Decker's Chapel
Why it's listed
Decker's Chapel is a small wood frame Catholic chapel on Route 255 south of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, built in 1856 by Michael Decker. The building measures about 12 by 18 feet, has a single plastered room, a sandstone foundation, asphalt shingles, and a steeple with an open belfry topped by a cross. Decker erected it in fulfillment of a vow made after a serious neck injury from a fall from a tree. The chapel is regarded as the last survivor of several wayside chapels that Bavarian Catholic settlers built on private land around St. Marys in the mid-nineteenth century. It is also linked to Monsignor Michael Joseph Decker, the builder's son, who celebrated Mass there and was a noted priest in northwestern Pennsylvania. A granite monument dedicated in 1928 by the Knights of Columbus stands on the grounds. Pilgrims from the area also came to the chapel to pray for rain and good harvests.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the chapel is significant for its role in the religious and Bavarian ethnic heritage of St. Marys and as the last surviving of several mid-nineteenth-century wayside chapels in the community. It is also associated with Monsignor Michael Joseph Decker, the builder's son, a religious leader in northwestern Pennsylvania, and with a 1928 commemorative monument on the site.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 98001367, listed November 12, 1998. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Jct. Earth Rd. and PA 255, St. Marys |
|---|---|
| County | Elk County |
| Listed | November 12, 1998 |
| Reference number | 98001367 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1856-1948 |
| Architect / builder | Michael Decker (builder) |
| Architectural style | MID-19TH CENTURY/Greek Revival (vernacular adaptation) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Religion, European |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The chapel is described as in high integrity and pristine condition; the property was transferred to the Elk County Historical Society in 1990. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.40086, -78.56056 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 98001367.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5249286
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.