 In 1893, the Christian Brothers agreed to take over the school following major economic depression, the government's refusal to pay staff wages and inconsistent student enrolment.Jerome William Long (1834–1891) was the first lay Principal to lead St James between 1871–1877, and again in 1880-90, he is accredited with being the first teacher to hold a Class 2, Division 1 certificate in Queensland.Long was honoured by the college, which named Long House after him.