In 1827 Catholic settlers gathered for Mass at a farmhouse about eight miles from Bardstown, near the present site of St. Gregory's Church in Samuels. This situation continued until 1851, when the Catholic families of the area joined in building the first church, which was located at the St. Gregory Cemetery site. This church, a brick building 50 by 36 feet, was dedicated by the Most Rev. Martin John Spalding on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, 1853.

For more than 40 years, the congregation of St. Gregory was attended by priests from Nazareth, and for a short time was a mission of Bardstown and Chapeze.

A second church was erected in 1922 under the direction of Father William D. Pike. It was a small brick building surrounded by a portico supported by round wooden pillars. The church was located on the site of the present church office, and was dedicated by the Most Rev. John A. Floersh on July 17, 1923. That same year a parish was established at St. Gregory with Father C. Leo Smith as the first pastor.

The Depression caused many parishioners to leave the area in search of work, and in 1935 St. Gregory was again attached to Nazareth under the direction of Father James P. McGee. It is Father McGee's leadership that is credited with much of the early growth of the parish. Father McGee, who died in 1955, served St. Gregory for some 20 years.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth also contributed to the growth of St. Gregory. They established the first parish school in 1924 in a building once used as a distillery bottling house. Fifty-four students were enrolled in eight grades during the first year. Classes were later held in a private home. The school building was constructed in 1949, and in November of that year was blessed by Archbishop Floersh. Enrollment numbered about 130. In 1959, the present cafeteria and convent were added to the school building.

The present church, a brick building with a St. Meinrad sandstone facade which seats about 380, was built under the direction of Fr. John F. Bancroft. The first Mass was offered in this church at midnight on Christmas of 1960. In 1987 the sanctuary was renovated and a penance room was constructed.

There has been much growth and change since 1960. In 1968, the rectory (now the parish office) was constructed on the site of the former church. In 1975, kindergarten was added with 15 pupils and Mrs. Marcia Hinton as teacher. The St. Gregory Parish Community Center, with 12,000 square feet, was completed in 1995. The rectory was moved across the road from the church in 1996. A pre-school program was added in August 1996. As of February 1999 we have 601 families, and our school has 138 students enrolled in grades pre-school through eighth grade.