Mothers’ Union

Christian care for families and communities.

The Mothers’ Union at St John the Baptist Old Malden is part of a worldwide Christian organisation dedicated to supporting families and strengthening communities through faith, prayer, and practical action.


We enjoy talks by a variety of speakers, some from Mothers’ Union, others from external organisations and from within our church.


We have an annual outing in June, a garden party in July and a ‘Wave of Prayer’ in August.


We try and take part in the ‘Lady Day’ celebrations in Southwark Cathedral and also attend Diocesan and Deanery meetings.


On the first Tuesday of the month at 10.00am we meet together at the Holy Communion service in Church.


The purpose of the Mothers’ Union is to be specifically concerned with all that strengthens and preserves Marriage and Christian family life.
New members are warmly welcomed.


For a programme of future events or for more information please contact Parish administrator.




When & where


📅 First Wednesday of each month
🕙 10:00am
📍 St John the Baptist Church, Old Malden, church extension

What we do


At St John’s, the Mothers’ Union is actively involved in:


  • Fellowship and friendship through regular meetings and social gatherings
  • Prayer and reflection, supporting family life and relationships
  • Community outreach, including raising awareness of local support services
  • Campaigns and initiatives, such as Rise Up against domestic abuse
  • Events and activities, including talks, coffee mornings, and seasonal gatherings


Community support


We are committed to supporting those in need within our local area. Information about services such as the Kingston Domestic Violence Hub is shared through our group, helping connect people with practical support when it is needed most.

A welcoming group

You do not need to be a parent or have children to be part of the Mothers’ Union. Membership is open to anyone who shares our vision of building strong, loving, and supportive communities.

Whether you are looking for friendship, faith, or a way to make a difference, you will find a warm welcome at St John’s.

Meetings & activities

Our group meets regularly throughout the year, with a varied programme that may include:

  • Guest speakers
  • Social events
  • Community projects
  • Coffee mornings

Details of upcoming meetings and events can be found on the church calendar or noticeboards.

Join us

We would love to welcome you to one of our meetings or events. Come along and find out more about how you can be part of this supportive and active community.

Mary Sumner


Mary Sumner (1828–1921) was an English social reformer and Anglican lay leader who founded the Mothers’ Union, one of the world’s earliest and most influential women-led Christian movements. Her work emphasized the moral and spiritual foundation of family life and the importance of supporting mothers across social classes.

Key facts


    Born: December 31, 1828, Swinton, near Manchester, England


    Died: August 11, 1921, Winchester, England


    Founded: Mothers’ Union (1876)


    Spouse: Rev. George Sumner, Rector of Old Alresford


    Commemorated: Mary Sumner Day, August 9 (Anglican calendar)


Early life and education


Mary Elizabeth Heywood grew up in a devout and educated family. Her father, Thomas Heywood, was a banker and historian, and her mother hosted “mothers’ meetings,” which likely inspired Mary’s later work. Educated at home and fluent in several languages, she met George Sumner while studying in Rome. They married in 1848 and settled in Old Alresford, Hampshire, where George became rector .


Founding the Mothers’ Union


In 1876, after her daughter’s experience of new motherhood, Sumner organized a meeting for local mothers of all social classes to share support and strengthen Christian family life—an uncommon act for its time. Her initiative expanded rapidly, and after her speech to the Church Congress, branches spread across Britain and overseas. By 1892, the Union had 60,000 members; Queen Victoria granted royal patronage in 1897 .

Vision and influence


Sumner’s message—that motherhood was a vocation of moral and societal importance—encouraged women to take leadership within their families and communities. The Mothers’ Union went on to campaign for women’s rights, child welfare, and family justice worldwide. Her personal prayer, “All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for Thee,” remains central to the Union’s spiritual life .

Legacy


Mary Sumner’s influence endures through a movement now active in over 80 countries with millions of members. Mary Sumner House, opened in 1925, serves as its international headquarters, symbolizing her lasting vision of faith-based community action.