Who We Are
Mount Zion Sanctuary Assembly, Church of God 7 th Day Worcester, MA is a Messianic (Christian) community committed to living according to the Bible’s “original doctrinal teachings”. We emphasize the seventh-day Sabbath and a Messianic identity centered on the teachings of Jesus, biblical laws, particularly the Ten Commandments, and messianic beliefs.
Mount Zion Sanctuary COG 7th Day is a part of the larger, decentralized Churches of God (7th Day) movement that emerged in the 19th century. There are different conferences within the COG 7th Day, but we mostly share similar core beliefs. Mount Zion Sanctuary Assembly, COG, 7th Day is based on messianic (Christian) teachings, the doctrinal beliefs rooted in the Bible. Our congregation emphasizes scripture-based teaching, evangelistic outreach, and praise and worship.
Summary of Doctrinal Beliefs
Biblical Authority:
The Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, complete, and infallible Word of God and the sole guide for faith and conduct.
God:
The church believes in one eternal, sovereign, and holy God who reveals himself as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is God’s divine helper or power, and not a separate person as in a Trinitarian Godhead.
YahShua Messiah (Jesus Christ):
YahShua (Jesus) is the only begotten Son of God and the Messiah. He lived a sinless life. He was crucified as an atoning sacrifice for sin on a Wednesday and rose from the dead on Saturday evening, spending three days and three nights in the tomb. He serves as the High Priest and Mediator for believers and will return to earth as king.
Sabbath Observance:
Our church observes the seventh day of the week (Saturday), from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, as the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship.
Worship and Evangelism:
Our church engages in evangelistic praise and worship with songs and instruments of music, with a mission to proclaim the Gospel of YahShua Messiah (Jesus Christ) and make disciples.
Ordinances:
The bible teaches, and we teach that to be a believer, one must go through baptism by full immersion. We practice the annual Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper includes foot-washing, the use of multiple cups to drink fresh grape juice (representing the blood of YahShua Messiah (Jesus Christ)), and the breaking of unleavened bread, following Jesus’ example.
Holiness and Obedience:
Believers are called to a life of holiness through obedience to God’s commandments, which includes marriage (one man, one woman, till death), following dietary laws (eating only “clean” meats), and refraining from tobacco, alcohol, and carnal warfare.
Prophecy:
We hold a premillennial view, believing that Jesus will return to earth to establish a literal kingdom for 1,000 years.
Rejection of Pagan Holidays:
We do not observe holidays with pagan origins, such as Sunday worship, Christmas, or Easter, as these lack biblical support.
Non-combative Stance:
Our church condemns “carnal warfare” and discourages participation in military combat.
Messianic:
We have a strong focus on the Jewish roots of Messianic (Messianic (Christian))ity, viewing Jesus as the Messiah. This perspective informs our theology and observance of the Sabbath.
Evangelistic:
Our congregation is committed to spreading the Gospel and discipling people, utilizing modern tools like online platforms for “Electronic Evangelism”.
Social outreach:
We provide local aid, distribute food and clothing to those in need.
Differences from Seventh-day Adventists
While sharing some similarities, the Mount Zion Sanctuary, Seventh-day Church of God, is distinct from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Key differences include:
Theology:
While sharing some similarities, the Mount Zion Sanctuary, Seventh-day Church of God, is distinct from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Key differences include:
End-time Events:
Mount Zion Sanctuary Church of God 7th Day rejects the pre-tribulation rapture and places no special significance on the year 1844.
Inspiration:
Unlike the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Mount Zion Church of God 7th Day does not recognize Ellen G. White as a prophet.
A History of the True Church
In 1936, A.N. Dugger (who spread the good news to many that believed and who started the work of MT. Zion Church of God 7th Day) and C.O. Dodd presented a historical timeline that we MT. Zion Church Of God 7th Day believes in that aimed to trace the continuous existence of a “true” Christian church, specifically identified as a Sabbath-keeping body (the Church of God, Seventh Day), from the apostolic era to the 20th century.
Summary
The central argument of the book called “A History of the True Church” is that the true Christian faith, established by Jesus and the Apostles, was not extinguished by the rise of the Roman Catholic Church and subsequent “apostasy.” Instead, this “true church,” characterized by practices such as observing the seventh-day Sabbath and adhering to a scriptural form of church organization, persisted in various forms, often in obscurity or through persecution, referred to as being “driven into the wilderness” (Revelation 12).
Dugger and Todd presented these Key themes and arguments:
The “True” vs. “False” Church:
The book contrasts the “woman clothed with the sun” (the true church) with the “woman clothed in scarlet” (the Roman Catholic Church and its “sun-worship” doctrines).
