St. Severin's Old Log Church

St. Severin's Old Log Church is a wooden structure measuring 45 feet (14 meters) in length and 24 feet (7 meters) in width, featuring a gable roof and steeple. It sits west of Cooper Settlement near PA Route 53 and demonstrates the straightforward, sturdy construction typical of the era.

German settlers built this structure around 1851 to serve as a religious center for their community in the area. It operated as an active place of worship until around 1880, after which it transitioned to historical preservation.

This wooden structure reflects the religious identity of German settlers who created their community in rural Pennsylvania during the 1800s. The building style and construction approach demonstrate the craftsmanship traditions these immigrants brought from their homeland.

The building sits in a rural setting and can be viewed from nearby roadways, though the setting requires sturdy walking shoes due to uneven ground. Visitors should plan to spend a short time examining the exterior and surrounding landscape without expecting interior access.

The wooden structure combines traditional German building techniques with locally available materials, resting on a foundation built entirely of stone. This blend of methods brought from elsewhere and resources found in the area showcases how settlers adapted their skills to their new surroundings.

Location: Cooper Township

GPS coordinates: 41.03167,-78.11056

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00