Rockwall County Lights Courthouse Christmas Tree, Celebrates Community Spirit

Hundreds of residents gathered at the Rockwall County Courthouse on Friday, December 12, for the county's second annual Courthouse Christmas Tree lighting. The evening combined religious elements with a public civic celebration, bringing together congregations, county maintenance staff, and families for a short program and tree illumination.

Worship was led by Clife Church Rockwall, followed by a reading from the Gospel of Luke. Cornerstone Church provided cookies and hot cocoa for attendees, adding to the family friendly atmosphere. As the tree lights were switched on, attendees sang a candlelit rendition of Silent Night, bringing the program to a reflective close.

County officials credited the maintenance department with planning and coordinating the event, noting the use of public space on the courthouse grounds for a holiday gathering. The county also reported that County Judge Frank New reflected on the community spirit of the gathering. The event marked the continuation of a local holiday tradition established last year, and organizers said they intended it to be inclusive and welcoming to residents across the county.

For local residents, the lighting served multiple purposes. It provided a seasonal gathering that strengthens neighborhood and civic ties, offered a low barrier opportunity for families to participate in a public event, and demonstrated the county's ability to host community programs on government property. Faith based organizations played a prominent role in programming and hospitality, which reinforced partnerships between local churches and county operations for community events.

The public nature of the lighting underscores ongoing questions about the use of government facilities for religiously oriented programs. Officials framed the program as a community celebration rather than a government endorsement of any particular faith, and participation by multiple churches and by county staff aimed to keep the event broadly inclusive.

As the holiday season continues, the tree lighting serves as one of several opportunities for Rockwall County residents to engage with local government in a social setting. The county plans to continue the tradition, and residents interested in future events may watch county communications for announcements about dates and programming.