When the application has been made, filed and recorded as provided in Section 41-10-303 hereof, the Secretary of State shall make and issue to the applicants a certificate of incorporation pursuant to this article, under the Great Seal of the State, and shall record the certificate with the application, whereupon the applicants shall constitute a public corporation of the state under the name proposed in the application.
Ala. Code § 41-10-304 (1975)