Andrew N. Dugger

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Andrew Nugent Dugger (November 19, 1886 – November 2, 1975) was a prominent American religious leader in the Church of God (Seventh Day). Born in Bassett, Nebraska, he later became a key minister, editor, and organizer within the church.

Family and education
- Son of Alexander F. Dugger, a church minister.
- Married Effie Carpenter in 1925; they had eight children.
- Studied theology and languages at the University of Chicago.

Religious leadership and work
- Editor of The Bible Advocate magazine in Stanberry, Missouri, starting in 1914. He led the magazine for about 18 years and ended its open forum in 1914 to promote doctrinal unity.
- Served as president of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in the United States from 1921 to 1927 and again from 1929 to 1931.
- Implemented financial reorganization, directing tithes from local ministers to state conferences and then to the General Conference.
- In 1924, published a Christology article that reflected Arian-influenced views. This sparked theological debate within the church, including a notable discussion with W. Curtis Porter (Porter–Dugger Debate).
- Promoted unity through centralized authority, which contributed to internal divisions. In 1933 he helped lead a split that resulted in the Salem Conference, a separate group from the Stanberry-based General Conference.
- Oversaw the church’s first printing press in Mexico (1923) and helped establish the Mexican Conference, including the first General Convention in Saltillo.

Influences and later years
- Associated with figures like Herbert W. Armstrong, who shared some of Dugger’s viewpoints, including British Israelism ideas. Dugger’s correspondence and influence helped Armstrong in his early work.
- Advocated for moving the church’s headquarters toward Jerusalem, a proposal that contributed to the 1933 division and the establishment of the Salem group.
- In the 1950s Dugger moved to Jerusalem with his wife and began publishing Mt. Zion Reporter, linking with Mount Zion–named congregations around the world.
- His efforts helped spread missionary work and mount Zion–themed congregations in various countries.

Death and legacy
- Dugger died in Jerusalem in 1975. His work continued through the Mt. Zion movement and through writings and publications carried on by his family and followers.