Father Baker's - AKA The Limestone Institutions

Prior to Father Baker's arrival in 1882, the Limestone Hill Institutions was comprised of St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, St. John‘s Protectory, and St. Patrick's Church. The Limestone Institutions were the only institutions, with the exception of the Poorhouse, to accept African-American Children.

The Orphan Asylum dates back to 1849/1850 and the Protectory was proposed in 1862.

Although Father Baker completed many projects, I will only be focusing on his influence of the children’s institutions. I will be providing external links for further information regarding his great many works.

Father Nelson Baker was first assigned to the Limestone Institutions in 1876 to assist Father Hines because of his business sense. The Limestone Institutions were $27,000 in debt and continued to fall further into the red. During the Depression of 1879, the Limestone Institutions were $56,000 in debt and Father Baker felt the institutions were doomed. In 1881, feeling there was nothing he could do about the dismal future of the Institutions, Father Baker requested a transfer and was assigned to St. Mary's Paris in Corning, NY.

Exactly one year later, Bishop Timon called upon him again to return to the Limestone Institutions. Father Hines' health was declining and he needed a less stressful position. Father Baker tried to offer many different reasons why he could not go, Bishop Timon didn't leave him much of an option.

Father Baker returned in 1882 and the debt was at its all-time high. Upon his assignment, creditors demanded immediate payment. Of these creditors, there was only one that took him on his word that the debt would be paid in due time. Father Baker told the remainder of the creditors to return in the morning and he make good on the accounts; but also warned them if this was the option they choose, he would no longer do business with them. In order to pay off the debt, Father Baker emptied his personal saving account, leaving him broke.

Father Baker, being a man of strong faith, prayed to Our Lady of Victory, for help. Through his prayers, his answer was to form the Association of Our Lady of Victory. Father Baker wrote postmasters throughout the country and requested names of Catholic women who would be willing to assist with the care of dependent and helpless boys. From this mass-mailing, the Association was formed. The Association costed twenty-five cents per year and the funds were used for the children and to "pass the word". Members of the Association received a newsletter, "The Appeal for Homeless and Destitute Children" to keep them informed of the progress being made. The debts were cleared in three years.