When the application has been made, filed and recorded as provided in Section 14-2-4, the Secretary of State shall make and issue to the applicants a certificate of incorporation pursuant to this chapter, under the great seal of the state, and shall record the certificate with the application, whereupon the applicants shall constitute a public corporation and agency of the state under the name proposed in the application.
Ala. Code § 14-2-5 (1975)