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"THE PADRE OF THE POOR"

by

Sr. Ellen O'Keefe, S.S.J.

            In the early 1800's, new industries were opening in Western New York, providing employment for settlers.  The Erie Canal brought trade and people to the Buffalo area, thus contributing to the development of the city as a world-class port and major grain-milling center.  These circumstances created the setting in which Nelson Baker served the Lord by striving to meet the needs of the people in this growing region.

Nelson Henry Baker was born in Buffalo, New York, United States of America, on February 16, 1841, to Lewis and Caroline Baker.  Although Lewis was not Catholic, a deep love of the faith was nurtured in Nelson by his devout Catholic mother.  Nelson attended Public School #12 and Old Central High School in Buffalo.  After graduation he worked in his father's grocery store.  At the age of 22, Nelson joined the Union forces of the Civil War.  Within days he became one of tens of thousands of men the Union deployed in one of the bloodiest of all battles - Gettysburg.  He was also sent to New York City to quell draft riots.

When he returned to Buffalo after his tour of duty, he became a partner in a feed and grain business with his friend, Joseph Meyer.  This successful enterprise allowed him to help those who were less fortunate.  In 1869 he took a trip on a steamer ship along the shores of the Great Lakes.  This trip allowed him time to meditate and discern what the good Lord had in mind for him as he continued to live his life to the fullest.  The decision he made changed his life and that of countless others.  Upon his return to Buffalo, he announced that he intended to become a priest.  Caroline Baker was delighted; but his father, brothers, and business partners were not.  On September 2, 1869, Nelson entered the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels (which is now Niagara University) at Suspension Bridge, Niagara Falls.  He participated in various activities including musical and theatrical productions, athletics, and debates.  Nelson labored particularly to develop his spiritual life, often being singled out by peers and instructors for consultation.

In 1874, Nelson, then 32 years of age, represented his seminary on a pilgrimage from America to the famous shrines of Europe.  Once in Paris he spent much time admiring the shrine to Our Lady of Victories where he pledged to her that, when the opportunity came, he would do all he could to increase devotion to Our Lady under that special title.  On the Feast of St. Joseph in 1876, Nelson Baker was ordained to the priesthood.  His first assignment was at Limestone Hill (what is Lackawanna today) which consisted of the parish church of St. Patrick, an orphanage, and a protectory for wayward boys.  Five years later he was transferred to St. Mary's Parish in Corning, New York.  The following year he returned to Limestone Hill with a promotion, superintendent of both St. John's Protectory and St. Joseph's Orphanage, which were staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Brothers of the Holy Infancy.  He also served as pastor of St. Patrick's Church.  What marvelous deeds were woven into the life of Nelson and all the lives he touched in his remaining years as he labored for his loving Lady of Victory!

One of Father Baker's early hurdles was that of paying off a tremendous debt that the institutions had amassed.  His sense of business aided him in rectifying that situation and also made him aware that other sources of revenue were needed.  He started the Association of Our Lady of Victory for 25 cents a year, and the organization became very popular.  The creditors were soon paid, and the Limestone Hill institutions were ready to expand.

One of the largest expenses for the institutions was heat for the buildings.  At that time some Buffalo sites were harnessing their own natural gas.  After much prayer, deliberation, and persuasion, Father Baker acquired money from Bishop Ryan and was granted permission to drill for gas.  After carefully selecting a drilling site, a small lead statue of Our Lady of Victory was buried at the spot.  Exact instructions were given to the foreman to place the drill as close to the statue as possible, but not to touch it.  Finally on August 22, 1891, at the unheard-of-depth of 1,137 feet, gas was struck.  The well was named “Victoria.”  More than 100 years later, this well continues to provide natural gas to some of the OLV institutions.  As the institutions filled rapidly, more building projects became necessary.  In 1897 the protectory was expanded, and a new Working Boys Home was opened.  This housed those who had left the protectory and were working in the Buffalo area.

The good priest's talents, evident in his ability to undertake and complete these challenges, were recognized by Church authorities.  In 1903 Bishop Colton named Nelson Baker Vicar General of the Diocese of Buffalo.  He held this prestigious title until his death in 1936.

In the early 1900's the horror of dead infants dredged out of the Erie Canal persuaded Father Baker to construct an Infant Home to offer refuge, prenatal care, and adoptive services for infants and unwed mothers.  This ambitious project was completed in 1908, and the facility immediately filled to capacity.  Now children from birth to late adolescence were cared for, and nurtured by, the institutions.  In 1914 Father Baker felt the need for a maternity hospital.  Construction of this was completed in 1919, and the following year it converted to a general hospital.  As the driving force behind these projects to benefit women and children, Father Baker established himself as a forerunner of the right-to-life movement.

When Father Baker was 80 years old he embarked on his most ambitious and beloved project of all -- the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory.  European artists and architects were employed.  They used the finest materials imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa.  This wondrous structure took four years to complete.  In May of 1926 the Basilica was completed and dedicated - debt free.  This extraordinary feat was due to the generous donations of friends from all across the country.  The dedication of this magnificent edifice was in conjunction with Father Baker's Golden Jubilee of Ordination.  Soon after the glorious dedication of the Basilica, the country slipped into the Great Depression.  "The Padre of the Poor" fed, clothed, and gave medical care to over 500,000 people.  Father Baker's helping hand was a steadying influence on a community ravaged by poverty and hopelessness.  No one was ever turned away.

In 1936, Father Baker became seriously ill.  He was then 95 years old.  On July 29 the great lover of Our Blessed Lady of Victory went to join the Queen of Heaven, surely to be a favored member of her heavenly court.

It was estimated that over five hundred thousand people came to pay their respects to the great "Apostle of Charity."  Father Baker's funeral was held on August 3, 1936, in the Basilica.  Thousands of mourners packed the church and the area outside.  Unusual precautions were made in regard to Father Baker's grave.  There was actually a cement vault built into the ordinary grave and then sealed by church authorities.  He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, across from Our Lady of Victory Hospital.

Although Nelson Baker handled millions of dollars in his lifetime, he died having no money in the bank, no bonds or securities of any kind or form, was indebted to no one financially, and no one was indebted to him.

On March 11, 1999, the body of Nelson Baker was returned "home" to the magnificent Basilica he built in honor of his patroness.  More people now have the opportunity to pray to, and for him.

Father Baker left many monuments that will endure as long as memories last.  He also left monuments in the hearts and minds of thousands of people who are better for having known him; whose faith and spirit grew under his care.  The latter may prove to be the more enduring.  More importantly, our "Padre of the Poor" collected for himself treasures in heaven, treasures that will last for all eternity.

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