Lands and tenements, not exceeding twenty acres, that are conveyed by devise, purchase, or otherwise to trustees in trust for the use of a religious society for a meetinghouse, for a burying ground, or for a residence for their preacher, shall descend, with the improvements and appurtenances thereon, in perpetual succession, in trust to such trustees as are elected or appointed by such religious society, according to its customs and regulations.

The trustees of any such religious society may defend and prosecute suits, and do all other acts for the protection, improvement, and preservation of the society’s property, that individuals can do in relation to their individual property.