EXHIBIT 23(a)


                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


      We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement of Columbia Financial of Kentucky, Inc., on Form S-8 of our
report dated November 10, 1998, on the consolidated statements of financial
condition as of September 30, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years ended September 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996.



                                       VonLehman & Company Inc.


Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
August 17, 1999