The members of any church or religious society, not less than three, who by its rules, usage and general discipline, or otherwise, do not desire to organize and become incorporated under the foregoing provisions relating to corporations may organize and become corporate, capable of suing and being sued, holding, purchasing and receiving title to real estate and other property by devise, gift, grant or other conveyance, with power to mortgage, sell or convey the same or any part, parcel or portion thereof, by adopting and signing articles containing:

First. The name of the church, society, association or corporation, its general purpose and plan of operation and its place of location.

Second. The terms of admission and qualifications of membership, and the selection of officers and the filling of vacancies, and the manner in which the same is to be governed and managed. Such articles shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State and a filing fee of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) shall be paid to the Secretary of State. The articles shall also be filed in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which such church, society, association or corporation is located; and thereupon such church, society, association or corporation shall have all the powers hereinbefore provided, and may adopt and establish bylaws and make all rules and regulations deemed necessary and expedient for the management of its affairs in accordance with law.

R.L. 1910, § 1468. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 69, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.