William Harper Bennett, a journalist, founded the Order of the Alhambra on February 29, 1904, in Brooklyn, New York. He established it as a Catholic fraternal and social association. By the time of his death on April 18, 1931, at the age of seventy-one, Mr. Bennett had gained recognition from the New York Times as an historian for his writings on the history of the Catholic Church. This historical focus was a key element he integrated into the Order's objectives.

Bennett was well-equipped to create a new fraternal body, having helped the Knights of Columbus establish their Fourth Degree in 1899. Although the association's main goal was promoting sociability and fun among its members, Bennett also gave it the secondary duty of marking historical sites, persons, and events.

His organizational genius and vision were clearly evident in the Al Sunna (The Rule) that he crafted. This included the detailed procedures he prepared for the opening and closing of the Supreme Divan, the organization's governing body. The Al Sunna, which contains the Order's revised constitution and bylaws, remains in use today.

Under Mr. Bennett's leadership from 1905–1911, the new organization quickly took root. He was both the first and one of the youngest individuals to hold the office of Supreme Commander. Looking back, we honor William Harper Bennett for his foundational leadership and vision. He would undoubtedly be proud of the Order of the Alhambra and its success in becoming one of the few fraternal organizations genuinely focused on the social welfare of its Catholic members.

To read more about Mr. Bennett and the early formative years of the Order of the Alhambra, Inc. from 1904-1979, click here.

The Order of the Alhambra, as documented in 1924 by the United States Catholic Historical Society in Historical Records and Studies, Volume XVI.