Reiss, born in Karlruhe, Germany, received training from his artist- father and later studied at the Royal Academy in Munich. Lured by a fascination with Native-Americans, he emigrated to the United States in 1913. Reiss travelled to Woodstock and remained there from 1918 to 1928 conducting a summer art school.

Church on the Hill, composed of bold line and color, reflect Reiss's typical stylistic elements. These elements can be traced back to his early training in Germany.