Mason County reopens courthouse after 2021 fire

Mason County reopened its courthouse July 13 three years after it burned in an arson fire.

MASON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Mason County reopened its courthouse July 13, three years after it burned in an arson fire.

According to a press release from the Texas Historical Commission, a crowd of 750 cheered as former County Judge Jerry Bearden cut the ribbon on the newly restored building.

Bearden served as county judge when the building burned on Feb. 4, 2021.

The Historical Commission gave the county grant money for a courthouse restoration project that was nearly underway when the fire happened.

“In 2021, tragedy struck this cornerstone of Mason County. Watching it as it was engulfed in flames was a shocking blow. But in the face of that devastation, your community did not falter. Everyone stepped up, and you united and resolved to rebuild and restore," said Commissioner Garrett Donnelly, secretary of the Texas Historical Commission at the July 13 ceremony.

Mason County allowed everyone to walk through the restored courthouse following the ceremony.

Nicholas Jarret Miller was convicted and sentenced Feb. 28 on two first-degree felony arson-related charges and three others in connection with the fire.