About Mary A. McBride-Lee

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Pastor Mary Annette McBride-Lee was born in Oakhill, Alabama. She is a twin and the youngest of thirteen children. After graduating from W.J. Jones High School, she continued her studies at Concordia Christian College in Selma, Alabama, where she earned her degree in Christian Education. She went on to graduate from Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, Alabama, and later received her Master’s degrees from both Alabama State University and the University of Bridgeport. She also pursued her Sixth-Year and Administrative Certification at Southern Connecticut State University.

Pastor McBride-Lee devoted over 35 years to the Bridgeport Public School system, shaping generations of students through her dedication as an educator. She continues to serve her community passionately as the Councilwoman for Bridgeport’s 135th District, a position she has held with distinction for 12 years.

Her lifelong commitment to civil rights began early. As a young girl, she marched alongside John Lewis and Hosea Williams in Selma, Alabama, during the historic “Bloody Sunday” march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. She also marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an experience she describes as one of the most defining and proudest moments of her life. In recognition of her courage and service, Pastor McBride-Lee was honored by President Barack Obama with the Civil Rights Foot Soldier Award, presented by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal.

Mary credits her father, Rev. William Barber Sr., as her greatest inspiration. Working closely with him as a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study instructor, Usher, and Youth Church President, she learned the foundations of ministry and leadership. She often says, “My dad made me feel that I was the most important person in the world. When I was timid and shy and didn’t think my voice mattered, he made me feel that what I said was worth listening to.”

In 1981, Pastor McBride-Lee founded El-Shaddai Pentecostal Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her ministry is grounded in three pillars—Loving, Learning, and Leading in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She later joined the United Council of Full Gospel Churches, Inc., under the leadership of Dr. T.W. Plummer, whom she lovingly calls her spiritual father. She credits his guidance for strengthening her resilience and deepening her commitment to ministry.

In addition to her pastoral and civic leadership, Pastor McBride-Lee is the founder of Project C.O.N.T.A.C.T., a youth outreach ministry, and an active member of numerous organizations, including the Bridgeport Education Association, the Connecticut Education Association, the NAACP, the Minority Affairs Council, and the National Rainbow Coalition, under the auspices of Rev. Jesse Jackson. She also participates in C.O.P.E. (Coalition of Prison Evangelists), the Save Bridgeport Organization, and the African American Association. She currently serves as a Fire Commissioner for the City of Bridgeport and is an elected member of the Democratic Town Committee.

Pastor McBride-Lee has received numerous honors recognizing her outstanding contributions to the community, including the Diva Award from the Papholia Taylor Center and the Al-Aziz Islamic Award honoring women who exemplify positive leadership and faith in action.