Victor Houteff was a Bulgarian-born religious leader known for founding the Davidian movement in the 1930s. He was a former member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and believed in the imminent return of Christ. Houteff's teachings emphasized the importance of prophetic interpretation and the need for a reformation within the church. In 1935, Houteff established a community in Waco, Texas, where he and his followers practiced their beliefs. His writings, including "The Shepherd's Rod," outlined his interpretations of biblical prophecies. Houteff's influence continued after his death in 1955, leading to the formation of various splinter groups within the Davidian movement.