ART. 23] RELIGIOUS CORPORATIONS. 667

sary to constitute a quorum, and shall provide and keep a
good and sufficient record book, and cause therein to be regis-
tered all its proceedings, subject at all times to the inspection
of the several members of the church, society or congregation ;
and the same shall be laid before a public meeting when
required by any five or more of the members; and the said
trustees, or a majority of them, shall have full power to frame
such rules and ordinances for conducting their concerns as may
be necessary and convenient for accomplishing the end of their
institution.

1888, art. 23, sec. 215. 1868, ch. 471, sec. 167.

311. When any number of persons belonging to any church
or congregation, sufficient to build a church or house of
worship, and to maintain a minister, shall choose to separate
from the church or congregation of which they have hitherto
been a part, and to erect a house of worship, and employ a
minister for themselves, it shall be lawful for them to do so ;
and they shall by their respective name or style be entitled to
all the benefits of this article relating to their incorporation;
provided only, that all arrearages, debts and engagements con-
tracted, due or becoming due, while members of the former
society, shall be discharged.

Ibid. sec. 216. 1868, ch. 471, sec. 168.

312. The person or persons holding lands or goods and
chattels in trust for any particular church or society shall
convey the same to the corporation of such particular church
or society, as soon as the same shall be formed under this
article.

Reed v. Stouffer, 56 Md. 255

1892, ch. 614, sec. 217 A.

313. In every congregation of the denomination of Chris-
tians known as the "Roman Catholic Church," the ordinary of
the diocese and the pastor of the said congregation for the
time being, according to the practice and discipline of the said
church, the other persons to be annually designated by said
ordinary, and two other persons to be annually elected by the
male pewholders of the said congregation from among their
number (said annual election and appointment to be made on
the Sunday next succeeding the first day of January in each
and every year, and the incumbents to hold office until their
respective successors shall be so as aforesaid elected or