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1842 - 1869 |
1869 - 1882 |
1882 - 1891 |
1892 - 1921 |
1921 - 1936 |
Twilight
1921 - 1936
The
year was 1921 and Father Baker, now at the age of 79, could look back
at all of his accomplishments with great pride. His "City of Charity"
was caring for hundreds of infants, youths, and adults each day and
he had improved the lives of thousands of people throughout the region.
He was assured that his legacy would extend well past his lifetime.
However, there was still one more dream which he needed to make a reality
-- the OLV Basilica.
With
no excess funds available to begin this most glorious (and expensive)
tribute to his patroness, Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker again placed
his faith in the Association of Our Lady of Victory. Asking members
to contribute $10 blocks to the building of the basilica, the humble
priest could not even imagine the outpouring of support which would
flood in from all over the nation. Not willing to accept second-best,
Father Baker employed European artists and architects, and utilized
the finest materials imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa. The wondrous
project took just four years to complete, and, in May of 1926, the year
of Father Baker's Golden Jubilee (50 years of priesthood), the Basilica
was completed and dedicated -- 100% debt-free!
The "Padre of the Poor" had barely enough
time to enjoy his most treasured accomplishment, as America gloomily
slipped into the Great Depression. If ever a great man was needed, now
was the time. It is estimated that during this grim period, the OLV
Institutions served more than one million meals a year, clothed 500,000,
and gave medical care to 250,000 others. Father Baker's helping hand
was a steadying influence on a community ravaged by poverty and hopelessness.
But,
by 1936, the sleepless nights began to catch up with the 94-year-old
priest. He fell seriously ill and eventually was overtaken by his old
age on July 29, in Room 215 of the very hospital he had built.
It was estimated that anywhere between 300,000 to
500,000 people viewed Father Baker's body in the days following. Thousands
inched along the searing sidewalks in lines up to a mile long to pay
their respects to the saintly founder of the OLV Institutions.
When his Will was probated, it was found that the
man who had handled millions of dollars in his lifetime had died penniless.
But, said those who knew him best, that is how he wanted it, for Msgr.
Nelson Henry Baker paid the price to find true riches. He was a good
businessman to the end.
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1842 - 1869 |
1869 - 1882 |
1882 - 1891 |
1892 - 1921 |
1921 - 1936 |
