It shall not be lawful for any unincorporated literary, religious or charitable society, church, association or congregation, hereafter to acquire and hold, either in the associate name or that of trustees or otherwise, real or personal property that in the aggregate is of a greater yearly value than if incorporated it would be allowed to hold under the general laws of this commonwealth for incorporating such associations; nor shall it be lawful for any corporation incorporated under any law of this state, hereafter to acquire and hold through any trustee or trustees, or by any other device whatsoever, real or personal estate to a greater amount or value than such incorporation is by its charter allowed to hold: Provided, That any property now held as aforesaid, in excess of such value, shall not be hereby invalidated or prejudiced, in title or otherwise.
10 P.S. § 31