The Grand Lodges and Modern Freemasonry 269similar lodges remained in existence at this time, lodges that had never
recognized as authentic or legitimate the modern Freemasonry of the
Grand Lodge of London. All of these lodges would have vanished dur-
ing the period of World War I, 1914-1918. Stretton provided informa-
tion on the organization, seven-degree hierarchy, and rituals of this
operative masonry but unfortunately failed to supply any proof. A
number of the revelations made here are so obviously interpolations,
such as the seven-degree hierarchy, that it casts a shadow on the verac-
ity of his entire claim.
So it is clear that another approach entirely is required to seek out
the operative tradition, which is what we have attempted here. An
approach that is based on the study of the authentic elements and some
of the rites, symbols, and practices of this operative tradition should
enable us to grasp and then renew these principles by reconnecting with
the eternal truths that are their constituent elements.