In 1912, Rev. Fr. J. Aelen, Archbishop of Madras, mooted the idea of a Jesuit college in Madras. Lord Willingdon, Governor of Madras, laid the foundation for the college on March 10, 1924. It was inaugurated by Rao Bahadur Sir A.P. Patro, Minister for Education, on October 12, 1925. Fr. Bertram became the founding Principal and held the post till 1935