Everyone who has seen the tragic movie TITANIC is familiar with the lovely old hymn, Nearer, my God, to Thee, written by Lowell Mason, perhaps the most famous American hymnodist. According to several witnesses, the resident musicians played Nearer, my God, to Thee during the final throes of the great liner, and this hymn has become such an integral part of her legend that for many it has virtually become an icon of Titanic.

     Wallance Hartley, the bandleader of the Titanic, an employee of the White Star Line, who, like all the musicians, perished on the night of 14 April 1912, was reportedly particularly fond of this hymn, and wished it to be performed at his funeral, which renders its performance during the tragedy especially poignant. The opening of the hymn is inscribed on his tombstone.