Jesus said
"The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath"
Mark 2 v 27
In the summer 2003 issue of the Day One Magazine, we highlighted the largest independent food store in England which is owned and run by the Jempson family. We return to this story and report on the latest exciting developments. For those who
are unaware of this company, we give a brief summary of its amazing growth.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
It was a humble beginning when George Jempson opened his baker's shop in June 1935, occupying 235 square feet. He married Ruth Gibb five months later. Both families were nonconformists who worshipped among the Strict Baptists in Kent and Sussex. The Lord's Day was strictly observed, and their lives were centred on their local chapel. They had been brought up to work hard and, as times were difficult, all had to give a helping hand in the home. As they grew up they went out to earn a living. With this background, it is not surprising that the newly married couple often worked long hours-seventy to eighty per week, especially when this new venture began.
When the Second World War began, George Jempson was called to serve his country. 
He began baking bread at 3.00 a.m. and helped on bread rounds in the surrounding villages and also ran the business. His wife, Ruth, looked after the shop, with some local help, and was responsible for all the clerical work, as well as bringing up a family. George Jempson would often say, 'Hard work killed no man,' and, 'If you don't succeed at first, try, try, again.' It was their respect for the Lord's Day, and dedication to work during the weekdays, that had been (and still is) the stance of this company to the present day. Stephen and Andrew, with their father Harold, who headed the firm until 1990, are strong supporters of LDOS which works to keep Sunday as a day set apart.
The words of Judge Matthew Hale are still relevant for the Jempson's and Day One:
"A Sabbath well-spent brings a week of content,
And strength for the toils oftomorrow,
But a Sabbath profaned, whate'er be gained
Is a certain forerunner of sorrow."
The present store, based in Peasmarsh, near Rye in East Sussex, occupies 35,000 square feet and employs around 100 people. The whole company employs 250. They have won numerous awards, including the coveted Independent Retailer of the Year Award in 1992, 1994 and again in 2002. Their turnover more than doubled during the 1990s. Jempson's does more than keep up with the large national chain stores. It runs a free bus service for local customers, has its own petrol station, bakery, fish and meat counter, delicatessen, restaurant, post office and business centre. It also runs coffee shops in Rye and Hastings. However, it has not always been an easy ride for the family. George Jempson's son, Harold, became responsible for the business in 1952 and when Harold's sons, Stephen and Andrew, joined the company thirty years later, a number of setbacks had to be confronted.
SETBACKS
A major fire gutted one third of the store, break-ins occurred, and during 1996, they suffered seven burglaries in a five-month period. During the first week of the National Lottery, sales were down twenty per cent because the company would not be involved with it. In spite of a Camelot Director soliciting them, Jempson's have steadfastly refused to have any involvement with the lottery.
When asked to provide reasons for their ongoing success, the Jempson family acknowledge gratefully that the Lord has provided help, health, strength and courage in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
It is important to note that this company care for their staff as a family would ensuring that during fifty five years of business, no staff member has been made redundant, despite the occasional setbacks. Staff are able to enjoy every Sunday as
a day of rest and welcome the opportunity to spend it with family and friends. In return, their staff are dedicated and committed to their work.
FURTHER EXCITING PUBLICITY
Despite some bad publicity and opposition in November 2006, Jempson's purchased another 9,000 square feet supermarket from Budgen's. It is situated in the ancient town of Rye and is the largest food store in the town. Stephen and Andrew were in negotiations for the store for nearly two years before it was purchased on the 20th November. The store now opens from 7.00 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but is closed on the Lord's Day. Although it is still early days, the loss of trade resulting from Sunday closing in the Rye store has virtually been made up, and the store is now taking in six days what was previously taken in seven.
The growth continues with the takeover of another Budgen's store in the town of Hawkhurst on the Kent and Sussex border, approximately fifteen miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells. This store was purchased on the 17th April 2007. In addition Coffee
Shops are now open in Battle, Hastings and Rye and another supermarket acquisition is expected to be announced soon.