PA Historic Places

Exploring Decker’s Chapel | The Smallest Church in Pennsylvania

A collage of four photos showcasing Deckers Chapel in Elk County, Pennsylvania. The top left image features the chapel's front view, with its white exterior, red door, and surrounding greenery, along with a sign reading "Deckers Chapel Est. 1856." The top right image provides an interior view of the chapel, highlighting a simple altar adorned with religious statues, a large painting of the Virgin Mary, and framed religious images on the walls. The bottom left image shows a side angle of the chapel, emphasizing its small size and the charming belfry with a cross. The bottom right image displays a plaque mounted on the chapel, indicating its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the building's historical significance since its construction in 1856. The collage captures both the exterior and interior beauty of this historic and quaint church.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Decker’s Chapel in Elk County, you’re in the right place!

Deckers Chapel, known as the smallest church in Pennsylvania, is depicted from a side view, showcasing its compact white wooden structure with a small belfry topped by a cross. The chapel is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and trees, with a bright blue sky dotted with clouds overhead. In the foreground, a paved seating area with two black wooden chairs faces the chapel, providing a peaceful spot for reflection. A white archway and well-tended flower beds add to the charm of the setting. The sign for Deckers Chapel is visible in the distance, marking this historic and serene location.

Decker’s Chapel has the distinction of being the smallest church in Pennsylvania, and one of the smallest churches in the entire United States!

Decker's Chapel in Saint Marys is the smallest church in Pennsylvania. — Decker’s Chapel in Saint Marys is the smallest church in Pennsylvania.

The one-room chapel measures 12 feet by 18 feet, and features 4 “kneelers” and an altar surrounded by various religious artifacts.

Inside Decker's Chapel, the smallest church in Pennsylvania. — Inside the chapel.

Built in 1856, the chapel is open to the faithful and the curious year-round.

Deckers Chapel, recognized as the smallest church in Pennsylvania, is pictured here with a front-facing view. The quaint white wooden chapel features a steep gabled roof with a small belfry topped by a cross. A simple red door, adorned with a seasonal wreath, serves as the entrance, flanked by two black metal railings along the stone steps leading up to it. Above the door, a small arched sign reads "Visitors Welcome." The chapel is surrounded by lush greenery, with a blooming pink hydrangea bush adding a touch of color to the scene. The bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds contrasts beautifully with the rustic charm of the historic building.

Directions to Decker’s Chapel

Decker’s Chapel is located along the Million Dollar Highway, St. Marys, PA 15857

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.400800, -78.560400 to find Decker’s Chapel, right next to a Best Western hotel.

Deckers Chapel, the smallest church in Pennsylvania, is prominently featured with its white wooden exterior, steep gabled roof, and small belfry topped with a cross. The chapel’s red door, decorated with a seasonal wreath, is flanked by two black metal railings leading up the stone steps. A well-manicured lawn and landscaping surround the building, including a blooming pink hydrangea bush. In the foreground, a large sign reading "Deckers Chapel Est. 1856" is displayed, highlighting the chapel's historic significance. The scene is set under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, emphasizing the peaceful and inviting atmosphere of this quaint religious site.

The Elk County Historical Society has owned the chapel since 1990, and it is open to visitors every day.

Visitors Welcome sign above the door to Decker's Chapel in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania. — “Visitors Welcome” sign above the door to the chapel.

History of Decker’s Chapel

Michael Decker, a German immigrant to Saint Marys, injured his back when he fell from an apple tree in his orchard in 1854.

A deeply religious man, Decker vowed that if God helped him recover from the injury, he would build a chapel to show his gratitude.

Decker's Chapel plaque outside church. — Plaque outside church.

Decker did recover, and as promised, he completed the chapel in 1856.

Winter at Decker's Chapel ,the smallest church in Pennsylvania. — Winter at the chapel.

Michael Joseph Decker, Jr., the son of the chapel’s original builder, became an ordained Catholic priest in 1862.

A historical display featuring a black-and-white portrait of Monsignor Michael J. Decker, born in 1839 and passed away in 1913. The display includes biographical information, detailing his early life in Bavaria, his education at St. Vincents College, and his ordination in 1862 in Brooklyn. It also mentions that Monsignor Decker celebrated his first Solemn High Mass at St. Marys Church and later served in the Diocese of Erie until his death. The text explains that he would say Mass in Deckers Chapel during visits home, and it notes that the monument in front of the chapel was placed there in 1928 by the Knights of Columbus. The display is housed in a protective binder, which is visible in the image.

A monument erected in his memory stands in front of the church as well.

A monument erected in memory of Monsignor Michael Joseph Decker, the son of the chapel's original builder. — A monument erected in memory of Monsignor Michael Joseph Decker, the son of the chapel’s original builder.

Inside Decker’s Chapel

The interior of Decker’s Chapel is a simple but beautiful place of prayer and reflection.

The shrine at Decker's Chapel in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania. — The shrine inside the chapel.

The ceiling of Decker’s Chapel is adorned with a large cross.

Cross on the interior roof of Decker's Chapel in Saint Marys PA — Cross on the chapel’s ceiling.

Signage on the altar relates the meaning behind that symbolism.

Story of cross on the interior roof of Decker's Chapel in Elk County Pennsylvania. — Story of the cross on the ceiling.

Near the entrance you’ll find a guest book and a history of the chapel.

View from the altar at Decker's Chapel in Elk County PA — View from the altar.

You’ll also find information about the 2016 restoration work that was done to the chapel.

Details about the restoration of Decker's Chapel in 2016. — Details about the restoration of the chapel in 2016.

Although there is no charge to visit Decker’s Chapel, there is a donation box which helps defray the cost of maintaining this historic structure.

Donation box at Decker's Chapel in Elk County Pennsylvania — Donation box.

In 1998, Decker’s Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Decker's Chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. — National Register of Historic Places plaque.

Final Thoughts

More than 160 years after it was built, tiny Decker’s Chapel remains a symbol of the enormous faith of one man, as well as the continuing commitment of the community to maintain one of the enduring symbols of Elk County.

If you find yourself anywhere near Saint Marys, be sure to allow time to visit Decker’s Chapel, the smallest church in Pennsylvania!

Deckers Chapel, the smallest church in Pennsylvania, is seen from a front angle with its quaint white exterior and small belfry topped by a cross. The chapel's red door, adorned with a seasonal wreath, is accessible via stone steps flanked by black metal railings. A sign in the foreground reads "Deckers Chapel Est. 1856," emphasizing the historic nature of the site. The chapel is surrounded by well-manicured landscaping, including blooming flowers and neatly trimmed bushes. The bright blue sky with scattered clouds adds to the picturesque and peaceful atmosphere of this charming and historic location. — Decker’s Chapel along the Million Dollar Highway in Saint Marys is the smallest church in Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

11 Must-See Attractions in Elk County is your guide to more great destinations near Decker’s Chapel.

The Best Things to See and Do in Elk County PA.

The Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County is a well-preserved example of a mid-19th century “frontier” church.

An aerial view of the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County Pennsylvania. — An aerial view of the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

The 1806 Old Log Church is the oldest standing church in Bedford County.

The 1806 Church, at is sometimes called, along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

The Middle Ridge GMC Church outside Wellsboro, AKA “The Little Red Church”, is a beautiful house of worship built in 1897 and still in use in Tioga County.

The Middle Ridge UMC Church outside Wellsboro. — The Middle Ridge GMC Church outside Wellsboro in Tioga County.

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