Masonic History

The Masonic Court Wanganui Village is owned and operated by the Ruapehu Masonic Association Trust.  The first minutes of the Masonic Court Rest Home Committee were recorded in late November 1977 after the Matron, Mrs Attwell, had started in early October to prepare for the arrival of the first residents.  There was plenty to do with final fixtures and fittings to organise, staff to recruit and plenty of paperwork to complete to ensure that the rest home was fully ready to offer the best care possible.

In February 1978 two own-your-own units were under construction and eight more were due to go to tender.   In 1979, the Trust received a generous bequest and it was able to purchase a vacant section adjoining the 17 pensioner units.  This enabled the construction of another 10 units and three more own-your-own units.

In 1981 it was suddenly realised the Home had never been officially opened and, as the building programme had just been completed, it was decided to mark the occasion in April that year. The event was well attended.

 In 1983, the need for a recreation room became apparent so the current room was built with a hairdressing salon.

Since then, there have been more own-your-own units built, properties purchased in neighbouring Boydfield Street as rental units, refurbishment of existing rooms and the addition of a modernised wing with ensuite rooms on the Helmore Street side of the complex. Throughout all these changes, the Masonic Court Home Committee has been very supportive of moving with the times and ensuring that Masonic Court continues to provide the Whanganui community with the best possible service and care.

For more information about Freemasonry, please check out these websites:

www.freemasonsnz.org

www.themasons.org.nz