Freemasonry can be revived by re-establishing its communications and annual festivals, as was done in the early 18th century. In 1717, a group of masons in London convened to form a Grand Lodge, which marked a significant revival of the fraternity. They resolved to hold regular meetings and to extend membership beyond just operative masons to include men from various professions. This inclusivity helped to increase the number of members and restore the society's prominence. As noted in William Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, the revival was characterized by the establishment of new regulations and the election of a Grand Master, which helped to bring the fraternity back into public esteem and activity.