John Freeman Young (October 30, 1820 – November 15, 1885), author of the most commonly sung English-language translation of the Christmas carol Silent Night, became the second bishop of Florida in 1867.

[3] Young was ordained deacon on April 20, 1845, and was appointed to St John's Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

He was the secretary for the Russo-Greek Committee of the General Convention and was an ecumenical envoy to the Russian Orthodox Church.

In later years, while still serving as an active Bishop, he also lectured in Liturgics and Ecclesiastical Music at The University of the South.

It was translated from three of Joseph Mohr original six verses and first published in a 16-page pamphlet titled Carols For Christmas Tide.