Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 457. Fraternal Associations § 457.665

Sec. 5. The articles of any such association shall be filed with the corporation and securities bureau of the department of commerce; and thereupon, the persons so associating therein, their associates and successors, shall be a body politic and corporate, by the name expressed in their respective articles, and by their said name, they and their associates and successors shall have succession and shall be capable of suing and being sued, and shall have a common seal to be altered at pleasure, in such manner as the constitution or laws of the order shall prescribe. Such corporation may take, purchase, receive, hold and enjoy, real, personal and mixed property, not exceeding in amount $100,000.00; and may give, grant, mortgage, sell, lease, devise, and dispose of all or any part of such property at pleasure, but no property of said association, or of any of the subordinate temples of said association, shall be exempt from taxation. A copy of any such articles of association and certificate which is filed with and duly certified by the corporation and securities bureau of the department of commerce shall be prima facie evidence in all courts and tribunals of the due incorporation of such association.