EXHIBIT 12.1
                                                                  ____________





                           Provident Capital Trust I
               Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                     Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996
                                                                                            

Excluding Interest on Deposits
Income Before Income Taxes                                                                         $87,243

Fixed Charges:
Interest Expense                                                       $ 66,271
One Third of Rents                                                        1,614
Total Fixed Charges                                                    ________                     67,885
                                                                                                    ______
Earnings Before Taxes and Fixed Charges, Excluding
Capitalized Interest                                                                              $155,128
                                                                                                   =======

Fixed Charges, as Above                                                                           $ 67,885
                                                                                                    ======
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                                                                   2.29
                                                                                                     ====
Including Interest on Deposits
Fixed Charges as Above                                                 $ 67,885
Add: Interest on Deposits                                               141,918
                                                                        _______
Total Fixed Charges and Interest on Deposits                                                      $209,803
                                                                                                   =======
Earnings before Taxes and Fixed Charges, Excluding
Capitalized Interest                                                    155,128
Add:  Interest on Deposits                                              141,918
                                                                        _______

Total Earnings Before Taxes, Fixed Charges, and
Interest on Deposits                                                                              $297,046
                                                                                                   =======
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                                                                   1.42 
                                                                                                     ====