During the 1830s, the Lovedale Missionary Institute was built near Fort Hare.[4]:419 James Stewart, one of its missionary principals, suggested in 1878 that an institution for higher education of black students needed to be created.[4]:419 However, he did not live to see his idea put into operation[4]:419 when, in 1916, Fort Hare was established with Alexander Kerr as its first principal. D.D.T Jabavu was its first black staff member who lectured in Latin and black languages.[4]:419 In accord with its Christian principles, fees were low and heavily subsidised. Several scholarships were also available for indigent students.