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American composer, music educator, and banker known as the 'Father of American Church Music' for his transformative role in sacred music and music education. Pioneered music education in American public schools; served as first music superintendent for Boston schools (1837); composed over 1,600 hymn tunes; co-founded Boston Academy of Music; published influential hymnals like 'The Boston Handel and Haydn Society Collection of Church Music' (1822).

• Mason composed the melody for 'Joy to the World' (1848), adapting themes from Handel's Messiah, though its attribution remains debated among scholars.
• His hymn 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' became famously associated with the Titanic disaster as the ship's band reportedly played it during sinking.
• Despite no formal music training, his banking career funded early musical endeavors; he initially donated proceeds from his first hymnal to the Handel and Haydn Society.
• Faced controversy for simplifying European classical music for American congregations, criticized by traditionalists for 'diluting' artistic standards.
• Advocated for 'scientific' music education, developing methods that prioritized vocal training and sight-singing in schools.