S.C. Code Ann. § 38-35-10: Formation of mutual associations.

Members of religious denominations, local lodges, or fraternal orders under the control and supervision of a representative governing body within this State or of local labor organizations with a national or international charter or any number of persons, not less than twenty, a majority of whom must be bona fide residents of this State may, when investigated and approved by the director or his designee, form mutual associations, incorporated or unincorporated, for the purpose of aiding their members or their beneficiaries in times of sickness and death by levying equitable assessments for the payment of sick relief or death benefits upon compliance with this chapter.