The original articles of association of said supreme lodge, shall be filed with the secretary of state, and thereupon the persons who shall have signed such articles of association, their associates and successors, shall be a body politic and corporate, by the name expressed in such articles of association, and by that name they and their successors shall be known, have succession, and be persons in law, capable to take, receive, hold, and enjoy, to them and their successors, estates, real and personal; Provided, That the value of such estates shall not exceed the sum of 10,000 dollars, and that the proceeds, rents, and incomes realized therefrom, shall be devoted exclusively to the charitable and benevolent purposes of the said supreme lodge as herein defined; and they shall also be capable of suing and being sued, and to have a common seal, which may be altered or changed at their pleasure. Said corporation shall have full power to make and establish its rules, regulations, and by-laws for regulating its business and affairs, and to designate, elect, or appoint from its members, such officers, under such name as may be designated from time to time.