North Florida Music Hall of Fame

Bishop John Freeman Young in Old City Cemetery

John Freeman Young served as priest at Jacksonville’s St. Johns Episcopal Church from 1845-1847.  In 1859, while serving as assistant priest at Trinity Church in New York City,  Young translated in to English the Austrian hymn, Silent Night, Holy Night.  The song has become the world’s favorite Christmas carol.  in 1867, Young returned to Jacksonville as Bishop of the Diocese of Florida.  He served until his death in 1885.  He is buried in Old City Cemetery.  Every year, the Austrian Silent Night Society decorates his grave at Christmas.