German immigrants helped settle Riesel in the late 19th century. In July 1903, eight families organized Friedens Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ as Friedens, or Peace, Church. After meeting in a schoolhouse, the congregation built its own sanctuary two miles east of Riesel, at the present Friedens Cemetery. Pastors H.J. Leemhuis and H.S. Schulz officiated a dedication service in April 1904. Four years later, the church house was put on skids and moved by mules to the current site. Rev. D.A. Jud became the first resident pastor in 1929. Services continued in German until the 1940s, and in 1952 the congregation built a new sanctuary. More than a century after its founding, Friedens Church continues to impact the community.