EXHIBIT 23(a)




                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


      We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration 
Statement of First Federal Bancorp, Inc., on Form S-8 of our report dated 
October 23, 1997, on the consolidated statement of financial condition of 
First Federal Bancorp, Inc., as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the 
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for 
each of the three years ended September 30, 1997, 1996, and 1995. 



                                  /s/ Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP


Columbus, Ohio
December 8, 1998