There were very few settlers in Scott County until the 1850s. By 1854, there were fifteen Catholic families within a few miles of Holmes Mill (now Jordan). They labored to clear fields, build homes, and build businesses, but their faith was not neglected. They joined together to form a parish and build a log cabin church. In 1858, a new site was chosen, and the result was St. John the Baptist, served by Benedictine priests. A new stone church was completed in 1866. The present church was built in 1889. Today, St. John is a vibrant parish community with over 580 registered households, and a lively school enrolling over 150 children.