The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world. It has been active in the United States since 1931, has been approved by the last 6 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.

The Legion of Mary in Ogdensburg began on September 7, 1938. Earlier that year, Mrs. Melvina Barr had attended a retreat in Ottawa, where she learned about the Legion of Mary from a member of a Legion group (called a praesidium) there. Returning home, she helped organize the city's first praesidium, which came to be known as Mary Refuge of Sinners. The first meeting was held in the sacristy of St. Mary's Cathedral. Msgr. Louis D. Berube was the spiritual director. Mr. Franicis Ryan was the acting first president. Some of the early members were Melvina Barr, Margaret Hannan, Irene Ewart, Margaret Petriglia, Leta MacDonald, Mary Monnet, Anastasia McGuire, Florence MacDonald and Joan Robillard. 

A junior group called Mary Queen of Peace was started, with Melvina Barr and Margaret Hannan as officers. It is noteworthy that among that group of high school members were Anthony Milia, later Msgr. Anthony Milia; Euclid Marier, later Rev. Euclid Marier; Rose Ann Taylor, who became Sr. Rose Ann Taylor; and Nora Taylor, who became Sr. Christine Taylor.

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