Paul Andrews, former member of the Portsmouth, NH and Kennebunk, ME Advent Christian Churches, who in the 1990s was the key developer of Meetinghouse Village, the Maine campus of Advent Christian Retirement Communities, passed away on Sunday, May 2. He and his wife, Helen, had been living in Zephyrhills, Florida for the past 14 years. He was 85.

Paul served three years in the United States Army and married Helen in 1955. He later graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in 1961. He then worked for General Electric Company for 11 years, progressing through several management positions. In 1972, he started his own business with his brother Spencer, constructing churches and developing other residential and commercial property. Spencer passed in 2018.

In 1990, Paul was hired by the ACRC board to identify in eastern New England an extension community to the Vernon Homes campus. His persistent efforts resulted in the purchase of “Taylor Place” in 1993 – a small, 14-apartment building with seven residents that was christened Meetinghouse Village.

From there, Paul served as Executive Director with his wife, Helen, as bookkeeper, driving four building expansions through to 2001 and bringing Meetinghouse to where it is today.

For those who remember him, what stood out most about Paul was not just his quiet, steady perseverance as he applied his development skills. Just as memorable was his persona: humble, self-effacing and quick to give glory to God for the ways Meetinghouse grew over the years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Helen Andrews; one son, Scott Andrews (Sharon); one daughter, Terri Colón (Robert Charlie); one brother, Ralph Andrews; five grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.