Summary of
This book is a comprehensive history of the Seventh Day Church of God. It was derived from many original sources, including personal interviews with numerous leaders of many church groups. It is not intended to be a mere collection of data, but an objective interpretation of historical facts.
John Kiesz’ short work, History of the Church of God (Seventh Day), paper number six in Six Papers on the History of the Church of God, concentrates on quotations from Church of God publications, including The Bible Advocate magazine. In contrast, History of the Seventh Day Church of God, Volume I traces doctrinal themes, personal biographies, and historical trends. In covering the years since 1933, Volume I elaborates on the many branches of the Church of God, and the reasons for divisions and doctrinal differences. While there is no such thing as a 100% objective history, you will find that Volume I has no denominational axe to grind.
Here is the table of contents of History of the Seventh Day Church of God:
I. Introduction — Controversial History
II. The Messenger Party
III. The "Church of God" Controversy
IV. The Question of Ellen G. White's Visions
V. The Michigan Church of God
VI. The Church of God in Marion, Iowa
VII. The Move to Stanberry
VIII. Independent Church of God Splits — 1905
IX. Andrew N. Dugger and the Church of God Surge in the 1920's
X. The Division of 1933 — Stanberry and Salem
XI. Two Groups: Stanberry and Salem, 1933-1949
XII. The Merger: 1948 - 1949
XIII. The Post Merger Period, 1949 - 1973
XIV. Analysis at 1973
XV. The "Church Depression Period," 1974-1987
APPENDIX
Church History Trees
FOOTNOTES
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