EXHIBIT 23--CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference to Registration Statements on Form S-8, File Number 33-28900 and 33-28901, or our report dated January 15, 1999, on the consolidated financial statements of First Merchants Corporation, which report is incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Merchants Corporation. /s/ Olive LLP Indianapolis, Indiana March 22, 1999