The 50th anniversary of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen marks the end of Monsignor Robert Armstrong's career.

Armstrong, 74, who has been rector for the past 25 years, said he is retiring Dec. 31 for health reasons.

"I've already had five bypasses, four stents, a pacemaker and three blood clots," Armstrong said.

Although he exercises regularly, doctors have told him that the stress of running north Baltimore's biggest church -- the seat not only of the Archdiocese of Baltimore but of a parish of 2,000 families -- has taken a physical toll.

"I really don't want to retire, but my body is telling me to," he said.

Armstrong told congregants of his plans earlier this month. An official announcement was expected this week.

The archdiocese has not named a successor, Armstrong said.

Capital improvements

In 1984, Armstrong, previously the pastor of St. Michael's in Overlea, came to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, one of only two cathedrals in the archdiocese. It seats 1,400 and its prestigious school has 450 students.

His quarter-century of accomplishments have included the 2007 refurbishing of the double pipe organs; the creation of a youth and family ministry in 2004; the rehabbing of 10 houses in Pen Lucy in recent years; and at least $6 million raised for capital improvements and maintenance.

Armstrong said when he came, the air conditioning system had been broken down for three to four years, the outdoor lighting didn't work and there was only one boiler.

Fundraising campaigns in 1986 and 1996 raised $3 million each, he said.

A cathedral preservation trust fund totaling $200,000 when he first came now sits at about $4.5 million.

Armstrong also oversaw the construction of the cathedral's separate parish center.

"That was a great accomplishment and has given so many families a place to meet," he said.

Now, Armstrong and a volunteer committee are presiding over a carefully orchestrated commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the church's opening in 1959.

Anniversary events began in September with a Family Fun Festival on the cathedral grounds and continued earlier this month with guided tours for families, parishioners and people with disabilities.

A final tour will be held Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, followed by "Sunday Sundae," an ice cream social. For reservations, call Sheila Peter at 410-323-8526.

A 50th anniversary concert featuring the Cathedral Choir and the Peabody Concert Orchestra was performed Oct. 30.

A closing anniversary Mass is set for Nov. 15, 12:30 p.m., with Archbishop Edwin O'Brien presiding.

Armstrong said the celebration has highlighted the talent and dedication of congregants.

And he said the celebration connected the cathedral more closely to the community, because although it is known as a ceremonial site for the archdiocese, it is also very much a parish church.

"This has been wonderful for parish spirt and parish life," Armstrong said.

High maintenance

But the brick and stone cathedral, 86 feet high and 46 feet wide, is showing its age and needs $500,000 worth of maintenance a year, Armstrong said.

"You don't get that out of a collection basket," he said.

Its bells and arches need repair, and its roof -- laid on top of the original cement roof -- takes in water, which trickles into some of the stained glass windows, Armstrong said.

The high-maintenance cathedral has contributed to stress that has caused him to retire.

"The reality is, it does take a toll. The stress comes from the demands of this large place."

Armstrong, who lives in the cathedral rectory, will move to Mercy Ridge, a retirement community in Baltimore County. He plans to help the archdiocese as needed as an interim pastor, and to do some of the things he always wanted to do, like learn Spanish.

But first, he said, laughing, "I think I'm going to sleep for three months."

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