Welcome our Provost,
the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw

Our new provost wants to get to know you! The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw invites you to send in a photo of yourself with a few words to introduce yourself to her. We're not looking for mug shots. We're looking for pictures that show you living your life: a photo taken on vacation; or the whole family decked out in matching pajamas on Christmas Eve; you with your pet; your kids at the beach; you dressed up for Halloween; you at a significant moment in your life. Send the photo to provost.picture@gmail.com and include your name and a few words to start a conversation. 

Cathedral Community,

The Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw, rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Boca Grande, will become the provost of St. Peter's Cathedral effective February 16.

Her first service at the Cathedral will be Sunday, March 2.

“I am eager to partner with Mother Robertshaw and the Chapter during this time of change and transition as we look toward the future mission and ministry of the Cathedral, which plays an important role in our diocesan life as well as in our wider community,” the Right Rev. Douglas F. Scharf, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, said in announcing the appointment.

Mother Robertshaw will serve a three-year term. She will be the first woman to lead the Cathedral in its 136-year history.

The provost has full canonical authority and responsibility as the Cathedral’s spiritual leader. The provost serves a longer term than a typical interim dean and is eligible to be called eventually as the permanent dean. The position has been vacant since the retirement of the previous dean in June 2023.

"We are so excited to welcome Mother Michelle into the Cathedral community,” Senior Warden Lucas Fleming said. “The Chapter unanimously supports this decision and is eager to introduce our new provost to the congregation. The work of the last year to discern who it is God is calling to be our next spiritual leader has brought us to this moment of celebration,” he continued. “I'm grateful to the Search Committee, the Chapter, the congregation, and the Bishop for their faithful and diligent work, prayers, and patience. The Holy Spirit has been with us the entire way, guiding us through the highs and lows of this process."

Mother Robertshaw, 57, is a 2003 graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and a 1990 graduate of the University of South Florida. Earlier in her ministry she served as assistant rector at Church of the Holy Family in

Chapel Hill, NC, rector at St. Mary Magdalene in Bradenton, and assistant rector at St. Boniface in Sarasota.

She is the vice president of the Standing Committee, a member of the Diocesan Wellness Committee, and the past dean of the Venice Deanery.

Commenting on her new role at St. Peter’s, Mother Robertshaw quoted Hebrews 10:24: "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

“I look forward to walking this journey with you, serving alongside this vibrant community, and growing together in faith and mission,” she said. “As we enter this season together, I ask for your prayers, as I will offer mine for each of you. Together, may we seek God’s guidance and strength for the work ahead, trusting that He will lead us in grace and vision.”

Those who wish to welcome Mother Michelle to the Cathedral may e-mail her at mrobertshaw@spcathedral.com, or send notes to her at PO Box 1726, Boca Grande, FL 33921.

The Cathedral is the Bishop's seat in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, over which he is the chief shepherd to 77 worshiping communities from Marco Island north to Brooksville and east to Plant City.