This morning at Christ Church Sowerby Bridge, we joined Mothers’ Union members around the world in celebrating a remarkable milestone – 150 years since the movement was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876.
It was a particularly special celebration for Christ Church, where our own Mothers’ Union branch has been part of the life of the church and community since 1911 – an incredible 115 years of fellowship, prayer, friendship and service.
During our Sunday morning service, we reflected on the story of Mary Sumner and how a simple idea, rooted in Christian faith and a desire to support families, grew into an international movement.
Mary recognised the challenges faced by women and families in her own community. She believed that women could support and encourage one another in motherhood, regardless of their age, background or social standing. She also recognised that much of the work undertaken by women within the home went unseen and unacknowledged and encouraged greater understanding, respect and love.
Although Mary was not naturally confident speaking publicly, her faith gave her the courage to speak out. She trusted that by sharing what was in her heart, God would do the rest.
From those beginnings in 1876, Mothers’ Union has grown into a worldwide, women-led Christian movement with millions of members across more than 80 countries.
150 Years – and Still Making a Difference
While society has changed enormously since Mary Sumner established Mothers’ Union, its desire to put faith into action remains as important today as it was 150 years ago.
Mothers’ Union members support individuals and families facing some of life’s greatest challenges. Across Britain and Ireland, its work includes supporting people affected by domestic abuse, working alongside prisons and families, raising awareness of modern slavery, supporting food banks and hospitals, and providing opportunities for families experiencing difficult circumstances to enjoy a much-needed break through the Away From It All programme.
Mothers’ Union has also changed with the times. Once an organisation specifically for married mothers, membership today is much more inclusive. Women and men can become members, whether or not they are parents.
For Justine Hellowell, Branch Leader of Mothers’ Union at Christ Church, the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the past while looking confidently towards the future:
“It is wonderful to think that Mothers’ Union has been changing lives for 150 years, and that our own branch here at Christ Church has been part of that story since 1911. At the heart of Mothers’ Union is friendship, faith and caring for others. We are proud of everything that has gone before us, but we are also very much looking to the future. There is always a warm welcome here, and we would love to see new people come along and discover what Mothers’ Union is about.”
The Revd Tommy Daglish, Vicar of Christ Church, also reflected on the importance of the movement and its continuing place within the Church:
“Mary Sumner saw a need in the community around her and responded to it through her faith. One hundred and fifty years later, Mothers’ Union continues to do exactly that – seeing where people need friendship, practical help, encouragement or a voice and responding with Christian love. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a longstanding branch here at Christ Church, and today is an opportunity both to give thanks for those who have served through it over the generations and to pray for everything still to come.”
Could You Be Part of the Next Chapter?
Our anniversary celebration wasn’t simply about looking back.
For 115 years, generations of people at Christ Church have kept the vision of Mothers’ Union alive in Sowerby Bridge. As the worldwide movement enters its next 150 years, we would love to welcome new people to help write the next chapter of our own branch’s story.
You don’t have to be a mother to join Mothers’ Union – and you don’t even have to be a woman. It is a community of people brought together by faith, friendship and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Christ Church Mothers’ Union meets on the third Thursday of every month at 11am in church. New members and visitors are always very welcome, and coming along to a meeting is a great way to meet the group and find out more.
From Mary Sumner’s simple vision in 1876, to the founding of our Sowerby Bridge branch in 1911, through generations of faithful service and right up to the present day, the story of Mothers’ Union is ultimately one of ordinary people putting their faith into action.
150 years celebrated. 115 years at Christ Church. And a new chapter waiting to be written.
