Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 67, § 23

Ten or more persons, male or female, who desire to form a religious society, may make written application therefor to a justice of the peace, who may thereupon issue his warrant, directed to one of the applicants, stating the objects of the proposed society, and requiring him to warn said persons to meet at a time and place appointed in the warrant. The warrant shall be issued, served and executed, and the meeting held in the manner and for the purposes set forth in the preceding section; and such persons, upon complying with said section, shall become a corporation under a name to be assumed at such meeting, with all the powers, rights and privileges, and subject to all the duties, limitations and restrictions, relating to religious societies.