was opened to parishioners in August 1922.

The years that followed were not without hardship and sacrifice for this North Shore parish.

The total debt for the land, church and rectory (which was built a few years after the church) amounted to about $200,000.