Sabbath Observance: A primary marker of the “true church” throughout history is its adherence to the seventh-day Sabbath, as opposed to Sunday worship, which the authors argue was introduced by the Roman Church.
Prophecy and History: Dugger and Todd interpreted historical events correctly through a prophetic lens, applying biblical prophecies (especially from Daniel and Revelation) to the history of the church and the Papacy. The rise of the Papacy is linked to a 1260-year period of persecution, beginning around 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D.
Succession of Believers (Remnants): Dugger and Dodd trace Sabbath Keeping spiritual lineage through various historical groups, including the Paulicians, the Celtic Church, the Vaudois (Waldenses) in the Alps, the Hussites, and later, Sabbatarian Baptists in England and the Adventist movement in the United States.
Rejection of Roman Doctrines: Dugger and Todd highlight the “true church’s” opposition to doctrines and practices introduced by Rome, such as Easter, infant baptism, the use of images, and the concept of the immortality of the soul.
The Great Apostasy:Dugger and Todd contended that a great apostasy, centered in Rome, began shortly after the death of the apostles, introducing false doctrines like Sunday worship, Easter, and the immortality of the soul, largely influenced by pagan “Sunworshippers”. They identify the Papacy as the “little horn” that made war with the saints of God for a prophetic period of 1,260 years (from AD 538 to 1798), driving the true church “into the wilderness” (into hiding in remote areas like the Alps).
America as a Sanctuary:The interpretation of prophecy shows that America became a haven for these persecuted groups, including Sabbatarian Anabaptists and William Penn’s followers, as the “earth helped the woman” (the true church) during the time of papal decline after 1798.
Emphasis on Jerusalem: Dugger believed in a strong scriptural church organization with a world headquarters in Jerusalem, which he himself moved to later in life.
Sole Rule of Faith: The emphasis is on the Bible as the sole authority, rejecting extra-biblical sources of doctrine like the visions of Ellen G. White (a key difference between their church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church).
A History of the True Church, Andrew N. Dugger and Clarence O. Dodd presented a non-traditional account of Christian history, arguing that God’s true church has always been a distinct, Sabbath-keeping remnant persecuted by the dominant Roman Catholic Church and its Protestant offshoots.
Timeline of "True Church" History (as presented in the book)
Date | Event/Group | Significance according to Dugger & Dodd |
33 AD | Founding of the Church at Pentecost | The beginning of the true, Sabbath-keeping Church in Jerusalem. |
c. 100-300 AD | Rise of Apostasy | False doctrines (Sunday, Easter, etc.) introduced as the Roman Church gains prominence. |
321 AD | Council of Nicea (Constantine) | Roman church solidifies state power and pagan practices are formalized, driving true believers into hiding. |
538 AD | Papal Power Ascends | The “little horn” (Papacy) gains full power, beginning 1,260 years of persecution. |
c. 600-1500 AD | “Church in the Wilderness” | The true faith survives among persecuted groups like the Waldenses, Lollards, and Anabaptists who observe the Sabbath. |
1492 | Discovery of America | A new land where religious freedom would eventually allow the true church to flourish. |
1517 | Protestant Reformation | Reformers like Luther and Calvin challenge Roman authority, though Dugger and Dodd argue they did not fully restore all true doctrines. |
1789 | U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights | Religious freedom is established, providing a safe haven for the true church. |
1798 AD | End of Prophetic Period | Napoleon’s general captures the Pope, ending the 1,260-year period of papal dominance and intense persecution. |
1840s | Adventist Movement | The Sabbath truth is rediscovered and promoted, leading to the formation of modern Sabbath-keeping groups. |
1884 | General Conference Organized | The formal organization of the modern Church of God (Seventh Day) body. |
1935 | Publication of A History of the True Church | The authors document their belief in the continuous history of their faith. |
Andrew N. Dugger and Effie Dugger
(1886–1975) was an influential minister (Elder) in the Sabbatarian movement, known for his leadership in the Church of God (Seventh Day) and later for establishing a global headquarters in Jerusalem. His work centered on strict biblical adherence, including Saturday Sabbath observance, clean meats, and a specific form of church governance.
