1. A society shall operate for the benefit of members and their beneficiaries by:

(1) Providing benefits as specified in section 378.616; and

Terms Used In Missouri Laws 378.605

  • Laws: the society's articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws, however designated. See Missouri Laws 378.604
  • Rules: all rules, regulations or resolutions adopted by the supreme governing body or board of directors which are intended to have general application to the members of the society. See Missouri Laws 378.604
  • Society: a fraternal benefit society, unless otherwise indicated. See Missouri Laws 378.604

(2) Operating for one or more social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic or religious purposes for the benefit of its members, which may also be extended to others. Such purposes may be carried out directly by the society, or indirectly through subsidiary corporations or affiliated organizations.

2. Every society shall have the power to adopt laws and rules for the government of the society, the admission of its members and the management of its affairs. It shall have the power to change, alter, add to or amend such laws and rules and shall have such other powers as are necessary and incidental to carrying into effect the objects and purposes of the society.