The Reicharts originally were members of the German Lutheran Church. In 1857, the first Lutheran Church was built in Valley Falls(then called Grasshopper Falls.)Anton Reichart Sr. and Philip helped in the construction of the building. This church had the distinction of being the first Lutheran Church west of the Missouri River.
The church was built under the pastorate of Rev. J.H. McAfee. Anton Reichart Sr., Philip, Frederick and Anton Jr. were all charter members.
The very first preaching of the Evangelical Association in the Coal Creek community was in 1859, in a small log house on the Emmel Farm. Services were held in the Ernest School House, Lower Coal Creek School and the Abbuehl home. In 1886 a church building was erected on the present site of the church. The Reicharts became charter members of this church. Just when this took place is unknown.