Year(s) | Event |
1886 | Born in Bassett, Nebraska. |
1907 | Ordained as a minister in the Church of God. |
1914 | Became editor of the church’s publication, The Bible Advocate and Herald of the Coming Kingdom, and moved to the Stanberry, Missouri, headquarters. |
1919 | Wrote The Bible Home Instructor, a book that increased church membership significantly in the 1920s. |
1921–1927 & 1929–1931 | Served as President of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day). |
1931–1932 | Traveled to and lived in Israel for a year to explore establishing a world headquarters. |
1933 | A major organizational split occurred within the Church of God (Seventh Day) due to his push for a Jerusalem headquarters and specific governance. |
1936 | Co-authored the book A History of the True Church with C.O. Dodd, tracing Sabbath-keeping churches throughout history. |
1953 | Moved permanently to Jerusalem, Israel, with his wife, Effie, to establish a world headquarters. |
1953 onwards | Launched the Mt. Zion Reporter magazine from Jerusalem, which distributed free religious literature globally. |
1975 | Died in Jerusalem, Israel, at the age of 89. |
Summary of Andrew N. Dugger's Work
Dugger’s work was defined by a commitment to what he believed were strictly biblical doctrines and church structure.
- Promoting Sabbatarianism: Following in his father’s footsteps, Dugger was a vigorous defender of the Saturday Sabbath and other doctrines like observing Passover on Nisan 14 and adhering to “clean meats” dietary laws.
- Literary and Editorial Influence: As editor of The Bible Advocate for 18 years, he was a primary voice of the Church of God (Seventh Day). His books, particularly The Bible Home Instructor and A History of the True Church, became foundational texts that influenced many Sabbatarians, including Herbert W. Armstrong.
- Missionary Expansion: He traveled widely, held public debates, and through his efforts and the Mt. Zion Reporter, helped establish congregations across the Caribbean, Africa, and other international locations.
- Jerusalem Headquarters: His most significant work was the conviction that the Church of God should have its world headquarters in Jerusalem, Israel, as a biblical requirement. This belief led to the 1933 schism and his permanent relocation to Jerusalem in 1953, where he led the Churches of God 7th Day of Mount Zion until his death.
- Advocacy for “Bible Organization”: He strongly advocated for a specific leadership model involving twelve apostles, seventy elders, and seven men chosen by lot, a key point of difference from the Stanberry, Missouri faction of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
During the fall of 1931, Andrew N. Dugger was commissioned by the Executive Committees of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in Salem, WV, and Stanberry, MO, to set up a World Headquarters in Jerusalem. His focus was not on North America but on foreign countries. He moved to Israel later and established a headquarters there with a printing press. Because of this, the gospel went throughout the world, including the Caribbean, Scotland, Africa, Europe, India, and other third-world countries.
The first islands known to have churches were Trinidad, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. In the years following, missionaries and evangelists were sent throughout the different parts of the Greater and Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands to establish churches.
- N. Dugger wrote over 150 different tracts and books, such as Israel Correspondent Bible School lessons, the very popular Mt. Zion Reporter (also known to some as the Judah Magazine), Sabbath Lesson quarterlies, the Jerusalem Messenger, Jewish calendars, and the Chart of the Daniel image and Beasts of Revelation. He wrote the 40 Points of Doctrine, which form the core of the Church of God 7th Day beliefs. The Mt. Zion Reporter was such an intricate part of these churches that an article was read from this magazine every Sabbath morning during service. The three most famous books and writings are Bible Home Instructor, History of the True Religion, Daniel and Revelation and The 40 Points of Doctrines.
The Jerusalem World Headquarters had representatives laboring in establishing this true faith in about every country of the world, where many congregations have been raised up, and many evangelists continue laboring even though the headquarters is no more.
In 1970, Elder A.M. Shoemaker was sent in answer to a call from Kenya, Africa. In about two months of labor there he baptized 284 converts and ordained sixteen men called to the ministry, and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Jerusalem Messenger, which was published at Jerusalem, gave many reports and photographs of groups and workers around the world who love Jerusalem. Psalm 128:5, 6. There are several other groups of this same faith with some slight non-essential doctrinal differences in various places, carrying on a good work, and printing various publications from their national headquarters. We believe they are all gathering fruit for the kingdom, and the foundation creed of all of these groups is the same, viz., Revelation 12:17, ―the commandments of Elohim and the testimonies of Yahshua (Christ).
One of these headquarters is Denver, Colorado; another, Meridian, Idaho, and some that make the sacred Hebrew names of the Father and the Son, a special part of their message (Proverbs 30:4; Psalm 68:4, and 91:14, also 69:35, 36, and Isaiah 52:6) are located at Junction City, Oregon, and Jackson Gap, Alabama, also The Faith of Holt, Michigan as well as in Kenya, Jamica, and many other countries.
We believe that even though in the interim we don’t have headquarters in Jerusalem, these will all fall in line with the Holy Scriptures and publicly affirm that Jerusalem was chosen of the Father, and must be recognized as the World Headquarters by all of the remnant people holding to the New Testament name, and the true faith once delivered to the saints, as they are led further by the Holy Spirit as Jesus returns. ―” Watch ye therefore and pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of man. — Luke 21:24 to 36.