CORTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — If you're an Elk River area resident, you certainly know the old abandoned church alongside Elk River road in the small community of Cortland. Originally known as the Barren Creek Missionary Baptist Church, the structure has gone through many congregations and names since its construction in 1913.

Locals knew it as the Musky Club, a local fishing group who have maintained the river access behind the old church.

When Ryan Stamm saw it for the first time he was immediately intrigued.

"I knew it was in my path," Stamm said. "I don't know how else to say it. I knew I had to do something."

Stamm eventually bought the property, which included the church, and began utilizing his mechanical engineering experience to give the old church new life.

He renamed the structure the Corton Lodge, with the intent to provide visitors peace and serenity in West Virginia.

The lodge now boasts two private suites complete with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, full bath, living area, satellite television, internet access and even a kids loft.

Converting the old church, which hadn't been used since 1967, into a modern Airbnb was a huge challenge.

"Dilapidated, that's the best word to describe it, dilapidated but only in appearance," Stamm explained. "It was astounding to see just how good of shape it was in."

In other words, the "bones" were still there, especially the beautiful tongue and groove interior walls.

"The woodwork has not been re-stained. All we did was wipe it off with water and vinegar, 112-year-old woodwork." says Stamm.

A new roof, floor, wiring, plumbing and the exterior grounds completed the renovations.

Now the Corton Lodge will celebrate it's grand opening this Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. A ribbon cutting, live music and a local DJ will help usher in the new era for the historic building.

While Stamm has brought the building back to life in a big way, his personal life took a negative and unexpected turn two years ago as he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Most people would be devastated at such news, but Ryan explains how it has affected not only his body, but his outlook on life.

"While it's been hard to deal with, it's given me the greatest gift I've ever received in my life...gratitude. It changed me from just wanting to work all the time and see how many toys I could collect to being grateful for every breath I take and every relationship I have." Stamm said, "That's what the Corton Lodge is all about. It's learning to be grateful for the important things in life and I want to share that with people."

You can check out the Corton Lodge website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.