Mo. Rev. Stat. § 275.040

Articles of agreement for the incorporation of associations under this chapter, shall be filed and recorded in the office of the secretary of state, who shall issue a certificate of incorporation thereon, which shall be filed and recorded in the office of the recorder of deeds in the county in which the principal office or place of business of such association is to be located, within thirty days after issuance thereof. The corporate existence of every such association shall take effect and be in force on and after date of filing articles of agreement for record in the office of the secretary of state.