Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 457. Fraternal Associations § 457.77

Sec. 7. Any 9 or more persons, residents of this state, being members of any subordinate branch of the union desirous to become incorporated, may make and execute articles of association under their hands and seals specifying as in article 2 of this act,  1 and file a copy of such articles with the clerk of the county in which such corporation shall be formed, which shall be recorded by the clerk in such book to be kept in his office for that purpose, and thereupon the persons who shall have signed such articles of association, their associates and successors, shall be a body politic and corporate by the name expressed in such articles of association, and by that name they and their successors shall have succession, and shall be persons in the law capable to purchase, hold and enjoy, grant, sell, give and lease and demise real and personal estate, of suing and being sued, and may have a common seal and may change and alter the same at pleasure, and a certified copy of the record of such articles of association under the seal of the county where the records are kept shall be received as prima facie evidence in all courts in this state of the existence and due incorporation of said corporation, and they and their successors shall have authority and power to give, grant, sell, lease, demise and dispose of said real and personal estate or part thereof, at their will and pleasure, and the proceeds, rents and income shall be devoted exclusively to the charitable and benevolent purpose of the branch of the union.