Filing of articles of incorporation.

A. An original and a copy, which may be a photocopy of the original after it was signed or a photocopy that is conformed to the original, of the articles of incorporation and a statement executed by the designated registered agent in which the agent acknowledges acceptance of the appointment by the filing corporation as its registered agent, if the agent is an individual, or a statement executed by an authorized officer of a corporation that is the designated registered agent in which the officer acknowledges the corporation's acceptance of the appointment by the filing corporation as its registered agent, if the agent is a corporation, shall be delivered to the commission [secretary of state]. If the commission [secretary of state] finds that the articles of incorporation and the statement conform to law, it shall, when all fees have been paid as prescribed in the Nonprofit Corporation Act: (1) endorse on the original and copy the word "filed" and the month, day and year of the filing thereof; (2) file the original and the statement in the office of the commission [secretary of state]; and (3) issue a certificate of incorporation to which shall be affixed the copy. B. The certificate of incorporation, together with the copy of the articles of incorporation affixed thereto by the commission [secretary of state], shall be returned to the incorporators or their representative.