PA Historic Places

Exploring the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County

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

View from the balcony in Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County. — View from the balcony in the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

Projecting an image that is both holy yet austere, Saint Severin is an interesting trip back in time and well worth a visit.

Saint Severin Old Log Church FAQs

Where is the Saint Severin Old Log Church located?

5 miles north of the Kylertown exit of Interstate 80, along Route 53.
How to find the Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County Pennsylvania

Can I navigate to the Saint Severin Old Log Church by GPS?

Yes – use GPS coordinates 41.03181, -78.11044.
Back of the Saint Severin Old Log in Clearfield County.

When was the Saint Severin Old Log Church built?

1851.
Saint Severin Old Log Church sign along Route 53 in Clearfield County PA

What are the dimensions of the Saint Severin Old Log Church?

24 feet wide, 45 feet deep.
A side view of the Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

Who is the Saint Severin Old Log Church named after?

Severin Nebel, who donated the land the church was built on.
He in turn was named after the Roman Catholic Saint Severin of Bordeaux.
View from the altar at Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

What makes the Saint Severin Old Log Church so unique?

It is one of the few surviving log churches that has a cupola/steeple.
The steeple on the Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

When was the Saint Severin Old Log Church added to the National Register of Historic Places?

1975
Front view of the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

When was the Saint Severin Old Log Church last used for regular church services?

Around 1880, when a larger church was built nearby.

Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County

Visiting the Saint Severin Old Log Church

The Saint Severin Old Log Church is open to visitors, and there is a lockbox for donations to offset maintainence costs located behind the last row of pews.

The pews inside the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County.

The altar is one of the most unique I’ve personally encountered in an old church.

The altar at Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County. — Altar at the Saint Severin Old Log Church.

There’s also a balcony at the top of a narrow staircase.

The balcony at Saint Severin Old Log Church. — The balcony at the Saint Severin Old Log Church.

Final Thoughts

The German Catholic immigrants that settled this area (known as Cooper Settlement) had a close connection to the Earth and their religion, and this log structure symbolizes both.

At 170 years old, the Saint Severin Old Log Church in Clearfield County is still a shining example of frontier spirit and architecture, a humble structure that was the heart of an immigrant community in mid-19th century Pennsylvania.

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

Decker’s Chapel in Elk County is 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 1806 Old Log Church in Bedford County is another fine example of a 19th century Pennsylvania log church, located right along the historic Lincoln Highway.

Fall foliage in Bedford County at the 1806 Old Log Church. — The historic 1806 Old Log Church along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

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

Nearby Attractions

McGees Mills Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Clearfield County.

McGees Mills Covered Bridge Clearfield County Pennsylvania — McGees Mills Covered Bridge in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

Bilger’s Rocks in central Clearfield County is a 300 million year-old attraction often described as “Pennsylvania’s Best Rock Outcropping”.

Standing in the midst of giant boulders at Bilgers Rocks in Clearfield County. — Standing in the midst of giant boulders at Bilgers Rocks in Clearfield County

Parker Dam State Park is a 968-acre expanse in Clearfield County featuring a tranquil lake, a beach area, scenic vistas, and miles of hiking trails.

Taking in the scenery at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County. — Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County.

The Pennsylvania elk herd is alive and well in Clearfield County, and you’ll find several nearby locations in my list of The 15 Best Elk Viewing Destinations in Pennsylvania.