How Did The Early Church View Mother Church?

To Imitate the Early Church . . . one must be Catholic

St Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 - 216 A.D.) Calling her children about her, she [the Church] nourishes them with holy milk, that is, with the Infant Word...The Word is everything to a child: both Father and Mother, both Instructor and Nurse. "Eat my Flesh," He says, "and drink my Blood." The Lord supplies us with these intimate nutriments. He delivers over His Flesh, and pours out His Blood; and nothing is lacking for the growth of His children. O incredible mystery! (Instructor of Children 1:6:42,1,3)