No unincorporated or voluntary association shall be permitted to transact business in this state as a fraternal benefit society. Every voluntary association which incorporated prior to January 1, 1958, shall incur the obligations and enjoy the benefits thereof the same as though originally incorporated, and such corporation shall be deemed a continuation of the original voluntary association. The officers thereof shall serve through their respective terms as provided in its original articles of association, but their successors shall be elected and serve as provided in its articles of incorporation. Incorporation of a voluntary association shall not affect suits, claims or contracts existing prior to such incorporation.