Jan. 14, 2026 — Morganton, N.C. Glory Mountain Lodge opens as faith-based retreat and event venue in Burke County[https://www.thepaper.media/news/communitynews/glory-mountain-lodge-opens-as-faith-based-retreat-and-event-venue/articleb4a3a23e-b12f-4d0f-81fe-64930f082531.html], a new Christian retreat center at 2609 Devinney Ave. Owners Byron Martin, his wife Scherry Martin, and brother Paul Martin transformed the former site of an old ABC store into the facility featuring a chapel, lodging, and event spaces.
The grand opening event was scheduled for Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including tours of the property [https://www.thepaper.media/news/communitynews/glory-mountain-lodge-opens-as-faith-based-retreat-and-event-venue/articleb4a3a23e-b12f-4d0f-81fe-64930f082531.html].
Owners’ Background
Byron and Paul Martin are third-generation pastors from the American Rescue Workers Christian denomination, an offshoot of the Salvation Army headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania [https://www.facebook.com/thepapermedia/posts/898128606512192]. The brothers and Scherry spent their lives in Christian ministry in the Washington, D.C., metro area, including a men’s rehab facility founded by their father. Facing changes in clientele and failing support projects like furniture restoration and clothing recycling, they pursued a new purpose.
Byron Martin, his wife Scherry Martin, and his brother Paul Martin had spent their entire lives working in Christian ministry in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Byron and Paul are third generation pastors — both their father and their grandfather were also ministers in the American Rescue Workers Christian denomination and charity.[https://www.instagram.com/p/DTp5VPRFksg]
Facility Features
Glory Mountain Lodge opens as faith-based retreat and event venue in Burke County with accommodations for church retreats, weddings, conventions, and group meetings [https://www.glorylodge.com/]. Amenities include RV full hook-ups, cabins, campsites, tree-lined trails on hundreds of acres, canoeing, kayaking, fishing on the river, and a petting zoo providing eggs for a community blessing box [https://www.glorylodge.com/]. Chapel services are available.
Contact the lodge at 828-408-9580 or byronmartin57@gmail.com [https://www.glorylodge.com/].
Community Promotion
Local outlet The Paper covered Glory Mountain Lodge opens as faith-based retreat and event venue in Burke County across platforms, including X and Facebook. Community comments praised the venue:
Wonderful people and venue. — Mike Stroud[https://www.facebook.com/thepapermedia/posts/898128606512192]
Finally a good use of property. It’s beautiful. — Nancy Vance[https://www.facebook.com/thepapermedia/posts/898128606512192]
A related post noted the opening on the banks of the Catawba River [https://www.facebook.com/BurkeRiverTrail/posts/859513953639647]. Glory Mountain Lodge opens as faith-based retreat and event venue in Burke County supports ongoing faith-based gatherings.