Fancy Farm grew up around St. Jerome's Church and was named about 1845 for the farm of John Peebles. Samuel Willett and Elizabeth Hobbs, from St. Rose's in Washington County, were the first permanent Catholic settlers in 1829. The first church was built in 1835-36 by Rev. Elisha Durbin, and the present church was blessed by Bishop Wm. McCloskey in Nov. 1893. The parish's annual picnic serves as a fundraiser. First held in 1881 during the pastorate of Rev. R. Feehan, it became known for its blend of politics, community spirit, and home cooking that put Fancy Farm in Kentucky headlines. The centennial picnic on Aug. 2, 1980, was hosted by Rev. W. Hancock. The first resident pastor was Rev. A. Hagan, and Rev. C. Haeseley built the present church, brick school, and rectory. Other noted pastors included Msgr. A. Thompson, Msgr. E. Russell, and Rev. C. Denardi.