EXHIBIT 23.2



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent
Public Accountants" in the Proxy Statement of First Evergreen Corporation
that is made a part of the Prospectus and Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
the Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-56965) of Old Kent Financial
Corporation for the registration of 12,820,840 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January
21, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of First
Evergreen Corporation as of and for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December
31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
July 9, 1998