February 4, 2021, was a long and unforgettable night for folks in Mason County who watched their cherished historic courthouse burn, allegedly by an act of arson. A year later, the future looks brighter as the courthouse should once again be the centerpiece for the city’s town square once reconstruction efforts conclude in 2023.
Contractors have been hired, prep-work has begun and, in about 17 months, the Mason County Courthouse will be resurrected from ruin.
“It’s like losing a member of the family,” said Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden, who spoke with the News about the blaze. “We’re so proud of our courthouse and it’s gone.”
Built in 1909, the courthouse was more than 110 years old when it burned.
The county hired a contractor that specializes in historic architecture.
“We’re excited to be part of this project,” said Keith Stoddard, president of Stoddard General Contractors. “We know how important this building is to Mason. So, this isn’t just a job for us. We’re passionate about helping to give Mason back its town jewel and get the courthouse back into operation.”
The massive endeavor is predicted to cost nearly $20 million.
Even with more than $16 million set to be paid through insurance payments and Texas Historical Commission grants, a shortfall of $3-4 million remains.
That’s where the Friends of the Courthouse, a nonprofit organization founded last year, enters the picture.
“They’re making great strides in their fundraising,” Bearden said. “We’re still short but they’re working hard on it; they’ve helped secure some great grants and donations.”
So far, more than $680,000, had been raised. A GoFundMe page “Rebuild Our Courthouse” has raised nearly $20,000.
For folks who are inspired to help bridge the remaining funding gap, donations may be made online at www.friendsofthecourthouse.com or by mailing a check to one of the three banks in Mason.
Donations are tax-deductible.
In the meantime, the arson suspect remains in the McCulloch County Jail awaiting trial.
Nicholas Jarret Miller, 42, has been held in lieu of bonds totaling $1.7 million since April of last year. He is facing four felony charges after police said that he set the courthouse on fire on the night of Feb. 4, 2021, along with a house in the city, before leading officers on a chase through multiple counties.
A trial date has not been set but a visiting judge has been assigned to hear the case.
Help Rebuild the Courthouse:
Two ways to donate
Online
Friends of the Courthouse website, using a debit or credit card:
www.friendsofthecourthouse.com
By Mail
Mail a check to one of Mason’s three banks:
The Commercial Bank
P.O. Box 40
Mason, TX 76856
Mason Bank
P.O. Box 1789
Mason, TX 76856
BancorpSouth
P.O. Box 434
Mason, TX 76856
