27 July 2026
This year marks 150 years since Mothers' Union was founded in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, by Mary Sumner, a vicar's wife with a bold vision. Mary believed that women regardless of class or status could come together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life within the church. From that single spark of an idea, a global movement was born.
Today 4 million members across 84 countries continue working to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.
During August churches throughout our diocese will be celebrating the 150th anniversary.
The Chelmsford Diocese branch are inviting churches to get involved as part of their regular Sunday worship, holding a special service or prayer meeting, ringing their bells, or displaying their Mothers' Union banner. Outline services, and suggestions for hymns, bible passages and prayers are available on the resource section of the central Mother's Union website. To share details of your services or events, learn more about Mothers' Union in their 150th year, or book a talk for your church or fellowship group, please contact secretary@muchelmsford.org.uk.
Mary Sumner Day - Service at Chelmsford Cathedral - Sunday 9 August
To celebrate 150 years of Mothers' Union and 145 years of the Chelmsford Branch, a special service of Choral Evensong, led by a Mothers Union choir from Leytonstone will be held at Chelmsford Cathedral. The service takes place between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 9 August. All are welcome
