July 29, 2026

By David McNally
For the North Country Catholic

St. Joseph’s Church in Olmstedville celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the faith and life of Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, in its entry in the 38th annual Minerva Day Parade on July 4.

The entry received the parade’s “Best Representation of America’s 250th: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church” award.

On the back of a pickup truck, a mannequin dressed as Carroll knelt before a wooden cross. Banners on each side displayed his words, “Without morals a republic cannot subsist,” while a banner on the rear invited parade goers to visit St. Joseph’s Church.

Many parishioners and community members contributed their time, talents and materials to the effort. David and Clare McNally provided the truck, and David designed and built the display. Jan Hogan hand-drew the side banners, and she and Clare donated candy for the parade. Judy Jennings, Diane McNally, Rebecca Pless and Darlene Dimick donated materials. Ed Doran helped assemble and secure the display. Amanda Savarie drove the truck, while Annie Bulmer rode in the parade and distributed candy.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton is remembered as the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence and as its last surviving signatory. A wealthy Maryland planter and outspoken advocate for independence, he later became one of Maryland’s first United States senators.

Because of Maryland’s strict anti-Catholic laws, Carroll was initially barred from holding public office. His election to the Second Maryland Convention in 1774 helped break that barrier and advance greater political and religious freedom for Catholics.

Located in Essex County, in the southernmost part of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, St. Joseph’s Church was built in the Olmstedville hamlet of the Town of Minerva in 1871. It was constructed after the congregation outgrew its original church, St. Mary’s, which had been built in 1848 in Minerva’s Irishtown section.