[2] Lumsden, then called Cat Harbour, was visited as early as the 18th century by French fishermen because of its good inshore fishing grounds.

In an 1836 census, the population was recorded as 97 for Lumsden and Cape Freels combined.

The population of Lumsden increased as the migratory fishery declined because people began to settle permanently.

There was also a small boat fishery which trucked the fish to the community of Valleyfield.

[4] The Methodist population began to increase in the 1850s and by the 20th century Methodism was dominant in Lumsden.

The first Jehovah's Witnesses in Newfoundland were in Lumsden North in 1917, started by a local merchant Wesley Howell.