35-16-204. Hearing of petition -- findings of court -- issuance of certificate of incorporation -- effect of issuance. (1) At the time specified in the notice of hearing, a district judge of the state of Montana shall in open court hear said petition and the evidence offered in support thereof and determine whether or not the requirements of this chapter have been complied with. If upon such hearing or adjournments thereof as the court may order, the court does find that the petition substantially complies with the requirements of this chapter and is true in all particulars, the court shall so find and in open court shall enter upon its minutes and upon said petition or attach thereto its findings and order to the effect that said petition complies with the requirements of this chapter and is true and correct in all particulars as therein set forth and its statements are supported by proper proof and that such corporation or district is entitled to be created and become a body corporate.

(2) A duly certified copy of which petition, with the court's order or any endorsements thereon, shall be filed with the secretary of state of the state of Montana who shall upon such filing issue a certificate of incorporation under the seal of the state of Montana. Duly certified copies of the petition, with the court's order or endorsements thereon, shall also be filed with the county clerk and recorder of each county in which said corporation or district shall thereafter own or hold property or have property-holding memberships.

(3) Upon the issuance of such certificate, every corporation or district organized hereunder is a quasi-public corporation for the promotion of public welfare, with all of the powers and authority of bodies corporate under the corporation laws of the state of Montana.