Prior to October 1, 1995, the Governor may appoint and commission a convenient number of commissioners in each of the other states of the United States, in any territory thereof and in the District of Columbia, for the term of five years, commencing with the date of their respective commissions, unless the appointments and commissions are sooner revoked. Each commissioner so appointed and commissioned shall have power to take the acknowledgment of deeds and of any instruments required by the laws of this state to be acknowledged, to administer oaths or affirmations, examine witnesses and take depositions relating to any cause pending, or to be brought, in any of the courts of this state; but no commissioner shall act as such until he has filed with the Secretary an affidavit, signed and sworn to by him before proper authority, that he will faithfully perform his duties as such commissioner. Each commissioner so appointed and commissioned who has filed such an affidavit prior to October 1, 1995, and whose commission has not been revoked, shall continue to serve as such commissioner until the expiration of said commission or until said commission is revoked, whichever is earlier.