<ARTICLE>   9
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                     3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                 DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                    JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                      MAR-31-1997
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<TRADING-ASSETS>                                               0
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<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                                     275,694
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<ALLOWANCE>                                               38,127
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<DEPOSITS>                                             3,325,469
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<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                        33,903
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                                     38,189
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                              1,481
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                            55
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                           17,299
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                0.52
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                0.52
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                               4.68
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<LOANS-PAST>                                               4,809
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                              72
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                                0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                          37,868
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                              1,766
<RECOVERIES>                                                 544
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                         38,127
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                                      38,127
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                            0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                                        0