Emily Ayckbowm (1836–1900) was the founder and first mother superior of the Community of the Sisters of the Church.

[1] In 1864 she founded the very successful Church Extension Association which had a wide remit to do good works.

One of the patrons, Archbishop Edward White Benson, tried to intercede but Ayckbowm distrusted his views and he had little trust in her.

This is thought to be poor judgement by Ayckbowm, she removed him, and any other male supporters, from their literature and it is judged that the community's reputation was reduced.

She died of gangrene and diabetes on 5 June 1900 and she was buried at St Peter's Church in Thanet.