Any 10 or more persons residents of this state, being of English birth, or their descendants as aforesaid, desiring to become incorporated, may make and execute articles of association under their hands and seals, which said articles of association shall be acknowledged before some officer of this state having authority to take acknowledgment of deeds, and shall set forth:
First. The names of persons associating, and their place of residence;
Second. The location of the association of which they are members;
Third. The corporate name by which such association shall be known in the law: Provided, That each association incorporated under this act, shall be known as "The St. George Society" of (the name of the city or township where such association is located, and if more than 1 such association is located in the same city or township, the same shall be designated by number.)
Fourth. The object and purpose of such association, which shall be to provide for the relief of distressed members and their families (provided such distress is not occasioned by drunkenness or crime), the visitation of the sick, the burial of the dead, and to aid and assist the widows and orphans of deceased members, and in the discretion of the society to relieve and advise distressed immigrants, and others from that part of Great Britain south of the Tweed, and the isles adjacent thereto, and their sons and grandsons.
The period for which such association shall be incorporated shall not exceed 30 years.
MCL 457.2