Monsignor Nelson H. Baker, more commonly known to Western New Yorkers as Father Baker, was a strong advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged. This group included the poor, homeless children, unwed mothers and the sick. Now, a documentary has been produced by Daybreak TV Productions of the Diocese of Buffalo’s Office of Communications so that young and old alike, Western New Yorkers and those outside the area and even outside the country, can learn more about the man who one day may become the first American-born male saint.

Legacy of Victory: Remembering Father Baker is the result of more than a year’s worth of work. Western New Yorkers will have the opportunity to see this definitive record of Father Baker’s life when it airs locally on WKBW-TV Channel 7 at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.

Daybreak TV Producer Trish McHenry, a Williamsville native and former CNN senior producer, served as researcher, writer and producer for the chronicle of Father Baker’s life. The process included hundreds of interviews, countless hours of research and even a trip to Paris, France. Fortunately, McHenry found a resource in Timothy R. Allan, Ph.D., who served as the documentary’s historical advisor and research consultant. Allan, a history and social studies professor at Trocaire College, Buffalo, and a visiting assistant professor at the State University of New York College at Fredonia, has had a long-standing interest in Father Baker and wrote ambient biography of Father Baker for the cause for canonization.

The documentary examines all aspects of Nelson Baker’s life including the meeting and marriage of his parents, a Catholic Irish immigrant mother and a Lutheran German immigrant father. Although he was baptized a Lutheran, he converted to Catholicism at the young age of nine. His faith was so strong that after years as a Civil War soldier and businessman, Father Baker entered Our Lady of the Angels Seminary at Niagara University, N.Y. He was ordained in1876 and, in his 80s, he built Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, N.Y.

Father Baker’s story would not be complete without the tales of how he touched peoples’ lives and the institutions he built for homeless children, unwed mothers and the sick. In the documentary, McHenry interviews several "Baker boys," boys who spent much of their childhood at one of Father Baker's institutions. Father Baker did not impact only those who utilized his institutions, but everyone in the community, not just Catholics. His goodness was everywhere.

“What really impressed me is that he gave up a successful business and instead focused on what was more true to his heart, which was people, and continued with that throughout his life,” said McHenry. “I think a lot of people have that feeling and want to do good, but he took it and dedicated his life to it.”

The documentary concludes with Father Baker’s funeral. His life may have ended, but his legacy continues as today his life and works are being considered for canonization.

Because of his legacy, his possible sainthood and his Western New York roots, the Daybreak staff knew it was just a matter of time before they produced his life story.

“I think Daybreak has always seen itself, at some point, producing something on Father Baker,” said Clarence resident Claire A. Rung, Daybreak’s executive producer. “Two years ago, due to the progress of the canonization project, we decided to go ahead with it.”

The documentary would not have been possible without a $60,000 grant from the Vincent and Harriet Palisano Foundation whose generous philanthropy has aided Daybreak in numerous projects over the years.

Additional instrumental players in the documentary include the other members of the Daybreak crew. Mason Winterhalter, of Niagara Falls, served as the documentary editor. Sean K. Jones of Virginia and John Epolito of Snyder were videographers and lighting directors, and South Buffalo resident Peter F. Herrmann was the technical director. The original score for the documentary was composed and produced by Bob Volkman of Niagara Falls.

For more information about Father Baker, see the Father Baker Web site at www.fatherbaker.org.