About Mary McBride-Lee
Our Mission
Our Community
Our Mission
To lead by example through faith, education, and service, empowering individuals to discover their divine purpose and to impact their communities with love, integrity, and compassion.
Through her ministry, civic engagement, and advocacy, Pastor McBride-Lee’s mission is to build bridges of hope that connect people across generations, fostering unity, understanding, and transformation in both church and community.
Our Beliefs
Our Community
Our Mission
We believe in the life-changing power of God’s love, grace, and truth.
Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we honor Scripture, prayer, and the guiding work of the Holy Spirit.
Our faith calls us to love God, serve others, and walk boldly in purpose every day.
Our Community
Our Community
Our Community
Our community is a welcoming family of believers and neighbors committed to faith, service, and unity.
We gather to worship, learn, and support one another while making a positive impact in Bridgeport and beyond.
Together, we strive to live out love, compassion, and purpose in everything we do.
The Author
Children’s Book (Grades 1–3)
This beautifully illustrated children’s book shares the true story of young Mary A. McBride-Lee, a brave girl growing up in Selma, Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. Told through a child’s eyes, the book follows Mary as she witnesses history, walks across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and learns the power of courage, faith, and using her voice. A powerful introduction to history for young readers, this story inspires children to stand for what is right and believe that even the smallest voice can make a big difference.
Memoir / Civil Rights History
In this compelling memoir, Pastor Mary A. McBride-Lee recounts her firsthand experience as a young girl on “Bloody Sunday,” the day civil rights marchers were attacked on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Through vivid storytelling, she shares the fear, faith, and determination that shaped her life and laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to justice. This powerful reflection offers readers a personal look into one of America’s most pivotal moments in history and preserves a story of resilience for generations to come.
The many hats of Mary a. McBride-Lee
THE PASTOR
For more than 40 years, Pastor Mary A. McBride-Lee has shepherded El-Shaddai Pentecostal Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A ministry built on love, learning, and leadership in Jesus Christ.
Through her anointed preaching and compassionate teaching, she has nurtured countless souls, offering guidance and spiritual renewal. Her leadership is shaped by humility and a deep reverence for God’s word, inspiring others to walk in faith and live with purpose.
THE COUNCILWOMAN
As the Councilwoman for Bridgeport’s 135th District for over 12 years, Pastor McBride-Lee has been a steadfast advocate for her constituents standing for justice, equality, and economic opportunity.
She believes that government is a ministry of service and leads with compassion, accountability, and a commitment to representing every voice in her district. Her tenure reflects her deep-rooted belief that civic leadership is an extension of her calling to serve.
COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
From marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with John Lewis, and Hosea Williams, to mentoring youth and empowering families, Mary McBride-Lee’s activism spans a lifetime.
Her voice has echoed in classrooms, city halls, and sanctuaries alike, always advocating for equality, education, and dignity. She continues to serve as a living bridge between past and present generations of changemakers.
THE AUTHOR
Pastor Mary A. McBride-Lee is the author of two inspiring works:
- At the Foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, a powerful memoir capturing her firsthand experience as a young girl in the Civil Rights Movement.
- The Mary McBride-Lee Story: A Child’s View from the Foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a children’s adaptation that invites young readers to see history through the eyes of courage and faith.
Through her books, she ensures that the lessons of history live on and that every child learns the power of one voice to change the world.
Sacred Moments:
