http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell_Mason

Lowell Mason was a musician (Doctor of Music from University of New York). Composer (credited with over 1600 religious works), conductor (Handel and Hayden Society), instructor (Boston Academy of Music) and music publisher (Cantica Laudis: The American Book of Church Music, 1850, and others). Well known as a hymn composer, arranger and harmonizer, his tunes include Joy to the World! (Antioch), Nearer, My God, to Thee (Bethany), My Faith Looks Up to Thee (Olivet), and many more.

Source:

• http://kinnexions.com/kinnexions/cousinsj.htm#M