A copy of said articles of association shall be filed with the corporation and securities bureau of the department of commerce and thereupon the persons who shall have signed said articles of association, their associates and successors, shall be a body corporate by the name expressed in such articles of association. A copy of such articles of association, under the seal of the corporation and securities bureau of the department of commerce shall be received as prima facie evidence in all courts of this state of the existence and due incorporation of such association.
MCL 457.223