Funding for the upgrade came from trust reserves.
"Rest homes are funded by the DHB. They give enough money to operate, but there's nothing in there that would allow for capital upgrades," Mr Smith said.
The Ruapehu Masonic Association Trust was set up for charitable purposes. "Whilst profit isn't the primary motive, it's run like a business."
The rest home has 53 beds and 40 full and part-time staff. It's a home for elderly people who don't need 24-hour hospital care. Some residents are full time and others have short stays, sometimes for hospital-style rehabilitation.
With two Wanganui rest homes closing this year there are just enough rest home beds to go around. Masonic Court is full at present.
The rest home and retirement village complex also has 70 one and two bedroom units for people who live independently but can take their meals at Masonic Court if they choose.
Residents don't have to be Masons or have a connection with Masons, or with any other religion or sect. Most of them are 65 or over.
Masons ran the rest home and retirement village to fulfil their obligation to help others.
Mr Smith is a Mason himself. He said they were a society of men who believed in fundamental principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. The result was "being decent to your fellow men, being charitable and behaving properly".
As well as running the home and village, the Ruapehu association also donated to national causes.
The activities of Masons used to be top secret and the subject of much speculation. Now, Mr Smith said, all but their secret handshake was revealed on the internet.
