Community New York: Father Nelson Baker's Testimony of Faith

Abstract

Community New YorkFather Nelson Baker's Testimony of Faith Richard Gribble CSC (bio) Driving along Ridge Road in Lackawanna, New York, east from the Buffalo Skyway (Route 5) or west from the New York Thruway (Interstate 90), one observes at the midpoint a towering edifice of faith. Located at the corner of Ridge Road and South Park is the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory. This church, with its twin towers in front and its magnificent cupola dome, stands alone in the area, dominating the skyline of the city. A sign reads: "Welcome to Father Baker's—Our Lady of Victory Pray for Us." On January 14, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI declared Monsignor Nelson Henry Baker to be "venerable" in the Church.1 Who was Monsignor Baker (who always preferred the Click for larger view View full resolution Our Lady of Victory Basilica, circa 1970s. courtesy of our lady of victory shrine and basilica archives. [End Page 393] Click for larger view View full resolution Father Nelson Baker, ordination photo. courtesy of our lady of victory shrine and basilica archives. humbler title of "Father Baker"), and why did he achieve this level of recognition from the Church? Nelson Baker (1842–1936), a priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, became an iconic figure in western New York through his operation and supervision of St. Joseph's Orphanage and St. John's Protectory for boys, an infant home for unwed mothers and their children, and his pastorship of St. Patrick's Parish, later known as Our Lady of Victory. This series of institutions, known by Buffalonians as "The Second Holy City," protected, educated, and gave faith development to thousands of children during Baker's fifty-four-year tenure as superintendent and pastor. The remarkable ministry of Father Baker continues today as Our Lady of Victory Charities and Services. The Basilica of Our Lady of Victory was Baker's crowning achievement and today stands as a symbol of his life and ministry. As Buffalo's only Roman Catholic basilica, the second church so honored in the history of the United States, it stands as a testimony to Baker's faith, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and persistence.2 In 1921, having placed his three major institutions—the orphanage, protector, and infant home—on solid fiscal and physical foundations, Baker finally turned his full attention to building a monument to Our Lady of Victory, a project that had occupied his thoughts for many years. Baker chose [End Page 394] Click for larger view View full resolution Father Nelson Baker laying the final cornerstone for Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 1925. Courtesy of Our Lady of Victory Shrine and Basilica Archives. Emile Uhlrich, a Frenchman and graduate of the Academy of Paris, to design the church. Edward Jordan, one of Baker's parishioners and the principal contractor for the institutions for youths, was chosen to build the edifice. With his two major players for this massive undertaking in place, Father Baker turned his attention to financing the project. Ever confident that his patroness, Mary, would provide heavenly aid, Baker went forward with this project. Baker used his organ, the Annals, to raise the funds. Baker was also able to convince religious orders, fellow priests, and a few bishops to contribute more substantial funds to sponsor an altar or a statue of a saint.3 With financing underway, the project began with Baker overseeing every aspect of the construction. As the shrine rose majestically from the earth, the skyline of Lackawanna changed significantly. During the latter years of construction, Father Baker continued his vigilant and strict oversight of every aspect of the project. Construction proceeded relatively smoothly due largely to Father Baker's ability to wear several hats in order to get the job done. He often served as a cheerleader keeping all contractors and various other parties as happy as possible. His main function seems to have been as arbitrator when disputes arose between various contractors. Finally, in December 1925, the shrine was completed. Appropriately, Baker celebrated the first Mass in the shrine on Christmas Day.4 Formal dedication of the church was scheduled for March 19, 1926, Father Baker's...