It seems to be a cyclical thing. Remember after the Morgan affair whole grand lodges closed down and Masonry almost died out in the U.S. But it had returned to its former levels by the 1870's. Membership was declining from the late 1920's until the end of WWII when returning men returning from the war swelled the ranks to the highest they've ever been. Those good men are now leaving this world faster than they can be replaced in the lodges. But there are signs this could be changing. There are Masonic forums scattered across the net (check out this one at www.thelodgeroom.com) and they are filled with new, younger members in the craft. And they are not alone. They're saying that many lodges are seeing an increase in petitions. Lodges are showing growth not only here in the states, but in Canada and Europe, as well. My small lodge in Northern Arizona has in the past two weeks initated two EA's to go with the two we already have and at the next meeting will read at least three petitions and vote on two more. It's starting to get to the point that at some meetings, we're wondering if we're going to need nextra chairs just to accomodate the bretheren.
We're coming back. Whether or not we'll reach the 4 million + members we had 40 years ago remains to be seen; but it looks like the Craft is making a comeback.
That is good to hear! I haven't been involved in a couple years but still pay my dues.