LLOYD LOWNDES, ESQUIRE, GOVERNOR.

ration; provided, the intent of the party or parties shall suffi-
ciently appear upon the face of the gift, will, grant or other
writing, whereby any estate, interest or property was intended
to pass to or from the said corporation.

411

SEC. 3. And be it enacted, That the said corporation and
its successors shall have full power and authority to make, have
and use a common seal, with such device and inscription as
they shall think proper, and the same to alter and renew at
pleasure.

Common seal.

SEC. 4. And be it enacted, That the said corporation and its
successors by the name, style and title aforesaid, shall be able
and capable in law to sue and be sued, contract and be con-
tracted with, plead and be impleaded, in any court or before
any judge or justice of the peace, in any and all manner of
suits and matters of whatsoever nature or form, and all and
every matter and thing to do in as full and effectual a manner
as any other person or persons, bodies politic and corporate,
within this State can or may.

SEC. 5. And be it enacted, That the said corporation and its

May sue, con-
tract, etc.

successors shall be and are hereby authorized and empowered
to make, ordain and establish by-laws, regulations and ordi-
nances, and do all things incident and needful for the support
and proper government of said corporation and management
of the funds and revenues thereof; provided, said by-laws,
regulations and ordinances shall not be repugnant to the Con-
stitution and laws of the United States or of the State of
Maryland, or to the constitution and discipline, rules and regu-
lations of the African Union First Colored Methodist Protes-
tant Church.

By-laws.

SEC. 6. And be it enacted, That the said corporation shall
consist of nine members, and no more, who shall be mem-
bers of the African Union First 'Colored Methodist Protes-
tant Church in good and regular standing, tive of whom shall
be ordained ministers of the annual conference of the Maryland
district of the African Union First Colored Methodist Protest-
ant Church, and four shall be lay members of the African
Union First Colored Methodist Protestant Church, within the
bounds of the Maryland district, and the term of membership
shall continue one year, such term to begin on the first day of
June next succeeding the election of the members, as hereinaf-
ter provided; and the Annual Conference of the Maryland dis-
trict of the African Union First Colored Methodist Protestant
Church shall, at each annual meeting thereof, elect in such

Members of
corporation.