Societies which were authorized to transact business in this State prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act may continue such business until the first day of July next succeeding the effective date of this amendatory Act. The authority of such societies and all societies hereafter issued certificates of authority may thereafter be renewed annually, but in all cases to terminate on the first day of the succeeding July. A certified copy or duplicate of such certificate of authority shall be prima facie evidence that the licensee is a fraternal benefit society within the meaning of this amendatory Act.