THE ORDER AND MEMBERS' IDENTITIES


Members are grouped in units designated "Caravans," with a name of Moorish origin and a number. The Order is identified by the EMBLEM and members are identified by the FEZ they wear. It is through the Caravan that most of the funds are collected and charitable work done, inspired by the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, patron Saint of our Order, which tells us that "it is in giving that we receive."


Emblem The official emblem of the Order consists of a crescent surmounted by a tower. It signifies the victory of the Christians over the Moors who occupied Spain for almost 800 years. The tower is a symbol of the Red Castle of Castile, and the Crescent represents the Moors occupation of Spain.   The emblem is in the trademark registry of both Canada and the United States.


The official headpiece of the Order is a white fez on which there is embroidered the word “Alhambra,” below which is embroidered a replica of the emblem of the Order, followed by the name and number of the Caravan to which the member belongs. In addition, at the discretion of the member, the title and office held, or city in which his Caravan is located may be embroidered on his fez. Each fez has a tassel, the color of which denotes the rank of the member, or the rank in office held, as follows: FEZ
Novice — Brown
Sir Nobles — Red
Caravan Grand Divan Members — White
Chairmen of Standing Committees & Deputy Directors — Silver
Standing Committee Members — Turquoise
Supreme Officers — Gold
Cardinals, Bishops & Priests — Purple
Deacons — Royal Blue
Religious Brothers —Black


The Order of Alhambra has adopted the music of "March On", from Verdi's famous opera Aida because the March occurs in the operatic scene when Egyptian forces triumphed over the enemy. To us Alhambrans, the March expresses our expected victory over adversity to achieve our fraternal, faithful and charitable purposes. The relevance of the March is further emphasized by its powerful lyrics in the opening chorus:



March on! Liberty's host, march on! bearing the Sword of Light!
Thou hast prevailed o'er the foe with his hordes of night.
March on! conquering fear and hate, bringing Love's decree;
Praise be to God! for the earth and its children are free!

Hark to the trumpet call
Sounding for free-men all!
Sing the jubilee of earth made free!
March on! conquering fear and hate, bringing Love's decree;
Praise be to God! for the earth and its children are free!

March on! thine avenging lance by the Right was blest:
Thou hast fought for the heights till ye stand on the crest;
March on! where thy banners lead, banners of Victory;
Praise be to God! for the earth and its children are free!

Hark to the trumpet call
Sounding for free-men all!
Sing the jubilee of earth made free!
 Sidney Rowe


The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is recited by assembled Sir Nobles at the opening of all meetings. This picture of St. Francis of Assisi and the prayer adorn the Spiritual and Memorial Gifts cards used by Sir Nobles and Sultanas (or by anyone) for the living and deceased. It includes Masses offered by the Supreme Chaplain and can be used to convey an expression of sadness, joy, thanksgiving or special intentions. Funds donated in conjunction with the Spiritual and Memorial Gifts cards are deposited in the Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc., from which the interest is used to fund the charitable works of the Order.
Prayer of
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis
 Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so
much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to
Eternal Life.
The latest honoring of St. Francis of Assisi is an inscribed pin in the form of a cross that has been authorized for wearing on the fez by Sir Nobles and as a pendant by Sultanas. A donation of $100.00 is made to the Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc. or the Alhambra General Fund for each pin or pendant.