At first, in 1627, services were held in a small chapel next to the sea. The church and its first pastor, Paul Andreas Lempelius, were described by the Finnish writer Aino Kallass in the story "Pastor of Reiga".
Later, in 1690 a wooden church building was built to replace the chapel. However, even this building fell into disrepair by the end of the 18th century.
The existing stone church, with a seating capacity of 370, was built in 1800-1802 at the behest of Count Otto Reingold Ludwig von Ungern-Sternberg. The Count was the owner of the manor of Kirgessaare and other lands on the island of Hiiumaa. He was also was also known as Randroovel ("coastal robber") and as Count Ungru. The church was built in memory of his son Gustav Otto Dietrich von Ungern-Sternberg. The Count's son committed suicide because he was a gambler and was up to his ears in debt.
The spire of the church is decorated with lilies, the symbol of the Ungern family.
The church of Reigi contains many fine works of art, many of which are believed to have been donated were donated as a thank-you to survivors of shipwreck near dangerous north-west coast of the island of Hiiumaa.
Some renovations to the church were carried out in the 18th century. Some repairs were made to the church in 1899, but the church looks much the same as it did 200 years ago.
This place has attracted many composers, writers, and film directors in Estonia. Based on a story "Pastor Reiga" by Aino Kallass , a film was made in 1977 about how, in the early 17th century, the family of Pastor Lempelius, who have survived the drama, arrive in exile on the island from, in the parish of Reiga..
