The story of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders (MMCCCD) begins with visionary Scottish Rite Masons in Northeast Minnesota who, upon the 100^th Anniversary celebration of the Duluth Valley Scottish Rite in 1990, cut the ribbon of a new clinic at University of Minnesota – Duluth. The clinic, designed to help young children overcome communication disorders, was conceived and brought to fruition by three key members of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Duluth, Daniel F. Levenduski, Clifford H. Grindy and Robert M. Sederberg.

Led by Levenduski, then Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of Minnesota, the group devoted countless hours of their time, gifted personal funds and gathered all of the resources needed to erect the first Masonic speech and language clinic in Minnesota. The beautiful building that now sits on the corner of West Second Street and North First Avenue West in Duluth is a testament to these tenacious Masons. So are the thousands of children whose lives have been forever improved by the clinic’s services over these 30+ years.

Many other significant contributors have helped the clinic become what it is today, including community partners, grateful families, and of course, members of Minnesota Masonry. I liken their support to the bricks laid on the solid foundation built by a few individuals who were determined to make a difference. We are grateful for their foresight and their tenacity.

When Minnesota Masonic Charities picked up the torch of administration of the clinic back in 2017, it did so recognizing that the clinic’s important legacy must endure. MMC’s capacity and capability ushered in a new era for the Children’s Clinic, reinforcing its foundation and ensuring its future for many more generations.

Please join MMC in supporting the vision and tenacity of the clinic’s founders, and helping children find their voices today and in perpetuity. Contact John Schwietz to find out more about the Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders, or visit their website at MasonicChildrensClinic.org.

Photo: Left to right–Daniel F. Levenduski with Dr. Lawrence Ianni, University of Minnesota-Duluth Chancelor, and Robert M. Sederberg during a 1990 check presentation to the University for the Childhood Language Disorders Clinic.