In June 1974, Peoples Temple filed amendments to its Articles of Incorporation to expand its activities and interests as a non-profit corporation, and placed them on a much more formalized business setting. Among other provisions, the amendments specified that Peoples Temple could acquire and dispose of real estate holdings, stocks, bonds, and financial securities. The amendments also provided that it could incur debts, borrow money, and act as a trustee in financial matters. Finally, the amendments allow the Temple to operate in a foreign country.

 

A second set of amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, filed on November 1, 1976 and certified by the state on December 31, 1976, officially transferred the “principal office” for Peoples Temple from Mendocino County to San Francisco, the formalization of a move that had gradually taken place over the previous few years.

 

            1974 Amendments

            1976 Amendments